NAVA welcomes Senate Report on AI, urges action to protect artists’ rights

The National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA) welcomes the release of the Senate Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence's final report, which lays the groundwork for addressing the opportunities and challenges AI presents to Australia’s creative industries.

The report reflects extensive consultation with artists, industry experts, and stakeholders, including NAVA, and highlights the urgent need for robust frameworks to ensure the ethical use of AI while protecting creators’ rights.

"This report establishes important priorities for ensuring transparency in the use of copyrighted works, remuneration for creators, and safeguarding artists’ livelihoods and creative autonomy in the face of AI’s rapid development," said Penelope Benton, Executive Director of NAVA.

While AI presents exciting opportunities for artists—providing tools for creative ideation, content development, and productivity—it also raises significant risks. These include copyright infringement, lack of consent, threats to cultural autonomy, Indigenous data sovereignty, and labour rights.

The report acknowledges the disproportionate risks faced by First Nations artists, with generative AI exacerbating existing issues such as the proliferation of fake First Nations art. 

"We welcome the Committee’s recognition of the need to incorporate First Nations perspectives and to ensure that AI is used responsibly," Benton said.

NAVA’s submission to the Committee emphasised the need for transparency and accountability in AI development, particularly concerning the use of copyrighted works in training datasets and ensuring that artists retain the right to earn income from their work.

"NAVA’s research shows that while many artists are exploring AI’s potential, they remain deeply concerned about the lack of safeguards against unauthorised use of their work," Benton said. "This report highlights the pressing need for regulatory frameworks that prioritise equity, transparency, and accountability."

NAVA supports the bipartisan consensus reflected in the Committee’s findings and urges the Government to act swiftly in developing and implementing solutions. "The arts sector is navigating significant change," Benton added. "By acting now, we can harness the potential of AI to support and enhance artists’ work while protecting their rights and livelihoods for the long term."

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