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Council policies to change following criticism of AI illustration
Bristol City Council have pledged to change their policies following criticism of a booklet featuring an illustration created by AI on its front cover.
In a cruel irony, the booklet detailing the council’s adult learning courses for 2025 and 2026 includes classes for painting and drawing, and also a ‘space for creativity’ giving “experienced painters a space to develop their practice”.
Despite the AI images in the booklet based on real photographs taken by staff of the Adult Learning Centre at Stoke Lodge, professional artists have slammed the council.
Writing on Reddit, izma said: “As an illustrator living in the city I’m sure this bothers me more than anyone else but Bristol City Council using AI art to promote drawing and other creative classes is wild to me. Beyond disappointed.
“I’m sure it’s a non issue to a lot of people but in one of the most creative cities in, one so full of art, this is crazy.”
The front cover of the Bristol Adult Learning 2025 2026 course guide features an AI illustration – photo: Reddit
In a statement to Bristol24/7, council leader Tony Dyer said: “While AI presents exciting opportunities for local authorities to improve and adapt their services, we recognise the strong feelings expressed by residents over our use of AI-generated imagery for this booklet and fully understand the concerns raised.
“We are currently trialling some limited use of AI and developing our policies and procedures as we learn.
“Since the imagery for this booklet was commissioned, we have updated our guidance on the use of AI and will make sure we take account of the issues raised as we develop our policies and procedures further.”
Main photo: Reddit
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