News

Digital Creator North is coming soon to a city near you!

The Near North Mobile Media Lab is proud to announce the launch of its exciting Digital Creator North initiative. The project is designed to attract youth (ages 14-19) who want a safe and welcoming place to hang out, socialize, and explore the world of digital media in their backyards. This ambitious Trillium-funded pilot project is the first of its kind in Northern Ontario, spanning the region in six partnering communities — Temiskaming Shores, Timmins, Sioux Lookout, Kenora, Elliot Lake, and Sault Ste. Marie. The Digital Creator locations will be featured in community spaces, such as libraries, arts centers, and museums, which will provide comfortable hang-out spaces equipped with the latest in digital technology and equipment. Teens are encouraged to explore the spaces at their own pace and without academic or peer pressure.

Digital Creator North was designed as a way to bridge the distance, both digitally and geographically, to play a part in creating healthy, vibrant, and creative communities. With the guidance of staff and peers, participants will be able to discover and pursue their interests through both collaborative and independent activities. Web design, blogging, podcasting, graphic arts, gaming, photography, producing music and videos, 3D printing, coding, and filmmaking — are just some of the exciting things that will be offered at these spaces completely free of charge. Teens can use the space to relax, do homework, meet up with friends, play video games, and socialize — as well as learn from mentor-based programming inspired by their interests and imagination. By strengthening their voice and cultural points of view, teens can become producers of culture rather than consumers, and gain the digital confidence to make a positive contribution to their world.

We hope that this project will have a positive cultural impact on Northern Ontario and increase participation in media arts, strengthening our region’s cultural fabric, which is vitally important to the health of the region itself.

If you have any questions or would like to inquire about future programming in your area, please contact the Program Coordinator, Kirsten Kosloski, at kirsten.kosloski@gmail.com or by phone at (705) 476-6402.