AI & the Creative Economy

This theme explores how artificial intelligence is impacting creative sectors, including music, journalism, film, writing, and the arts. AI offers many opportunities to enhance creativity, but without proper safeguards, it could risk negatively impacting the creative sectors and the humans who are the foundations of those sectors. Common policy topics in this area include remuneration for training data, copyright/IP, labeling and transparency, collective bargaining, and the dignity of work.

Read Our 1st Annual Report!

The AI & the Creative Economy Annual Report summarizes research, events, and programming from 2025-2026. The report also outlines broader alignment with Duke University strategy and future goals for the project.

AI & the Creative Economy 25-26 Annual Report

New Course: AI, Ethics, & Creative Economy Policy

The course will be offered for the first time, in Fall 2026. The course is open to upper-level undergraduate students and graduate students from all disciplines and majors. See course flyer for more information.

Subprojects

AI & Music Streaming

The project focuses on how artificial intelligence is impacting music streaming and the economy for working musicians through the lens of policy and ethics.

AI & Visual media/Digital media

In partnership with the Hart Leadership Program, a group of students in "Arts Policy, Leadership, and Engagement" are conducting research on how AI is impacting visual media and digital media.

AI & Music Debugger Podcast

More information coming soon with podcast episodes from The Debugger Podcast with Bob Sullivan!

News & Media

July 28, 2026

AI & the Creative Economy