During the annual Paradiso Debate on Sunday, September 6, 2026, we will explore the position of the cultural and creative sector in the era of generative AI. Led by moderator Rosalie Dielesen, makers, administrators, and politicians will engage in a dialogue on this topic. The cultural and creative sector is essential for the functioning of AI. The sector therefore holds a potential position of power, which it is increasingly acknowledging and leveraging. Creators must be able to decide for themselves whether and how their work is used. As long as copyright and data rights offer insufficient protection, fair agreements are necessary. Makers, designers, and cultural institutions are experimenting with generative AI as a tool for new forms of expression, for accelerating processes, for reaching different audiences, et cetera. Or, conversely, they are giving new impetus to the debate with their critical perspective. At the same time, there is a sense of powerlessness. The conditions regarding working with AI are unclear, as is under whose regime or agenda this is made possible, or what use of it is desirable or even permissible. Extensive research is being conducted to gain a clear picture of the developments. The Creative Coalition and the Boekman Foundation state that one in five self-employed professionals in the cultural sector is experiencing income loss due to AI. The Kunstenbond demonstrates the impact of AI on employment in a study by Panteia. The Council for Culture will publish its findings on AI in arts and culture in June. Our sector provides daily input on how generative AI sounds, looks, and reasons. But who pays the bill? Who decides what we are delivered? And who benefits? We address the political, economic, and cultural urgencies facing the cultural and creative sector. Participants The keynote will be delivered by Bert Hubert, software developer, entrepreneur, and technology commentator. We will engage in a conversation with Payal Arora, Professor of Inclusive AI Cultures at Utrecht University and founder of the Inclusive AI Lab. In addition, we speak with makers and representatives from the cultural and creative sector, including: Hans van Houwelingen (visual artist and member of the Academy of Arts), Jean Charles Counet (cameraman and film director), Johan van der Voet (composer and sound designer for film and TV at Soundgram and board member of ECSA), Nanet Beumer (Head of Digital, Marketing & Campaigns at the Rijksmuseum), and Stefan Heijdendael from NDP Nieuwsmedia. The following politicians, culture spokespersons, and spokespersons for digital affairs in the House of Representatives, among others, are joining the debate: Erik van der Maas (VVD), Guy Kortes (Young Democrats), Heera Dijk (D66), Jantine Zwinkels (CDA), Laurens Dassen (Volt), Mohammed Mohandis (PRO), Niels Zagema (Youth Representative for European Affairs), and Sarah El Boujdaini (D66). Kunsten '92 organizes the Paradiso Debate in collaboration with the Academy of Arts , ACI (management council of Amsterdam cultural institutions), and Paradiso. For this edition, Waag Futurelab has been added to the editorial team. Line-up: Main Hall Bert Hubert Payal Arora Hans van Houwelingen Jean Charles Counet Johan van der Voet Nanet Beumer Stefan Heijdendael Erik van der Maas (VVD) Guy Kortes (Young Democrats) Heera Dijk (D66) Jantine Zwinkels (CDA) Laurens Dassen (Volt) Mohammed Mohandis (PRO) Niels Zagema (Youth Representative for European Affairs) Sarah El Boujdaini (D66)
