Rejuvenating Art in the Digital Age: How Indigenous Youth Are Transforming Virtual Galleries with gamification and AI in Winnipeg
This week we’re going to look at one of the latest artsincubator.ca projects and some of the interesting tools and technologies they’re fusing with participatory media arts and creative leadership. This winter, their latest community art project is exploring how to integrate technologies like OpenAI’s chatGPT into a virtual art gallery.
When the pandemic hit, art galleries around the world lost more than just visitors—they lost the pulse of community, the capacity to engage, and the vibrant energy of live creative exchanges. In Winnipeg, Manitoba, a fresh, dynamic project led by Indigenous youth artists from Art Borups Corners collective and their Winnipeg-based Arts Incubator program is breathing new life into the art scene through digital innovation. This initiative, supported by the Manitoba Arts Council, the OpenAI Researcher Access Program, and built on earlier piloted work with the Canada Council for the Arts Digital Greenhouse, is a bold response to the challenges of our time.
In a post-pandemic world, virtual galleries have become not just an alternative but a necessity—an essential platform to engage audiences when physical spaces are still healing. But the goal here isn’t to simply replicate brick-and-mortar galleries online. Instead, it’s about exploring how art is experienced and reimagining digital spaces that are as interactive, inclusive, and inspiring as the works they showcase.
Transforming Art Spaces and Virtual Galleries Into Digital Playgrounds
“It’s been incredible to see how these tools have affected the youth in our program,” said Jamie Bell. “Young artists who once struggled with the logistics of running a project are now finding new ways to automate tasks, freeing up time to focus on their creativity. This isn’t just about AI and technology—it’s about empowering artists to lead with confidence.”
The creative energy driving this project is palpable. Indigenous youth, with their deep cultural heritage and a keen sense of modern aesthetics, are at the forefront of this digital renaissance. They’re not just learning new technical skills—they’re leading the charge in transforming virtual art spaces into vibrant hubs of storytelling and interaction. These aren’t isolated tech workshops; they’re dynamic, hands-on sessions where art meets innovation, and every participant plays a role in shaping the future of digital art. From real world creations and curation to generated art, the project is also about artists building capacity.
Click here to visit the virtual gallery.
“The OpenAI Researcher Access Program has been a game-changer for us,” said Jamie Bell, one of the Winnipeg-based interdisciplinary artists behind the program. “It’s not just about experimenting with AI—it’s about reclaiming time, rethinking workflows, and pushing creative boundaries. For artists, time is one of the most valuable resources, and these tools have given us more of it. Whether it’s grant writing, reporting, or automating repetitive tasks, AI has freed us up to focus on what truly matters—creating.”
During the pandemic, many galleries and art institutions faced significant capacity challenges. Traditional models of art display and community engagement were disrupted, leaving a void that risked long-term impacts on creative expression. For many emerging artists, especially those from underrepresented communities, the barriers to entry were suddenly higher. This initiative is a direct response to that need—a capacity-building program designed to empower Indigenous youth to reclaim and redefine their creative voices through immersive art experiences.
At the heart of this project is a commitment to reimagine virtual galleries. Gone are the days of static, one-dimensional art displays. Today’s digital spaces are designed to be interactive playgrounds where every visitor is invited to explore, engage, and even co-create. The approach is refreshingly straightforward: mix art with technology in a way that invites play and conversation.
Since October, workshops have been abuzz with energy as artists experiment with techniques that combine 3D design, AI-powered storytelling, and interactive soundscapes. Youth have been using tools like chatGPT and the OpenAI API playground to fast-track their coding activities. These sessions are less about memorizing code and more about discovering new ways to communicate ideas and emotions. The digital gallery becomes a living canvas where every click, every scroll, and every gesture adds a new layer to the narrative.
This isn’t about following a rigid formula—it’s about using modern tools as instruments for creative expression. Indigenous youth are rethinking what a gallery can be. They’re using digital storytelling to connect deeply with their audience, infusing their work with the rich cultural traditions of their communities while embracing the limitless possibilities of technology. The result? A digital space that feels as alive as a street festival, where art and audience interact in real time.
“The OpenAI Researcher Access Program has opened so many doors for me,” said Winnipeg youth artist Tony Eetak. “As a young artist, I’ve learned how to use AI tools not just for creating art, but for things like automating the administrative side of things, which used to be such a time drain. It’s given me more space to focus on what I love—making art and music.”
Why This Matters Now More Than Ever for the Arts
In the wake of the pandemic, art and culture have never been more critical. Many organizations continue to struggle in rebuilding post-pandemic. They are the lenses through which we understand our world, find common ground, and heal together. By rejuvenating virtual gallery experiences, this project isn’t just filling a gap left by closed doors—it’s opening new ones. It’s providing a platform where young, emerging artists can lead with creativity, breaking down barriers that have long kept diverse voices from the mainstream.
The transformation is twofold. First, it reclaims digital space as a vibrant arena for cultural expression. Second, it builds capacity by equipping a new generation with the skills to navigate and innovate in a digital-first world. Terms like interactive art, digital storytelling, creative leadership, and capacity building aren’t just buzzwords; they are the foundation of this movement.
“A lot of people assume AI in the arts just means using ChatGPT to generate text, but it’s so much more,” said Jamie Bell. “We’re using AI for automation, archiving, interactive installations, and even helping emerging artists navigate funding and exhibition opportunities. This program has been a powerful capacity-building tool, especially for youth, empowering them to take the lead in shaping the future of art.”
Winnipeg, this initiative is a reminder that art is resilient. It can adapt, evolve, and flourish even in the most challenging times. By embracing digital tools and fostering a spirit of innovation, Indigenous youth are not only preserving their cultural heritage—they are redefining it for the modern age.
“This program has made me feel more confident in my work,” said Tony Eetak. “It’s one thing to be an artist, but it’s another to be able to leverage technology to make your process smoother and more efficient. Thanks to OpenAI, I’m learning how to make the art world more accessible, both for myself and for others in my community.”
Welcome to the digital renaissance—a movement where art meets technology, and every interaction is a step toward a brighter, more connected future.
Click here to visit the virtual gallery.
About our Winter 2025 Arts program
Our fall and winter 2025 program in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is focused on exploring the intersection of digital skills, storytelling, creative entrepreneurship, and leadership in the arts. We’re dedicated to equipping artists with the tools and knowledge to navigate the evolving digital landscape, empowering them to bring their creative visions to life in new, innovative ways. This program is a space for collaboration and growth, where artists can sharpen their digital skills, explore the potential of emerging technologies, and build the leadership capabilities needed to drive their own creative ventures forward. This year’s program activities are supported by the OpenAI Researcher Access Program and the Manitoba Arts Council.
