A village photograph competition has caused uproar as it is for AI entries only.
Pinchbeck Hub, run by the parish council, is advertising the chance to ‘reimagine’ the village and its residents.
The only proviso is that entries use real pictures that have been altered using Artificial Intelligence.
There are eight categories including buildings, sport, churches, people and Christmas cheer. The rules state there is a maximum of five entries per person and ‘use of AI obligatory.’
But the competition, called Artificial Pinchbeck, hasn’t been universally welcomed, with people taking to Facebook to share their feelings on the use of AI.
“I’m against AI ‘art’ when it takes from actual artists, and I can’t see a way where actual artists are not going to be detrimentally affected,” said Janine Twelftree.
“I really hoped I’d never see the day of generative AI competitions, it’s even more upsetting that this is from a library,” commented Corey RIngsell.
The poster (AI generated) shows the Beatles crossing Abbey Road (Pinchbeck) and a vision of the village’s zoo – if it had one.
Prizes are inclusion in an online exhibition due to be held in the New Year.
“For artists and photographers, this is a disappointing competition. I’d rather see real work, by real people,” said Hazel Alles.
Others were more concerned with the amount of water used by data centres that AI relies on.
“The impact is vast”, said Amanda Baggott.
But the volunteers who run the hub said it houses up to eight different art and craft clubs and the competition, which had been asked for, had opened a surprising and unexpected debate.
“Possibly we underestimated how strongly some people feel about it, and we’ve listened to that. But I don’t think the answer to a controversial new technology is to tell ordinary people they shouldn’t explore it. I think the better response is to explore it openly, responsibly and critically,” said volunteer John Smith.
