At the 25th High-Level Cultural Policy Dialogue in Berlin, the federal and state governments agreed on the key points paper entitled „Progress Agenda: Culture + AI“. It is intended to create a common framework for dealing with artificial intelligence in the cultural sector and to serve as the basis for a comprehensive „Culture & AI“ strategy. The film industry is also explicitly mentioned as an area for action.
The agreed priorities cover six areas: strengthening AI expertise amongst cultural institutions and creative professionals; the legally compliant use of the technology; improved framework conditions for innovation and research in culture and film; the development of cultural data as an AI infrastructure; the use of AI in grant administration; and social participation. For film producers and creative professionals, the planned framework conditions for the use of AI and the strengthening of copyright law are particularly relevant.
The agenda focuses on the responsible and transparent use of AI. At the same time, cultural institutions and creative professionals are to be empowered to explore technological possibilities and drive innovation forward. The federal and state governments also intend to support the development of sovereign AI solutions and ensure that cultural diversity is taken into account in AI applications.
Wolfram Weimer, Minister of State for Culture, and Sven Teuber, President of the Conference of Ministers of Culture, emphasised the opportunities offered by technology, but also highlighted the risks to creative work and the economic situation of those working in the cultural sector. A reliable legal framework and strengthened copyright law are set to play a key role in this regard.
By 2027, the federal and state governments aim to underpin the six areas of action with specific measures, targets and verifiable outcomes, and to adopt the progress agenda that has been drawn up. To this end, existing projects and initiatives are to be identified and successful approaches disseminated. In addition, a wide-ranging consultation with cultural organisations, institutions, the academic sector and technology companies is planned in order to incorporate further perspectives and proposals.
For the time being, the policy paper does not set out any specific support measures or new binding rules for the film industry. The impact the agenda will have on production companies and creative professionals will depend on how it is further developed and implemented.