According to information provided by the UN News Service, content creators in the arts sector may lose up to 25% of their income by 2028 due to the impact of artificial intelligence (AI).
A new global report by UNESCO highlights that digital transformation, AI, new trade flows, and increasing threats to creative freedom are leading to radical changes in the cultural sector. The study, conducted based on data from over 120 countries, demonstrates that the lack of updates in cultural policy will lead to increased inequality among content creators.
Although creative industries are becoming increasingly important for economic growth and sustainable development, the infrastructure supporting them remains vulnerable. The report notes that 85% of countries include culture in their national development plans, but only 56% formulate specific goals, indicating a gap between intentions and actual actions.
In 2023, global exports of cultural goods doubled to $254 billion, with nearly half of this volume coming from developing countries. However, their share in cultural services trade is just over 20%, confirming the growing inequality in the context of digitalization.
Government funding for culture remains critically low, accounting for less than 0.6% of global GDP and continuing to decline. Limited mobility for artists is also a significant barrier: developed countries support the departure of their creative workers in 96% of cases, but only in 38% do they facilitate entry for cultural figures from developing countries.
The report points to significant changes caused by digitalization. The share of digital income among creators has increased from 17% in 2018 to 35% today, but this has also led to increased income instability and risks of copyright infringement.
The most alarming forecast concerns generative AI: by 2028, music authors may lose up to 24% of their income, while audiovisual content creators may lose up to 21%.
There is also a significant gap in digital skills: 67% of the population in developed countries have basic knowledge, while in developing countries this figure is only 28%.
UNESCO has recorded an increase in threats to artistic freedom. Only 61% of countries have independent mechanisms for monitoring violations in this area. Political instability, conflicts, and forced displacements increase risks for cultural workers. New challenges are posed by digital surveillance and algorithmic bias.
