New Stories every week from The Arts Incubator and Art Borups Corners
A compelling new short story, “A Voice After Hours” by Winnipeg and Northwestern Ontario author Jamie Bell, has been released, offering young readers a sincere look at what it means to truly be oneself. This powerful narrative comes out of the vibrant Art Borups Corners Northwestern Ontario and Manitoba storytelling program, an initiative focused on nurturing young literary talent across the region. The story represents the program’s commitment to fostering authentic youth voices.
This latest story centers on Arthur, a quiet teenager who finds his voice as “The Night Owl” on a late-night radio show. When his private thoughts are accidentally broadcast, he’s faced with a powerful decision: remain hidden or courageously step into his true identity. This central conflict speaks to the universal journey of finding the dignity of the self in a world that often asks us to conform, making it highly relatable for young adults grappling with self-acceptance and social anxiety.
This new work is a significant achievement for the Northwestern Ontario and Manitoba storytelling program, an initiative championed by the Art Borups Corners collective during its 2025 summer arts internship and mentorship project. The interdisciplinary arts program provides young writers and community members with practical arts-focused skill development, helping them turn personal experiences into resonant stories that connect with a wider audience. It’s designed to build confidence and hone creative expression through structured mentorship and workshops.
Part of the program’s vision includes fostering digital literacy, giving young people the tools to share their narratives through contemporary platforms, ensuring their messages reach far and wide. By supporting new voices, the program ensures that diverse experiences, including the vital perspectives found in Indigenous storytelling, enrich our literary landscape and help shape the future of our region’s cultural expression. These efforts ensure a richer, more inclusive narrative for everyone.
Readers can find “A Voice After Hours” through the program’s online channels, and its release stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting youth in finding and sharing their unique voices. The Northwestern Ontario and Manitoba storytelling program continues to make a real difference, building confidence and creativity in young people across the region.
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