North Yorkshire Council is facing backlash from local artists after AI-generated images were used to create artwork for Scarborough's Giant Deckchair Trail, part of the town's 400th anniversary celebrations.
Creatives have criticised the council for turning to artificial intelligence rather than commissioning local talent for the public installation.
Responding to the criticism, the council's corporate director for community development, Nic Harne, said the authority had been ‘delighted’ by the public's positive response to the trail.
She explained that a North Yorkshire agency was appointed after a competitive process, and used AI ‘alongside the skills, experience and creativity of its team.’
Harne added that the council remains committed to supporting local artists through its wider cultural programmes, and confirmed the trail's success will be reviewed once Scarborough 400 concludes.
Should a permanent version follow, she said, the council ‘would welcome input from Scarborough's artists and creative sector.’
