Integrating Art, Nature, and Community
Located in Melgund Township, Northwestern Ontario, The Arts Incubator hosts its Living Land Lab program. This innovative outdoor space, dedicated to integrated arts, culture, and ecological exploration, was initiated in 2014 and formally established in 2021 as a core component of The Arts Incubator’s pilot programming, thanks to funding from the Canada Council for the Arts Digital Greenhouse. Serving as both a dynamic outdoor studio and a research hub, this unique environment fosters creative expression, environmental understanding, and community engagement.
This expansive outdoor space spans over 10 acres of trails, filled with traditional and native plant species. This rich natural setting not only provides an unparalleled canvas for artistic creation but also functions as the primary operational center for The Arts Incubator’s community food security and sustainable agriculture programs. Here, artistic practice seamlessly integrates with nature, offering a holistic approach to environmental interaction. Participants engage in a unique blend of ecological study and creative exploration, drawing direct inspiration and sustainable materials from the land itself.
Inspiring Site-Specific Art and Knowledge Sharing
The Living Land Lab is a multifaceted site for learning and innovation. It facilitates diverse activities, ranging from artistic residencies focused on site-specific installations and land art, to workshops that transmit traditional skills and ecological knowledge.
A key element of its programming includes plant walks, designed to deepen participants’ connection to the local flora and the land’s history. Crucially, the Lab is a dedicated space that actively supports oral history storytelling and the transmission of traditional knowledge through community-based, participatory research models. This ensures that the wisdom of generations is shared, preserved, and interwoven with contemporary artistic and environmental understanding. The space stands as an inspiring example of The Arts Incubator’s commitment to incubating creativity that is deeply rooted in the distinctive spirit and atmosphere of Borups Corners and Dyment.
