How do we tackle the big questions about our planet’s future while making space for personal stories and transformative ideas? This fall and winter, Art Borups Corners and its Winnipeg Arts Incubator is turning to climate diplomacy, oral history, journalism and creative leadership to find answers. It’s not just about policies or protests—it’s about fostering meaningful conversations, understanding diverse perspectives, and inspiring action through the power of storytelling.
Climate diplomacy is about finding common ground in the fight against climate change. It’s where science meets policy and where leaders—from global advocates to local champions—collaborate to address urgent environmental challenges. But diplomacy isn’t confined to boardrooms or international summits. The stories we tell, the histories we preserve, and the creative ways we express our collective experiences are just as vital in shaping solutions and inspiring change.
This exciting new pilot program is based on previously tested and successful models, such as Our People Our Climate, the Arviat Film Society, the Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism, the OpenAI Researcher Access Program, the Palo Alto High School Media Arts Program, and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) Creative Entrepreneurshipand Masters of Arts in Creative Leadership programs.
Over the coming months, the program will explore how storytelling, journalism, and the arts intersect to address climate change. Through workshops, film screenings, and discussions with special guest speakers, participants will uncover the power of storytelling to inspire action and bridge divides.
“We’re leaning into the idea that stories can shape how we see the world—and what we choose to do about it,” said Jamie Bell, an interdisciplinary artist from Winnipeg and one of the program’s founding members. “When we hear people’s lived experiences—stories about land, culture, or the impacts of a changing climate—we start to see the connections between individual actions and global challenges. That’s what climate diplomacy is about: building shared understanding and solutions rooted in empathy and dialogue.”
Designed in alignment with the principles of the Government of Canada’s Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) and the Google News Initiative (GNI) this project supports the creation of original civic journalism that addresses the diverse needs of underserved communities. Leveraging print, digital, radio, and television platforms, the project will equip participants with hands-on experience in content creation, broadcasting, and media production.
The program also builds directly on work piloted with funding and support through the Canada Council for the Arts Digital Greenhouse, Manitoba Arts Council, Manitoba Agriculture, the ArcticNet Strategy for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion from 2019-2024. With the goal of exploring subjects like climate entrepreneurship, storytelling and climate diplomacy, the program integrates lessons learned from several iterations of the Our People Our Climate project, seeded with funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Oral history will play a key role, capturing the voices of those who experience the effects of climate change firsthand. “There’s no better way to understand what’s really happening than hearing someone talk about how their home or way of life is being affected,” said Tony Eetak, a youth artist and musician from Winnipeg who is also a founding member of the program.
Tony Eetak, an emerging youth artists and musician based in Winnipeg, added, “You can read about climate change in a textbook, but when someone tells you how it’s hurting their family or their community, it hits different. That’s the kind of thing that makes people stop and think—or even do something about it.”
This program isn’t just about documenting stories; it’s about building connections and amplifying voices that too often go unheard. Journalism brings truth to light, while storytelling creates the emotional resonance that drives change. By integrating these elements, we aim to give participants the tools to not only share their stories but also contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.
As Jamie emphasized, “The arts have always been a bridge between people and ideas. Right now, that bridge is more important than ever.”
Tony summed it up with characteristic enthusiasm: “This program’s going to be awesome. If you care about what’s happening in the world—or just want to hear some powerful stories—you’ve got to check it out.”
Stay tuned for more updates, guest speaker announcements, and workshop details. This is a journey worth joining—and we can’t wait to share it with you. For more information on how you can get involved, visit the project page.
