Report: From Curiosity to Confidence Through Digital Creator North

Jonah experiments with digital music production in the Digital Creator North studio, using a MIDI keyboard and headphones to create original beats.

From Curiosity to Confidence Through Digital Creator North: A Decade of Creativity, Connections, and Digital Arts Education for Northern Ontario Youth

Near North Mobile Media Lab has released a new report that offers a decade’s worth of insight into building and sustaining youth-focused digital and media arts programming in rural and Northern communities. From Curiosity to Confidence Through Digital Creator North: A Decade of Creativity, Connections, and Digital Arts Education for Northern Ontario Youth shares lessons learned, toolkits, and practical advice for anyone interested in creating similar programs.

Between 2013 and 2023, Digital Creator North (DCN) operated as a network of media arts access hubs across Northern Ontario. Eight sites were established in libraries, museums, and community centres, offering free access to digital tools and creative mentorship for youth aged 11–19. The report traces the development of these spaces from early research and pilot programs to a multi-site network, an online pivot during the pandemic, and the launch of a new DCN space in North Bay.

Cohen, a young participant at Digital Creator North, proudly holds up an original drawing created during open studio time.

Each site offered both structured workshops and unstructured open studio time, allowing youth to work on film, animation, photography, graphic design, sound, and interactive media. The HOMAGO model (Hanging Out, Messing Around, Geeking Out) was used to foster skill development rooted in interest-based learning. Youth had the freedom to explore new tools, create their own projects, and learn from each other in an environment designed specifically for them.

The final phase of the initiative focused on transitioning to a network model, enabling community partners to run their own DCN-style programs with guidance and support from Near North Mobile Media Lab. In 2022, a new DCN hub opened in North Bay and continues to operate today; its success eventually inspired the idea for a makerspace designed to serve the broader community.

Shelby (left) and Ellie Mae (right) pose in front of their digital illustrations at the Digital Creator North Gallery Hop, part of a group exhibition that also featured fellow artist Tales.

Drawing on insights from all sites, the report offers a reflective overview of the program’s evolution and impact. It outlines key takeaways such as effective staffing strategies, the value of location and community partnerships, meaningful youth engagement practices, and the importance of social connection in creative learning. It also addresses ongoing challenges, including transportation barriers, limited program visibility, and staff turnover in remote communities.

This report is intended as a resource for anyone working in media arts, youth engagement, public programming, or arts education in rural or Northern regions. Whether starting from scratch or refining existing initiatives, readers will find detailed, experience-based knowledge to help shape effective and accessible creative spaces for youth. Alongside the release of the report, N2M2L has launched a series of public toolkits that include equipment lists, sample workshops, and recommendations for staffing and sustainability.

Youth and facilitators gather around laptops and 3D printers during a Digital Creator North session focused on digital fabrication.

From Curiosity to Confidence Through Digital Creator North is available to download for free at: digitalcreator.ca/resources

For more information:
www.digitalcreator.ca
www.n2m2l.ca
medialabnorthbay@gmail.com

Accessibility:
The Digital Creator North space at 108 Main Street West is fully wheelchair accessible and located on ground level, with no stairs or barriers to entry.

Image credits: All photos were taken by Digital Creator North program leads and facilitators between 2015 and 2025. Images are courtesy of Near North Mobile Media Lab.