Michelle ThompsonThe organisers of an arts market in Leeds have revised the application process following complaints about the amount of AI-generated art at a recent event.
This marks the first time the Alternative Market, which has been running since 2017 and attracts hundreds of vendor applications, has faced such complaints, according to the organisers.
After receiving over 100 comments on Reddit following the event on Saturday, the organisers at the Leeds Festival of Gothica have committed to engaging with the community regarding the issue of AI-generated art.
The market, held at Leeds Kirkgate, featured more than 100 vendors offering antiques, fashion, homeware, and art. A spokesperson explained, “When reviewing applicants, we are unfortunately limited to the photographs and social media submitted by the vendors, which can sometimes lead to surprises.”
From now on, organisers will require applicants to disclose any use of AI and its application in their products to help the team make more informed decisions.
The spokesperson added, “At Leeds Festival of Gothica (LFOG), we value creativity and honesty. All of our captions are written by our team, and all of our artwork is hand-illustrated by resident artist Midnight Vipers.”
“This human touch is key to curating a unique LFOG experience, and it is something we will not compromise on as we continue to offer these events, which have become a cherished part of the community.”
Emily Martinez
