National Summit on Artificial Intelligence and Culture
Source: Rita Taylor. Courtesy of the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.
About the Summit
The National Summit on Artificial Intelligence and Culture was held in Banff, Alberta, from March 15 to 17, 2026. Presented in partnership with the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, the summit convened leaders from the cultural, government, technology, academic, and civil society sectors to shape a shared vision for the future of culture in the age of artificial intelligence.
The Three Pillars of the Summit
Build
Building AI-powered tools that respond to the needs of creators and cultural industries.
Empower
Empowering the Cultural Sector through AI Adoption, Talent, and Training.
Protect
Protecting creativity by taking steps to make artificial intelligence solutions responsible, reliable, and supportive of human creation.
An Interactive and Collaborative Experience
The Summit offered a highly interactive experience designed to foster active engagement and collaboration. Each pillar began with leadership remarks followed by expert panels from various sectors, exploring practical applications and real-world challenges. Interactive reflection sessions allowed participants to share ideas, contribute to action-oriented solutions, and engage in cross-sector dialogue. An AI showcase highlighted practical tools supporting the cultural sector. The program also included formal and informal networking opportunities to encourage exchanges and partnerships.
Event details
Date
March 15, 16 and 17, 2026
Location
Banff Centre for the Arts and Creativity
Banff, Alberta
Agenda
March 15 – Opening Evening
- Registration and welcome
- Opening ceremony, including a land acknowledgment
- Opening keynote address
March 16 – Build and Protect
- Opening plenary session
- Welcome remarks and Summit overview
- Opening addresses by federal ministers
Pillar 1: Build
Building AI-powered tools that respond to the needs of creators and cultural industries.
- Expert keynote
- Expert panel
- Interactive reflection zones and collaborative sessions
Pillar 2: Protect
Protecting creativity by taking steps to make artificial intelligence solutions responsible, reliable, and supportive of human creation
- Expert keynote
- Expert panel
- Evening showcase
March 17 – Equip and Advance
Pillar 2: Protect (continued)
- Interactive reflection zones and collaborative sessions
Pillar 3: Empower
Empowering the Cultural Sector through AI Adoption, Talent, and Training.
- Expert keynotes
- Expert panel
- Interactive reflection zones and collaborative sessions
Closing Conversation
- Informal discussion with federal ministers
- Closing networking reception
Registration
By invitation only.
Visit our page on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for information on Canada’s AI policies, initiatives and latest achievements.
Related links
- Leaders, creators and innovators come together at Canada’s first-ever national summit on artificial intelligence and culture
- Summit on artificial intelligence and culture to be held in Banff, Alberta
- Government of Canada launches AI Strategy Task Force and public engagement on the development of the next AI strategy
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- Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)