City of Spokane Reportedly Distributed Purported AI-Generated Clocktower Flyer Resembling Graphic Designer Matthew Clinard's Artwork
A Spokane Parks and Recreation employee reportedly used a purported generative AI image tool to create a flyer promoting the restored Great Northern Clocktower chimes. The flyer reportedly reproduced elements of artist Matthew Clinard's commercially sold Clocktower sticker and was distributed by the mayor's office without the city-required AI disclosure. After Clinard complained publicly, the city removed the image and apologized, then began considering AI-policy and employee-training reforms.
- Date it happened
- 2026-07-01
- Organisation involved
- Unnamed employee of Spokane Parks and Recreation Department, Synthetic media creators, Spokane Parks and Recreation Department, City of Spokane, Office of Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown
- Product, system or model
- Synthetic media generation technology, Synthetic image generation technology
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