OpenAI Researcher Access Program Empowers Indigenous Artists and Digital Creators
Winnipeg, Manitoba — a new initiative this winter is transforming the landscape of creative expression by merging the seemingly disparate worlds of art, food security and artificial intelligence. Emerging and established artists are exploring the power of AI through hands-on digital arts and interactive design. With support from the OpenAI Researcher Access Program and the Manitoba Arts Council Indigenous 360 program the project is democratizing access to advanced AI tools that have long been out of reach for many.
For too long, the worlds of coding and canvas have been seen as separate disciplines. This initiative boldly challenges that divide, creating a space where digital literacy and creative expression not only coexist but enrich one another. Inviting artists to learn coding alongside artistic techniques, the project aims to redefine what it means to be a creator in a digital age.
Creativity and innovation thrive in equal measure. Complementing its mentorship efforts, internship opportunities offer hands-on, real-world experiences that bridge formal and informal learning with professional arts practice. Inuit, First Nations and Metis youth and emerging artists are able to engage with cutting-edge technologies—such as creative coding, digital prototyping, AI and participatory media—in dynamic, project-based settings. These experiences are designed to cultivate digital literacy, creative entrepreneurship and leadership, equipping both established and emerging artists and culture sector workers with practical skills needed to navigate and influence the evolving intersection of art and technology.
“We’re not just learning to code; we’re redefining what art can be when it embraces digital technology,” explained youth artist and musician Tony Eetak, capturing the spirit of arts innovation at the heart of the initiative. “This isn’t just technology workshops too—we see what we’re doing as part of a creative revolution where each line of code contributes to a larger artistic narrative.
The group’s core digital arts incubator began in 2021-2022 with strategic arts innovation funding from the Canada Council for the Arts Digital Greenhouse. “Originally, we intended to have both an urban and land-based component, but a flood in 2022 really set our programming back,” said Jamie Bell, one of the interdisciplinary artists behind the program. “Since then, we’ve been reliant on our Winnipeg hub, and have been incredibly fortunate to have artists, organizations and institutions from around the world supporting our work.” In 2024 the program was accepted for support from the prestigious OpenAI Researcher Access Program.
Mentorship has been a vital pillar of programming from the start, providing Indigenous youth and emerging artists with invaluable guidance, technical expertise, and creative inspiration. Through personalized training with experienced professionals, the group’s mentorship initiatives have grown to support artists to grow beyond traditional art forms to digital arts, interactive design, and AI-facilitated creative processes. “Our programs help bridge the gap between traditional artistic practices and innovation with modern technologies, while honouring the cultures and narratives that are central to Indigenous communities,” said Bell. “As an incubator program, supporting collaborative and cross-sectoral skills development as a community of care and practice is fundamental to everything we do. We ensure that every artist we work with is able to refine their skills and expand their creative horizons in ways that advance principles of self-determination and self-reliance.”
Jamie added, “It’s exciting to see our artistic vision growing through AI and the arts. We’re cultivating new pathways that celebrate technical skill and creative expression and capacity building that work across sectors.” Their words echo the broader mission of the project: to bridge gaps and build communities where art and technology thrive side by side.
Validating and valorizing the intersection of art and AI, the project offers a compelling model for future participatory media and digital arts programming.
Empowering Communities: Addressing Arts Funding Gaps and Building Youth Leadership
In a world where technology and creativity are inseparably intertwined, AI is emerging as a vital tool in reshaping the future of arts, leadership, and community development. For small and northern communities—many of which have been struggling with capacity and access to broader sectors—AI has provided a unique opportunity to break down barriers, bridge silos, and foster a new era of creativity and collaboration.
The pandemic exposed significant gaps within the arts and non-profit sectors, pushing many organizations to the brink of collapse. The challenges are compounded by issues like capability poverty, social disintegration, and a general lack of access to critical resources. This situation has left many artists and communities isolated from opportunities, particularly in the Far North, where limited funding is a constant struggle. For example, in the 2023-2024 fiscal year, only 20 projects out of 3,323 funded by the Ontario Arts Council in the Far North Region were granted funding—less than 1% of the total. The funding amounted to only 0.37% of the total Ontario Arts Council budget.
In 2023-2024, the Canada Council for the Arts funded 2,354 projects across Ontario, investing a total of $101,995,076 CAD. In this fiscal year, only three projects in the Kenora-Kiiwetinoong area were awarded grants. This allocation represents a mere 0.13% of the total projects, with $82,850 CAD allocated—roughly 0.08% of the Canada Council’s total funding in Ontario that year. These projects included two organizational grants and one individual award.
In 2022-2023, the Canada Council for the Arts funded 2,803 projects across Ontario, investing a total of $117,294,577 CAD. During this fiscal year, six projects in Far North Ontario area received grants. This allocation amounted to just 0.21% of the total projects, with $393,360 CAD distributed—around 0.34% of the Canada Council’s total funding in Ontario that year. These projects included four individual awards and two organizational grants.
In 2021-2022, the Canada Council for the Arts funded 3,032 projects across Ontario, investing a total of $149,127,280 CAD. In this fiscal year, five projects in the Far North region were awarded grants, making up just 0.17% of the total projects. The funding allocated was $172,402 CAD, which constitutes approximately 0.15% of the Canada Council’s total funding in Ontario that year. Notably, all five awards in this year were granted to individuals, with no organizational support.
These figures reflect just a few of the disparities that exist in access to resources and opportunities for innovation in remote areas.
The data highlights a pressing need for enhanced educational opportunities, engagement, and capacity-building initiatives within the Far North region. Access to arts education and professional development programs is essential for nurturing local talent and equipping artists with the skills necessary to succeed. However, current funding levels seem inadequate to support comprehensive training programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities. Investing in education can empower aspiring artists—particularly youth, women, and Indigenous individuals and groups—enabling them to overcome systemic barriers and contribute more effectively to the cultural fabric of their communities.
Given the geographical isolation and infrastructural limitations, there is a significant opportunity to leverage digital technologies to enhance the arts sector in Far North Ontario. Virtual platforms can enable remote collaborations, online exhibitions, and digital performances, thereby expanding the reach and accessibility of local artists. Furthermore, investing in digital infrastructure and training can empower artists to explore new mediums and innovative practices, fostering creativity and resilience in the face of physical constraints.
As well, to address the challenges within Far North Ontario’s arts sector, collaborative efforts are essential among various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, communities, and the private sector. Building strategic partnerships can pool resources, share expertise, and create synergies that amplify the impact of funding initiatives. For example, collaborations between local arts organizations and urban-based institutions—establishing a community of practice and care—can facilitate resource sharing, joint programming, and knowledge exchange. Additionally, partnerships with businesses can unlock new funding streams and sponsorship opportunities, providing more stable and diversified support for the arts.
From Pixels to Plates: How AI and Participatory Arts Are Redefining Food Security
In the summer of 2024, the program’s land-based activities resumed Indigenous relationship development and engagement activities funded by Manitoba Agriculture and the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. Building on last year’s success, artists and creators have been learning to push the boundaries of food security and sustainable agriculture through their use of AI-powered participatory arts. One of the program’s most inventive activities explored reimagining food production and product development through AI-generated packaging, branding, and design concepts. Using OpenAI’s DALL-E 3, artists blended diverse culinary traditions—from Japanese-Peruvian ceviche tacos to reimagined regional specialties—creating visuals that celebrated both cultural heritage and sustainable food systems.
Incorporating participatory arts methodologies, this group works make sure that AI-driven creativity remains an interactive, community-centered process—one that invites dialogue, collaboration, and artistic exploration. “While some may question whether AI and food design qualifies as “art,” we like to stress how this work is deeply rooted in established artistic disciplines—including visual storytelling, digital media, conceptual design, and cultural expression,” said Bell. “Just as pop art redefined commercial aesthetics and photography transformed perceptions of fine art, AI absolutely challenges conventional boundaries and expands how we engage with sustainability, technology, and creative practice.”
A standout feature of last summer’s artist-in-residency program was “AI Food Art Fridays,” a weekly digital showcase that turned AI-generated culinary concepts into an interactive experience. Each Friday, audiences encountered a new visual feast, sparking dialogue around the intersection of art, participatory media, and the future of food security. The group quickly gained momentum, driving over 1 million impressions and engaging more than 100,000 users on its web site.
Encouraged by the resounding success of these digital displays, the artistic team has decided to continue this tradition as part of their ongoing mentorship and creative endeavors. The blend of AI, participatory media, and a commitment to food security not only challenges conventional culinary boundaries but also affirms that art can be a powerful medium for social engagement and sustainable innovation.
This winter, as part of their Fall and Winter mentorship and internship program, the team designed its own AI Food Art Generator. Using the power of generative AI and OpenAI’s DALL E-3 API, they learned to design and code a simple tool to generate their own food fusions.
“We might not be able to bite into our AI-generated Caribou Wellingtons, but the art we create is certainly food for the soul,” joked Eetak, encapsulating the playful yet profound spirit of the project. This lighthearted sentiment underscores a serious commitment: equipping a new generation of artists with the digital literacy and creative leadership skills essential for navigating an ever-evolving technological society. Through the fusion of art and AI, these visionary creators are not only setting trends but are also charting a course for a future where technology and creativity are inextricably linked.
“We’re thinking to do an exhibition on this,” said Bell. “Art you can eat?”
AI-Driven Creative Leadership: Empowering Communities and Redefining the Future of Art
The integration of AI into artistic processes and community leadership is a game-changer in addressing these inequities. Through initiatives like the OpenAI Researcher Access Program, youth and emerging leaders in these communities are gaining the skills needed to compete in the global digital landscape. The project goes beyond technical training, emphasizing the cultivation of a creative mindset that blends analytical skills with imaginative innovation. In doing so, it is laying the foundation for a new generation of leaders who can leverage both technology and art to inspire change and drive sustainable development.
This holistic approach has proven especially beneficial in overcoming the entrenched challenges faced by marginalized communities. By merging AI, digital literacy, participatory media arts, and creative leadership, the project offers a pathway to rebuilding broken systems, reinvigorating youth engagement, and fostering new possibilities for collaboration. The mentorship provided by Tony Eetak and Jamie Bell extends far beyond just teaching technical skills; it empowers young artists and leaders to take ownership of their creative journeys and transform their communities.
As these artists engage with AI-powered tools like prompt literacy, UX/UI design, interactive coding, and free, AI image generators, they are equipped not only to create innovative art but also to spark meaningful conversations about the future of food, sustainability, and community-driven art. In this way, AI is not just a tool for creation but a powerful driver of social transformation.
Creating digital art opportunities that blend culture and heritage with new and emerging technologies, these projects — and the youth leading them — are breaking down barriers of access and creating new opportunities for marginalized voices to be heard. The collaborative nature of these initiatives provides a platform for artists to explore new methods of storytelling, engagement, and leadership, all while pushing the boundaries of what art and technology can achieve together.
Through this integration of AI and participatory arts, new pipelines for leadership, mentorship, and community engagement are being forged. The lessons learned from these initiatives are critical not only for the arts sector but also for the broader landscape of social and economic development in Northern and rural communities. This convergence of AI, creative leadership, and community-driven innovation is redefining how we think about the future of art and leadership in our ever-evolving technological society.
Bring on the robots.
About our Winter 2025 Arts program
As part of our AI Food Prompt Fridays series, this challenge is not just about creating stunning food imagery—it’s about exploring the broader landscape of digital literacy, media arts and how generative AI tools are shaping the future of creativity. Engaging with AI to craft these images, artists develop a deeper understanding of AI-assisted design, digital media, and visual storytelling. This exploration fosters critical skills in creative problem-solving, prompt crafting, and mastering new technology, empowering artists to push the boundaries of their craft while enhancing their digital fluency. Through this process, we’re not only creating art but also learning to navigate the evolving intersection of technology and creativity. Our 2025 Winter and Fall program activities are supported by the OpenAI Researcher Access Program and the Manitoba Arts Council.