Explore the dynamic journey of transforming ideas into vibrant community art projects. Our mentorship program empowers emerging artists through collaboration, creativity, and real-world experience.
In our second week of our 2025 winter program, we’re embracing the winding road of process—the messy, unpredictable path that leads to creative breakthroughs. We’re learning that every project has its own rhythm, and that rhythm often doesn’t follow the exact plan we set out with. Embracing process means understanding that the unexpected is not something to avoid but an essential part of the journey. We’ve also been reflecting on how the projects we’re building need time, space, and room to grow in unexpected ways, which is a central focus of the residency program we’re designing. As artists, we’re often drawn to the unknown, and this is what will be at the heart of the residency experience this summer: a space for artists to explore, make mistakes, and push the boundaries of their creativity.
This week, we had a deep conversation with Kami Norland, Director of the Master of Arts in Creative Leadership program at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, about integrating a community of care and practice model into our work. Traditionally, we hear of a “community of practice,” which emphasizes skill-sharing and collaborative learning, but Kami encouraged us to flip the model—care comes first. A community of care places the well-being and support of each individual at the core, ensuring that before artists can fully collaborate or practice, they must first feel nurtured, safe, and seen. This approach acknowledges that creativity thrives when people feel cared for and respected, and that care fosters an environment where people can take risks, experiment, and grow. By placing care at the center, we’re laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient community of practice. This shift is essential for developing a meaningful residency program, where artists can build trust, connect deeply, and flourish both personally and creatively.
As well, this week’s focus on process has allowed us to develop a mindset of independence—learning to trust in our ability to navigate challenges on our own while still being part of a collaborative team. The mentorship models we’re exploring are helping us understand that independence doesn’t mean working in isolation. Instead, it means having the confidence to make decisions and solve problems while knowing there’s support when we need it. We’re learning how to step into leadership roles within our own practice, refining our ability to think critically and creatively. As we move forward, we’re carrying these lessons into the summer residency program, where participants will have the opportunity to develop independence within a supportive framework that encourages collaboration.
Building on last week’s focus on participatory arts, we’re now seeing how the process of creation can be an act of dialogue. In this week’s activities, we’ve been experimenting with ways to incorporate feedback, allowing the work to evolve through collaboration and exchange. This approach not only strengthens the work but also builds a deeper sense of connection between the artist and their community. The residency program will continue to foster this spirit of collaboration, allowing emerging artists to take part in creating work that speaks to and with others, expanding the narrative and impact of the project.
Mentorship plays a crucial role in helping young artists develop the independence they need to move from concept to creation. Many emerging artists struggle with the leap from being guided through projects to leading their own work. The mentorship we’re providing this year is about nurturing that growth—giving them the tools, confidence, and support to take ownership of their creative process. As we continue developing our internship program, we’re not just offering technical expertise; we’re preparing the next generation of creative leaders to take the reins and pass on what they’ve learned.
Thanks to Tony Eetak, Angella Goran, Kami Norland, Olaf Kuhlke for great discussions this week.
About Our Winter 2025 Program
Our Winter 2025 program in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is centered around mentorship, internships, and hands-on learning in digital storytelling, creative entrepreneurship, and leadership in the arts. This year, we’re using the program as a launchpad for developing the next iteration of our summer arts residency program, focused on providing emerging artists with practical, real-world experience. Through our program, we’re cultivating spaces where participants can sharpen their digital skills, better understand organizational capacity building for the arts sector, and learn how to lead their own creative projects. Supported by the OpenAI Researcher Access Program and the Manitoba Arts Council, this year’s program offers tailored mentorship opportunities, fostering an environment of collaboration and growth that will shape the future of creative leadership.
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