Arts & Creative Leadership

Our programming cultivates arts and creative leadership through participatory, arts-based community initiatives. We focus on developing essential skills such as collaboration, innovative thinking, and effective communication, empowering participants to lead with creativity and purpose. Through hands-on training, mentorship, and community engagement, we provide opportunities to build confidence, foster resilience, and drive social impact. Connecting artistic practices with leadership development, we prepare individuals to inspire change and strengthen their communities through the transformative power of the arts.

Skills, like arts and crafts, come in many styles, shapes, and sizes—differentiation recognizes this diversity, tailoring opportunities to meet individual needs and strengths.

Differentiation of Instruction: Cultivating Talent and Collaboration

We are always exploring and learning about different approaches to arts programming! Jamie Bell and the Art Borups Corners team are redefining collaboration by tailoring opportunities to align with each participant’s passions and skills—whether they’re emerging artists, seasoned creators, or behind-the-scenes supporters.

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2023-2024 Activities, Impacts and Outcomes Report

We’re thrilled to share our 2023-2024 Activities, Impacts, and Outcomes Report! This year has been transformative, as we continued rebuilding our facilities, expanded our arts-based programming, and deepened our focus on climate entrepreneurship and creative leadership.

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Hard at work: We were so excited to be collaborating last year with biosystems students at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. It was inspiring to see Minnesota and Manitoba connecting through relationship development and engagement using the arts and experiential design. Photo: Kami Norland

How Learning About Experiential Design Can Transform Opportunities for Artists and Their Communities

Emerging artists in Winnipeg and Minneapolis have been stepping beyond traditional studios to address critical issues like food security and climate resilience through experiential learning. By combining hands-on practice with creative reflection, they’re using art as a powerful tool for community transformation while gaining invaluable real-world skills.

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Emerging youth artist and musician Tony Eetak explores a VR installation in summer 2024 at the Urban Shaman Contemporary Art Gallery in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

From Biophilic Design to VR: The Next Era of Artistic Storytelling?

Revolutionizing the arts in rural and northern communities, a Winnipeg-based program is merging UX/UI design, virtual reality, and biophilic principles to craft cutting-edge, sustainable solutions. By blending technology, storytelling, and nature-inspired design, the initiative empowers under-resourced arts organizations to thrive, adapt, and connect with global audiences—while staying deeply rooted in their local identities.

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Art Borups Corners founding member Tony Eetak is this year's youth artist-in-residence with the Winnipeg-based nonprofit.

Exploring Climate Diplomacy Through Art, Storytelling and Creative Leadership

How do we tackle the big questions about our planet’s future while making space for personal stories, shared laughter, and transformative ideas? This fall and winter, our program is turning to climate diplomacy, oral history, and creative leadership to find answers. It’s not just about policies or protests—it’s about conversations that bring people together, foster understanding, and inspire action through the power of storytelling.

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In this photo, emerging Inuk artist and musician Tony Eetak reflects on the visible vault during a workshop at Qaumajuq and the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Since 2021, Art Borups Corners and the Winnipeg Arts Incubator program have been supporting artists and communities across Manitoba, northern Canada, and internationally, seeded with support from the Canada Council for the Arts.

Winnipeg Artists Using Storytelling, Events, and Curation to Inspire Change

Rooted in creativity and community, a Winnipeg-based program led by interdisciplinary artists Jamie Bell and Tony Eetak is blending participatory storytelling, innovative technologies, and mentorship, to inspire artists and organizations to amplify their voices, plan impactful events, and curate transformative exhibits—all while staying true to their cultural identities.

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Digital return systems are able to revolutionize how rural and remote communities share their stories and connect with global audiences. These innovative tools empower artists to showcase their work beyond geographic barriers, fostering new opportunities for collaboration and creative expression.

Building Bridges: The Growing Need for Digital Return Systems in the Arts

In remote and rural communities, artists are leveraging digital return systems to overcome isolation, preserve cultural heritage, and share their stories with the world. Today, artists and innovators are bridging the gaps between tradition and technology, creating opportunities for connection and creativity in the digital age.

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Tony Eetak, a Winnipeg-based youth artist, is one of the team members traveling across the city to meet with and engage different organizations, gaining insights into their work and best practices to strengthen arts programming in local communities.

Building Capacity in the Arts: Reviving Curriculum Design for Organizational Resilience

This fall and winter, we’re focusing on rebuilding capacity in rural and northern arts organizations through innovative curriculum design. By revisiting foundational practices from our 2021-2022 incubator, we’re strengthening frameworks for self-determination, resilience, and sustainability. Through seasonal themes, we’re equipping programs and communities with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly challenging ecosystem.

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