This past month, we’ve been working diligently on developing the framework for our next summer artist residency and internship program, with a focus on expanding both artistic and organizational capacity. Building on the momentum of our Winnipeg-based arts incubator program, this year’s mentorship and internship projects and planning activities are supported by the Manitoba Arts Council. These programs are designed to strengthen the skills of emerging artists while empowering them with the leadership tools needed to create and manage their own artistic ventures. This residency is also an important milestone for Tony Eetak, who is taking on the role of lead artist for the first time—an exciting opportunity for growth and creativity within our community. Congratulations, Tony!
In our weekly meeting, we had the privilege of sitting down with Angella Goran from Global Dignity Canada, where we explored how we can integrate a “youth ambassador” model into our upcoming program. Angella’s expertise and experience, along with her long-time commitment to Global Dignity, helped us refine the framework for youth engagement in this year’s residency. Her model identified four key pillars for the youth ambassador model: Community, Arts, Sports, and Academics. This model aims to develop well-rounded, impactful leaders by encouraging youth to take on roles that blend creative, community-driven initiatives with educational and athletic experiences.
This approach will be key in ensuring the residency program doesn’t just focus on artistic growth, but also on incubating a sense of responsibility and leadership within the broader arts community. Aligning with the four pillars, our goal is to create spaces and experiences where Indigenous youth artists can explore the intersections of art, community engagement, personal and professional development. The integration of this model will allow us to empower youth with the skills to lead community-based projects, foster collaboration, and deepen their connection to their own culture, while providing a pathway to creative leadership in the arts.
Our discussions with both Angella and Tony underscored the importance of mentorship in this process. Each youth – like an ambassador – will be paired with a mentor who will guide them throughout their residency, providing artistic, logistical, and community-building support. This model of mentorship is integral to our vision for the residency, ensuring they hone their artistic craft while developing critical thinking, project management, and leadership abilities. Embedding mentorship into every phase of the program, we aim to cultivate a new generation of creative leaders who can navigate a challenging arts sector with confidence and vision.
As we continue to shape the residency’s structure, we’re also prioritizing the need for capacity building with local and regional arts organizations, now just our own. Our focus is on equipping both individual artists and cultural organizations with the skills and leadership pipelines necessary to initiate and manage projects, build sustainable networks, and secure funding. This year’s internship program will address these needs by providing emerging artists with hands-on experience in arts administration, digital marketing, and community engagement. These skills are critical for the long-term success of the arts sector in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario, and we’re committed to providing the infrastructure and support for these skills to grow.
Finally, we’re grateful for the ongoing support of volunteers like Tony Eetak and Angella Goran from Global Dignity Canada, who continue to bring valuable insights and leadership to this initiative. With their guidance and the backing of the Manitoba Arts Council, we’re poised to build a residency program that not only nurtures artistic talent but also strengthens the cultural fabric of our community. We also thank the Local Services Board of Melgund. Working closely with community leaders, organizations, and artists, we’re developing a program that will have a lasting impact on the local arts scene, empowering young artists to lead, collaborate, and create meaningful work that resonates deeply with the community.
About our Winter 2025 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.
