Kia ora Guest,

2023 may well become known as the year of artificial intelligence (AI). This time, a year ago, not many people had heard of generative artificial intelligence, but now it seems to be the topic of many conversations.

I have recently had the opportunity to speak at two conferences focused on the potential and pitfalls of AI.

At both, I have stressed the difference between open and closed generative AI systems and that licensing is the best way to ensure LLMs are not infringing copyright. Licensing ensures that creators can give their permission, be acknowledged, and, if appropriate, be compensated for their work being used as part of the LLM. I'm hopeful that governments worldwide will implement regulations to ensure this. There have certainly been more positive signs recently that this will be the case. To learn more about our position on AI read our article ‘Can AI be developed in a way that is fair for everyone’.

Of course, 2023 hasn't all been about generative AI, and we have been very busy developing and building a new creative rights management service. We are really excited about the potential for this platform to assist creators and those associated with their work, in managing their intellectual property rights and getting the appropriate credit and reward. There will be more news on the launch early in the new year. We are very grateful for the support we have received from Manatū Taonga, Ministry of Culture and Heritage, to complete this important work.

Our engagement with the creative community has continued with the Creative Rights Education programme rollout throughout this year. We have now presented to over 1500 people and developed a new module focused on rights management, contracts, and agreements. If you would like to attend or organise a workshop for your organisation, please get in touch.

The cultural fund has again supported much important work by the creative sector this year, and there is more on the latest grants in this newsletter.

At the end of the year, we farewell Pat Walsh, who has been on the Board since 2014, and Chair for the last 6 years. Pat has led CLNZ through significant growth as an organisation, and his extensive governance experience will be missed. Katherine Gordon is also stepping down. Katherine has contributed significantly to CLNZ's work with visual artists and our commitment to culture and diversity. Pat gives an update on other Board movements below.

It's been a busy year, and we look forward to working with you again next year.

Best wishes for the holiday season, and take care,

Mā te wā,

Sam Irvine, Chief Executive

A note from our Board Chair – Emeritus Prof. Pat Walsh

The end of a year sees the changing of the guard in many organisations and the CLNZ Board is no exception. Katherine Palmer Gordon is stepping down as one of CLNZ's author directors after making a wonderful contribution in her six years on the Board. Katherine led the major revision of the Board Charter and initiated the biennial self-review of Board and Chair, two developments which have enormously improved the quality of CLNZ's governance.

She provided strong leadership in the development of CLNZ's culture and diversity journey and the Visual Artists Working Group while also being ever mindful of the interests of CLNZ's rightsholders.

Evo Leota-Tupou has joined the Board as our second intern, succeeding Anaru Tuhi. I would like to thank Anaru for his contribution to the Board. Evo is a proud Pasifika professional working in the EdTech and Edutainment industries, where she owns and operates her own business, Pacific Kids' Learning. She brings a fresh Pasifika perspective to the CLNZ Board. With a deep appreciation for Te ao Māori and its connection to Pasifika culture, Evo is passionate about nurturing a cultural tapestry that aligns with CLNZ's commitment to fostering diverse perspectives.

Yolunda Hickman has joined the Board as our Visual Arts Advisor, a position which reflects the recent progress CLNZ has made in representing the interest of visual artists. Yolunda holds a doctorate of Fine Arts from Elam and is currently a practising artist and a Postgraduate Programme Leader at Whitecliffe. She has been an enthusiastic member of our Visual Artists Working Group and is committed to being actively involved in shaping strategic policy and reflecting the Visual arts communities' needs and aspirations for building sustainable and ethical futures. It is an exciting time for artists' advocacy and rights in Aotearoa with the recently announced Artist Resale Royalty Scheme and CLNZ's auction house licensing scheme.

And finally, my term on the CLNZ Board finishes at the end of this year after nine years, six as Chair. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with two outstanding Chief Executives, Paula Browning and now Sam Irvine and with the many directors who have served on the Board with me and the committed staff team at CLNZ. I wish my successor as Chair, Karun Shenoy, all the very best in the role, and I know he will do an outstanding job. It is an exciting time for CLNZ. It has made great progress in recent years, and I believe it is well-placed to respond successfully to whatever challenges the future holds.

Can AI be developed in a way that’s fair for everyone?

Chances are you’ve dabbled with ChatGPT. Even if you haven’t, it’s unlikely you’ve missed the news, hot takes and broad-ranging discussion. Generative AI is a technological development that has been likened to the invention of the steam engine. As with any fast-paced, unchecked and transformative change – as well as raising the use and potential benefits – people around the globe have voiced concerns and pointed to the risks, many of them significant.

With this in mind, we've put together our Artificial Intelligence Position Statement – drawing on consultation with creators, local and international insights, and recent international regulatory developments. We believe it's possible to harness AI's potential and uphold the rights of creators. Our position statement demonstrates how AI can and should be developed and why licensing is central to the future of AI in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Read the full article

Exciting new creative rights management tool to launch next year

This year we have been busy working on the development of an online rights management service for Aotearoa’s creative practitioners. The online platform will support writers, visual artists and independent publishers to maximise the value of their creative works, and provide peace of mind in an ever-evolving intellectual property landscape. This new service is made up of two key products:

Catalogue will provide the ability to safely store records of creative works, receive contextual copyright support and document provenance in relation to the creative works.
Legal Service will provide access to experienced legal advisors who specialise in the creative industries, providing you with reliable legal advice tailored to your specific needs. Initial 15 min consultations will be free, other fees are subsidised.

Announcing the successful recipients of the 2023 Contestable Fund Grants

We are excited to announce the successful recipients in this year's round of Contestable Fund Grants, with a total of $75,000 granted towards 15 projects. Applications were invited for projects that had clearly defined and measurable outcomes that align with the Copyright Licensing New Zealand (CLNZ) Cultural Fund's objectives. This year's applicants presented projects that were creative, diverse and of a very high standard – which made it a challenge for our judging panel! Congratulations to all our successful recipients and a big thank you to everyone that applied.

Read through the full list of funded projects

Creative Rights Educator, Karen Workman in a Creative Rights Education video

A NEW Creative Rights for Creative People workshop in 2024

Next year, we’re launching a NEW Creative Rights for Creative People workshop which will focus on contracts and how leveraging your copyright directly impacts your career and business growth. Stay connected with us social media to be the first to hear when we launch in 2024.

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

If you’ve missed attending the Creative Rights for Creative People (Demystifying copyright) workshop, you can sign up to our 2024 waitlist here.

Ngā mihi nui,

Thank you for working with us. If you'd like to find out more about who we are and what we do, take a look at our website.

Copyright Licensing New Zealand

0800 480 271

www.copyright.co.nz

Image credits: Sam Irvine: CLNZ | A note from our Board Chair: Emeritus Prof. Pat Walsh | Can AI be developed in a way that's fair: Shutthiphong Chandaeng on iStock. Used under licence. | 2023 Contestable Fund Grant Recipients: Images courtesy of the successful recipients of the 2023 Contestable Fund Grants. | New creative rights management tool: CLNZ | Resources for Licence-holders: CLNZ | Creative Rights Education: CLNZ, featuring Karen Workman.

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