This session creates a space for iPRES conference attendees to explore the intersection of heritage and artificial intelligence, based on first insights from the Alignment Assembly on “Culture for AI”. This is a collaborative initiative launched in 2025 by Europeana and the Netherlands Institute for Sound & Vision, with the support of the AI4LAM community, to develop a shared vision of responsible AI in our sector. The purpose is to reflect on preliminary outcomes from this community-driven process and to discuss what “responsible AI” means for the sector. We aim to shape a common vision and identify next steps to ensure AI aligns with public values, ethics, and the long-term stewardship of heritage data.
What to expect:
[1] A recap of the Alignment Assembly’s preliminary findings, based on input from >360 participants who cast close to 10.000 votes on provocative AI-and-heritage statements. Find out which topics sparked consensus and which revealed disagreement; from keeping heritage data open for AI use to the ethics of partnering with tech giants.
[2] Engage in a group dialogue about some of the most pressing issues identified. We’ll highlight a few standout dilemmas (for example, balancing open access with concerns of data misuse) and invite attendees to share their perspectives and experiences in a safe, unrecorded environment.
[3] Brainstorm how our community can turn areas of broad agreement into concrete guidelines or practices. Participants will discuss ways to collaborate across initiatives (e.g. iPRES, Europeana, AI4LAM) to promote culturally inclusive AI development and address areas of disagreement through collective action, further research, or policy.
This BoF will be led by one or two facilitators, who will kick off the conversation with a summary of the Assembly’s preliminary results. We hope to foster alignment on core values and chart a path for the future of cultural heritage and AI.

AI4LAM is an international, participatory community focused on advancing the use of artificial intelligence in, for and by libraries, archives and museums. Join Rowan Payne, an Australia New Zealand chapter co-covener, for a casual chat about the community and maybe make some new connections to help you make sense of AI in your work. Basically an informal discussion and intro to AI4LAM, and an opportunity to connect on any AI topic participants want to raise.