MONDIACULT, one of the world’s most comprehensive gatherings in the field of cultural policy, is bringing together thousands of participants this year to set the global agenda for the future of culture.
Organized by UNESCO and hosted by Spain, the Mondiacult 2025 Conference welcomed Nurgül Şenefe, Founding President of the Illustrators Platform, in Madrid. 🇪🇸 Attending as Turkey’s delegate and Secretary General of the European Illustrators Association, Şenefe joined a program hosted by FADIP, with representatives from eight countries.
In this session, participants addressed the negative impacts of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) on cultural industries, particularly the illustration sector. The key discussion topics included:
- The injustices GAI causes in intellectual property, copyright, and licensing
- The harm it poses to cultural heritage, diversity, and creativity
- The lack of awareness among lawmakers, businesses, and consumers
- The shrinking job opportunities and economic losses faced by artists and creators
- The potential pressure to change professions
- The implications for sustainability, inclusivity, and mental well-being
- The need to prioritize protection of creative professions
Speaking with a unified voice as the European Illustrators Association, participants compiled their discussion notes, visual exhibition works, and video recordings into a short documentary and policy report. These were submitted to lawmakers and policymakers for further consideration within the UNESCO MONDIACULT program.
“Our struggle continues,” they emphasized. “For the past three years, we have been working tirelessly to ensure that the European Parliament and relevant institutions hear our voices and implement necessary regulations — and we remain determined to keep going.”
