by Gray Trammel
Barn Sour Artists Collective, a Seattle-based group that publishes a free comics newspaper and connects artists with those looking for creative work with a focus on advocacy and education, is pushing for businesses, venues, organizations, and mutual aid groups to work with local creatives instead of using generative artificial intelligence (AI) for promotional materials.
“We’ve seen way too many businesses, venues, and mutual aid groups using generative AI for flyers and social media posts to promote local events,” Barn Sour told TtS. “We want to help connect the people who need art with the people who want to do the art.”
Concerns extend beyond the use of AI in promotional materials. The Collective highlighted how using generative AI can disconnect organizations from local artists, and its usage also raises questions about how AI systems extract from existing artwork.
“Using this technology shows a lack of connection with the local creative community, a disregard for the inherent art theft involved, and general complicity with the environmental damage that comes along with AI,” Barn Sour said.
Generative AI has become increasingly common among people working in creative fields. A 2025 survey by the Strategic National Arts Alumni Project found that 51.7% of more than 2,000 arts and design alumni surveyed had used it in a professional context. More than 80% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with concerns about AI’s accuracy, data privacy, and environmental costs.
About 51.1% of workers in arts; design; entertainment; sports; and media occupations reported using generative AI for work during the second quarter of 2026, according to a Federal Reserve study.
The Barn Sour Artists Collective is tackling this growing issue by carving out a path for organizations to locate and work with artists. Through its website, people can request artwork for projects, and artists can join the its roster and connect with potential clients.
“Seattle is fortunate enough to have thousands of artists and creatives. We’re here, and we’d love to make art for you!” Barn Sour said.
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