Collections of Transience AI Use Policy
February 28th, 2026
At Collections of Transience (COT) we believe deeply in human creativity and the exploration of what it means to be an artist, a writer, a creative of color within the modern age [1]. We encourage our team and residents to reflect deeply, to create genuinely and truthfully, and to seek deeper meaning and insight into the self through the mediums of writing, art, and other forms of creative expression.
Generative AI, which can be broken down into the categories of, Generative Adversarial Models (GANs), Variational AutoEncoders (VAEs), Transformer Based Models (LLMs, GPTS), Diffusion Models, Etc. [2] are emerging technologies that promise both technological transformation, but also deeply concerning moral and ethical questions particularly when it comes to the creation of art [3]. We are particularly concerned with how many Gen AI Models have used artists and writers' work to train their models with little to no compensation to original creators or authors. We are also deeply concerned about the environmental impact [4] of AI technology, with the expansion of data centers displacing local communities and also increasing water and energy use associated with AI.
Therefore, as of February 2026, the use of Generative AI, GANs, VAEs, LLMs, or similar, are strictly prohibited in any work that is submitted, created, or made within the organization for Staff Volunteers, Residents, and any future participants in any Collections of Transience programming or work.
If conclusive evidence of GenAI is found within any works submitted to COT, created within COT, or under a COT program, that work will immediately be disqualified for publishing, distribution, or use within the organization. For residents, depending on the severity of the offence, it can mean the removal from the residency program, recognition as a resident within our program, and/or censure from being able to partake in future residency opportunities.
While we understand that Generative AI may have its uses within other industries and places, and we have no say for how it is used within one's personal life, we hold strongly that it should not be used within our organization, and urgently call for the protections of artists rights to their work in regards to AI and also the addressing of the environmental, moral, and ethical concerns that surround AI development and its use.
Questions regarding the policy can be submitted to the Collections of Transience Board at info@collectionsoftransience.org.
[1] https://www.collectionsoftransience.org/about
[2] https://www.coursera.org/articles/types-of-generative-ai
[3] https://www.npr.org/2025/09/05/nx-s1-5529404/anthropic-settlement-authors-copyright-ai
[4] https://news.mit.edu/2025/explained-generative-ai-environmental-impact-0117
