Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing how we work, learn, and create—and thanks to programs like the OpenAI Researcher Access Program, we’re discovering new, fun ways to explore AI’s potential. Whether it’s visualizing data or developing online courses, AI offers endless possibilities for innovation and experimentation. Here are five exciting ways to have fun with AI while building valuable skills for the future. We’re thrilled to unveil one of our most fun projects for this year—an innovative short course that brings together art, data, and technology in bold and transformative ways. "Arts, Data, and Immersive Storytelling" is a hands-on program that pushes the boundaries of how we interpret and communicate complex data through artistic expression and cutting-edge tools like OpenAI’s APIs and Three.js. 1. Visualizing Data with Stunning Graphs and Maps AI makes it easy to turn complex data into visually compelling maps, graphs, and charts. We’re using it to map and analyze different arts projects, highlighting geographic trends and funding equity. These tools not only make data more accessible but also unlock new insights. AI-powered data visualization can bring stories to life, whether you're showcasing the impact of community programs or presenting results for research projects. Dr. Olaf Kuhlke from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and Art Borups Corners founding member Tony Eetak share perspectives on the Canada-US Our People Our Climate in Winnipeg, Manitoba. 2. Writing Papers and Exploring Science and the Arts AI tools like ChatGPT can assist in drafting, editing, and organizing research papers, making it easier to communicate complex ideas. Whether you're diving into arts research or breaking down scientific concepts, AI helps bridge the gap between disciplines. By using AI as a writing partner, we’re streamlining workflows, ensuring our work is clear, concise, and engaging while fostering a deeper understanding of science and the arts. This is what my game would look like in the 1980s! 3. Making Simple Games and Exploring Gamification Game design has never been more accessible! With AI, we’re learning to code simple games while exploring the concept of gamification—applying game mechanics to real-world scenarios. Whether it's creating puzzles, simulations, or interactive stories, AI offers guidance at every step, making it fun to learn programming and design skills. Gamification is also a fantastic way to make learning more engaging, whether in schools or community programs. We spent many hours of conversation with our mentor, David Bjerklie talking about traditional knowledge, film and television, and media arts. 4. Developing Online Courses and Curricula Creating online courses and educational content has been transformed by AI. With tools that help generate lesson plans, videos, and quizzes, we’re developing courses that are interactive, engaging, and accessible. From coding basics to participatory arts, AI enables us to design custom curricula that meet the needs of our community. This is particularly valuable for scaling educational programs and reaching learners worldwide. Youth and emerging artists in Winnipeg are learning to design simple games as part of this year's Fall and Winter 2024-2025 arts incubator program thanks to support from the OpenAI Researcher Access Program. 5. Experimenting and Learning Code for Fun AI makes learning to code approachable and fun for everyone. With interactive guidance, we’re experimenting with Python, JavaScript, and even frameworks like three.js for game development. AI demystifies coding, enabling us to solve problems creatively and bring innovative ideas to life. By combining playfulness with hands-on learning, AI makes coding an enjoyable experience for beginners and experts alike. The game uses a very simple text interface similar to old-fashioned computer games from the early 1980s. Unleash Your Creativity with AI Artificial Intelligence is more than just a tool—it’s a playground for creativity, learning, and discovery. From visualizing data and writing research to building games and online courses, AI empowers us to explore new possibilities and reimagine what’s possible. Ready to dive in? Join programs like the OpenAI Researcher Access Program and start unlocking the fun side of AI today!