The Cultural Policy Hub x Arts Etobicoke’s Artists, AI and Policy Roundtable

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how creative work is produced, distributed, experienced and valued, but its future is not fixed. Government regulations, strategies and policies around how AI tools are built and used are still taking shape; public pressure, cultural adoption and advocacy movements are influencing this policy work. 

On July 21, 2026, the Cultural Policy Hub and Arts Etobicoke convened a public roundtable bringing together voices from the arts, education, research, advocacy, policy and legal sectors to explore this moment of opportunity, one where artists can have a say in the future of public policy on AI in Canada. This event was part of a series organized by Arts Etobicoke and Toronto’s Local Arts Service Organizations (LASOs) centered on equipping artists and creatives to contribute to AI conversations. Panelists discussed the ways in which artists are already using AI, the protections and supports they need, the role of government and professional organizations in developing those supports and protections and, finally, the importance of ensuring that artists remain active participants in shaping AI governance. 

While panelists recognized AI's potential to support efficiency, experimentation and new forms of creative practice, they emphasized that artists must be equipped with the knowledge, resources and influence necessary to have a say in how these technologies evolve. Conversations with the audience highlighted practical pathways for ensuring that AI development aligns with cultural values and doesn’t compromise or replace critical thinking, as well as questions around what accountability for AI companies really looks like and what agency artists hold in this space.

A recording of the event along with more information about the panelists that participated can be found on the event website.