Creative Labor Issues for Arts Graduates: Navigating the Post-AI Landscape

AI cannot replace human creativity and skills, nor can it serve as a co-creator.

These were foundational convictions of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) when they successfully advocated for the rights of creatives in Hollywood during their latest contract negotiations. Please join us as a2ru presents Jillian Arnold, president of IATSE Local 695, who was a crucial voice providing the evidence to successfully negotiate these tricky terms on behalf of 40,000 creative workers in the United States and 10,000 in Canada. You’ll hear about what’s at stake in these negotiations, and what has been done (and still needs to be done) on behalf of all creators to safeguard their artistry and livelihoods. Join a discussion of what that means for how we educate arts students and prepare them to protect their creativity in the workforce; monitor ethical issues; and create art within and beyond the higher education sector.

This session will explore several crucial questions, such as: What do our students need to know to protect their artwork and other intellectual property in the underregulated areas of media and entertainment? How assured are their livelihoods, when most companies are looking to cut costs and automate critical roles using technology? How can these companies and policy makers understand the nuances and importance of human creativity, critical thinking, and other irreplaceable skills? What are the arguments, and how can they be authentically and effectively presented? IATSE— or “The Union Behind Entertainment”—represents the below-the-line crew members in the TV, film, trade show and stage industry (besides actors, directors, producers, and writers). IATSE was responsible for future-proofing these careers during the recent proliferation of AI tools and their expanding capabilities.