AI Guidelines

Guidance on the Use of Artificial Intelligence When Engaging with MAC

With the growing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in professional and artistic realms, the Manitoba Arts Council (MAC) commits to the responsible and ethical use of AI.

While MAC appreciates the intersection of art and technology, MAC values human-created content as the basis of arts and culture.

MAC is sharing these guidelines with MAC applicants and assessors as a basic introduction to informed use of AI. As information in this field is changing rapidly, and MAC is not an AI expert, users are encouraged to also do their own research.

These guidelines will be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure they remain relevant and useful. We welcome feedback to help us improve these documents.

Purpose

These guidelines provide guidance on the use of AI, including generative AI tools, in the development, creation, and assessment of grant materials and funded projects.

These guidelines are intended for:

  • artists, arts organizations, and cultural workers applying for grant funding at MAC; and
  • individuals serving as peer assessors.

MAC recognizes that: 

  • AI tools can improve efficiency and reduce barriers related to administrative tasks;
  • applicants may use these tools in the preparation of grant applications or in the creation of art;  
  • there are ongoing concerns and questions about the environmental impact related to the use of these tools; and 
  • there are risks to creators’ intellectual property and the privacy of information for the development and training of AI platforms.  

These guidelines are intended to support the informed use of AI while ensuring that the quality, originality, accountability, and security of submitted grant applications are maintained.  

In developing these guidelines, MAC consulted a variety of sources, including feedback from artists and assessors, the Government of Canada, the Government of Manitoba, the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce AI Pathways, the Canada Council for the Arts, as well as guidance published by other funders. 

Use of AI by Grant Applicants
Use of AI in Grant Application Assessment

Use of AI by MAC

MAC’s use of AI is limited and is aligned with the Government of Manitoba’s recommended practices and tools used in government. To safeguard privacy, information and intellectual property, MAC does not use free, publicly available versions of AI tools. MAC has a licence for a secure, enterprise-grade version of Microsoft 365 with Copilot Chat. This tool uses public data and does not access MAC’s internal data. It generates responses based on web content and user input and is more focused on web inquiries and web-based information.

Any use of AI by MAC is not used to train public models—the data created stays within our dedicated cloud environment and is not linked with our internal data storage. It is protected by enterprise-grade security, privacy and compliance measures, aligned with Microsoft’s cloud standard.

Our Commitments

  • We will never use AI at the expense of artists and recognize that AI-produced products are not a replacement for art.
  • We strictly adhere to copyright laws and the importance of human-created art, ensuring that, if we use AI, it will never infringe on the rights of artists.
  • We prioritize a human-centered approach to AI. AI technologies will assist, not replace, human creativity and decision-making. Staff remain accountable for all decision and actions, even when assisted by AI.
  • We may use AI to assist us in our daily work. If AI is being used, we will adhere to the BEST[1] and FASTER[2] principles to reduce risks and ensure generative AI tools are used responsibly.
  • We are aware of the limitations and risks of AI, as well as the ethical and environmental implications of AI data usage and data input and incorporate this understanding into our decision-making processes.
  • We strictly adhere to data privacy laws and strive to mitigate privacy risks, ensuring personalization without invasion of privacy.

How to get the BEST out of Generative AI [3]

B – Is it BETTER to use GenAI in this situation?
E – Could MAC or its clients be EXPOSED to any risks by using GenAI content?
S – Are MAC STANDARDS being followed?
T – Is the information provided TRUSTWORTHY?

As AI technologies continue to proliferate, MAC is committed to their ethical and accountable use in support of our vision.

[1] Province of Manitoba

[2] Treasury Board Secretariat, Generative AI in your daily work – Canada.ca

[3] Excerpt; adapted from the Province of Manitoba’s BEST checklist