News

[North Bay, ON – May 13, 2025] – Near North Mobile Media Lab is proud to announce the release of “From Curiosity to Confidence Through Digital Creator North: A Decade of Creativity, Connections, and Digital Arts Education for Northern Ontario Youth” a comprehensive document that captures a decade of transformative youth programming in digital and media arts across Northern Ontario.

Initiated in 2013, Digital Creator North set out to provide free access to mentorship, media, and digital arts equipment, and creative space for youth in rural and northern communities. Over ten years, DCN grew into a trusted network of hubs based in libraries and community centres—places where youth could hang out, mess around, and geek out, gaining not only technical skills but also confidence, friendships, and leadership abilities.

The report shares reflections and learnings that speak to the evolving role of youth spaces in a rapidly shifting digital landscape. From the rise of platforms like TikTok to growing competition for funding in the non-profit sector, DCN continuously responded to the real needs and interests of young creators. Above all, the program revealed the urgent need for designated, low-barrier spaces where youth feel safe, supported, and free to explore their creative potential.

Key highlights from the report include:

• Sustained Impact on Youth Development: Beyond digital literacy, DCN played a vital role in fostering personal growth among participants—enhancing their confidence, social skills, and leadership abilities in a safe, creative environment.
• Creativity Through Connection: The HOMAGO (Hang Out, Mess Around, Geek Out) model created an environment where curiosity led naturally to skill-building, collaboration, and artistic exploration.
• Community-Centered Design: A focus on locally coordinated, community-run hubs demonstrated a sustainable, replicable model tailored to each community’s unique needs.
• Free Toolkit for Replication: A downloadable toolkit is available, offering templates, best practices, and guidance for communities looking to launch their own youth digital arts programs.

This final report is essential reading for educators, cultural workers, community leaders, and policymakers interested in creating meaningful, future-focused opportunities for youth. It offers not only a summary of outcomes but also a practical roadmap for communities looking to launch their own youth-focused digital arts initiatives and foster creativity in the next generation.

The full digital report and toolkit resources are available for free at digitalcreator.ca/resources.

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For interviews or more information, please contact:
Jameson Toye, Communications Officer
Near North Mobile Media Lab
medialabnorthbay@gmail.com 
(705) 476 6402