Lifelong Learning: Key to Unlocking Youth Potential in Arts, Community Sectors, Experts Say
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA – In an increasingly complex society, the importance of continuous learning cannot be overstated, especially for Indigenous youth eager to make their mark in the arts and community development sectors. Experts argue that a commitment to lifelong learning, encompassing both formal and informal education, is not just beneficial, but crucial for building vibrant communities and empowering the next generation of leaders.
“Entrepreneurship—at least the kind most of us were taught to admire—has spent decades marinating in … pathology. Be better. Be faster. Be richer. The best version of success, we’re told, is the one where you’re standing on top of a mountain, looking down at the crowd you’ve outpaced,” writes Dr. Olaf Kuhlke, Professor and Chair of Creative Entrepreneurship at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, in his recent article “So—What Is Creative Entrepreneurship?“. He proposes an alternative, stating, “What if entrepreneurship wasn’t about climbing a ladder but building a house—an oikos in the original Greek sense of the word, the root of ‘economy’? What if the goal wasn’t winning at all costs but creating something of value for yourself and others?” Dr. Kuhlke argues this shift in perspective, from ego-driven competition to value-creation for the common good, is at the heart of lifelong learning for youth in the arts and community sectors.
This perspective is particularly salient for Indigenous youth in smaller and northern communities, who often face systemic barriers to opportunity. Kami Norland, MA, ATR is the Director of the Masters of Arts in Creative Leadership at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. A psychologist and art therapist experienced in working with grassroots organizations, she emphasizes the transformative potential of accessible learning pathways and draws a parallel to team dynamics. “Picture this,” Norland says, “a team where decisions aren’t just handed down from the top but emerge through shared expertise, collective intelligence, and mutual trust.” She suggests that lifelong learning pathways, similarly, should be built upon these principles of shared expertise and collective intelligence, empowering youth to contribute their unique talents and perspectives.
This transformative potential has been evident across several initiatives. For example, the “Our People Our Climate” program in Nunavut (2019-2020) empowered Inuit youth through documentary filmmaking to explore climate change. Simultaneously, the Art Borups Corners program, launched in 2021 with strategic arts innovation funding from the Canada Council for the Arts Digital Greenhouse focuses on building arts sector capacity while exploring food sector training opportunities – all demonstrating how diverse, interconnected learning experiences develop youth agency and leadership.
The arts and community sectors are vital engines of social and economic well-being, requiring innovative thinkers and skilled practitioners. Jamie Bell, a founding member of the Art Borups Corners and its Winnipeg Arts Incubator collective, highlights the dynamic nature of the creative field. “The arts are constantly evolving. To thrive, young people need to be adaptable, resourceful, and committed to honing their craft and expanding their knowledge. Lifelong learning provides that essential foundation.”
Emerging youth artist and musician Tony Eetak, another founding member of the Winnipeg-based arts incubator is originally from Arviat, Nunavut. He underscores the cultural dimension, particularly for Indigenous youth. “For Inuit youth, lifelong learning is rooted in our culture and traditions. It’s about connecting with traditional knowledge, language, and practices while learning new skills with opportunities. This is what empowers us young people to become strong leaders and builders for our communities.”
This week’s series “Pathways to Potential: Lifelong Learning for Youth Leadership in Arts & Community” will explore the multifaceted aspects of lifelong learning, diving into the power of informal education, the strategic role of formal training, the critical importance of culturally relevant approaches for Indigenous youth, and ultimately, how a journey of continuous learning cultivates creative leaders and entrepreneurs poised to shape the future of arts and community sectors across Canada.
Consider how lifelong learning is valued and supported in your own community. What opportunities exist for youth to continuously grow and explore?
Subscribe to more of our news and articles on Google News.
