Peterborough music community divided over AI use for concert posters

A creative clash is unfolding in Peterborough's music scene as artists debate the use of artificial intelligence for concert posters. The discussion, which gained significant traction on social media, highlights a divide between those who embrace AI for its speed and affordability and those who feel it undermines the artistic integrity of promotional materials.

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Posters are everything. It’s a chance to express what you want your music to be about before anyone even sets foot in the venue. You walk by and you see a Xerox little poster on a telephone pole and you know what it’s about.

Ell Parker, a local designer and musician, is a vocal opponent of AI-generated posters. He argues that a poster is a crucial first impression of a show and an expression of the artist's identity. "If you’re not willing to put in the effort to support another artist to create your poster or learn those skills yourself, why should we support your work?" Parker questioned, suggesting AI represents a "shortcut."

This sentiment is echoed by 17-year-old musician Ollie Mae, who wrote a satirical song titled "If Your Poster’s AI." She expressed concern over the "terrifying influx of AI-generated advertisements for events that are supposed to be about human connection, talent, music and art." Mae finds it "baffling" that a "robot" would create promotional material for such events.

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If you’re not willing to put in the effort to support another artist to create your poster or learn those skills yourself, why should we support your work? It just shows you’re willing to take that shortcut.

In response to the debate, Parker has introduced a new service offering affordable, human-made poster designs for local musicians. While his prices of $20 for an Instagram flyer and $40 for an 11-by-17-inch poster are below a living wage, he hopes to encourage artists to collaborate with human designers.

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I’m glad it’s sparking conversation. I’m glad that it resonates with many. Over the past few months, I’ve seen this terrifying influx of AI-generated advertisements for events that are supposed to be about human connection, talent, music and art. And you’re having a robot make your poster for you. It’s baffling to me.