Report Prepared by: Jennifer Flachman, Senior Management Analyst
Title
SUBJECT: Consideration of Ad Hoc Subcommittee to Review Artificial Intelligence in Public Art
REPORT IN BRIEF
Consider appointing an ad hoc subcommittee to research how other cities, arts councils, and public art programs address the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in public art and report findings and potential recommendations to the Commission at a future meeting.
RECOMMENDATION
Arts and Culture Advisory Commission - Adopt a motion:
A. Establish an ad hoc subcommittee to research best practices and policies related to the use of AI in public art; and,
B. Appoint Commissioners to serve on the subcommittee and report findings and potential recommendations to the full Commission at a future meeting.
Body
AUTHORITY
Merced Municipal Code Chapter 2.54 - Arts and Culture Advisory Commission.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2025/26 Council Goals and Priorities
DISCUSSION
At a previous meeting, Commissioners expressed interest in discussing the use of AI in visual arts, including how to identify AI-generated artwork and whether the Commission should consider guidelines for its use in City-sponsored public art projects.
As AI becomes more widely used, it would be helpful to look at how other cities, arts councils, and public art programs are addressing its use.
The Commission may consider establishing an ad hoc subcommittee to research existing policies and best practices, including disclosure of AI-generated or AI-assisted artwork, copyright and ownership, and how AI is addressed in public art Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and artist agreements.
The subcommittee would bring its findings and recommendations back to the full Commission at a future meeting for discussion. If the Commission determines that guidelines or policy changes are needed, staff would coordinate with the City Attorney to review any proposed changes before bringing recommendations forward for consideration.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
None at this time
ATTACHMENT
None