Generative AI in creative industries education: a decolonial framework for cultural rights-based EDI curricula

Generative AI tools, predominantly trained on Western aesthetic traditions, are increasingly integrated into creative industries. This integration poses risks of flattening or appropriating non-Western cultural expressions. Current equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) frameworks in creative education often treat cultural rights and representation as compliance additions rather than foundational elements within technical and design curricula, leading to homogenizing tendencies. The article advocates for a decolonial framework in education to critically address these issues.

Why it matters

The pervasive influence of biased Generative AI in creative sectors can undermine cultural diversity and intellectual property rights globally, impacting innovation and authenticity. Addressing this through educational frameworks is critical to ensure future professionals are equipped to navigate technological advancements ethically and inclusively, safeguarding diverse cultural heritage in digital creations.

Key insights

• Generative AI tools are now integral to creative industries, including fashion and design.
• These AI tools are largely trained on Western-centric visual and stylistic data.
• This training bias risks flattening or appropriating non-Western aesthetic traditions.
• Existing EDI frameworks in creative education often position cultural rights as compliance additions, separate from core technical training.
• The current approach can lead to homogenizing tendencies within creative outputs.
• The article proposes a decolonial framework to integrate cultural rights and EDI critically into creative industries education.

Source

Frontiers in Education — https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1922260