National Summit on Artificial Intelligence and Culture

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.

What We Heard Report

• What We Heard at The National Summit on Artificial Intelligence and Culture

The Three Pillars of the Summit

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.

Visit our page on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for information on Canada’s AI policies, initiatives and latest achievements.

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

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
• Government of Canada partners with Mila to guide the development of a cultural data strategy for artificial intelligence
• Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)