The European Commission is developing a strategy for the development, adoption, and governance of AI systems in the cultural and creative sectors, a priority that was announced in the Culture Compass in October 2025.

Over the past few months, the Action Group on Digital & AI, coordinated by the Michael Culture Association and Culture Action Europe, has brought together over 140 members from the two organizations with one goal: to jointly develop concrete and actionable recommendations for this strategy.

CAE Rhys Nugent and MCA Marco Fiore at the European Commission presenting the recommendations

Today, May 7,  we unveiled he work that has been done, to the members and to the European Commission: during a meeting with representatives from DG EAC, we discussed the importance of protecting cultural rights in the age of AI, data resilience, supporting the sector in its transition, and proposing new models of participatory governance. The policy paper “Recommendations for the AI Strategy for the Cultural and Creative Sectors” is now available on our website.

AI systems enable new opportunities in the cultural and creative sectors, including personalised experiences, innovative forms of cultural participation, and improved accessibility. At the same time, AI systems represent unprecedented threats to human creativity and the working conditions of the cultural and creative sectors. The current development, uptake, and governance of AI systems represent threats to artistic freedom, cultural and creative rights, cultural diversity, and European values across existing legal and financial frameworks.

We call for an AI Strategy addressing four key strategic priorities.

Firstly, a human-first, transparent approach to AI based on cultural rights must be ensured.

Secondly, human creativity and data resilience must be safeguarded in the Strategy.

Thirdly, the CCS and cultural and creative workers must be equipped for the AI transition. 

Lastly, forward-thinking and collaborative approaches to AI in the CCS are essential for sustainable policies. 

Read the Action Group Recommendations – AI Strategy for the CCS

Join the Lunchtime Event | Digital and AI Action Group: AI Strategy for the CCS Recommendations

The conversation is still open, and we want to start a dialogue on the proposals in this paper. For this reason, on Monday, May 11, there will be a Lunchtime Event to present the work done and discuss it together.

When: May 11, 2026 | 2:30 – 3:30 PM CET

Where: Online

REGISTER HERE