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Could the next viral meme come out of this Timmins lab?

New program features free drop-ins, workshops for teens that will teach vlogging, experimental photography, podcasting, among other digital skills
2018-01-15 DGTL Creator MH
Digital Creator Timmins program lead Tyler Levesque is ready for the launch of the space this weekend at the Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre. Maija Hoggett/TimminsToday

A new space is empowering teens to get creative.

Digital Creator is a free drop-in maker space geared toward teens. It’s set up at the Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre and has all the tools you need to explore technology, or just sit back and relax.

The program also features structured workshops across the street at the Timmins Public Library.

“In this space, you are totally welcome to do that (structured program), but the pressure is simmered down completely. You are more than welcome to pick my brain, see what I know about what you want to accomplish or you can also approach the space like ‘you know what I’ve had a long day at school, I’m going to use the space to hang out or play Xbox,” said program lead Tyler Levesque.

At the maker space, he is busy getting everything ready for the public to check out at the launch on Saturday, Jan. 20. It runs from noon to 5 p.m. and is a chance for the teachers, parents, artists and teens to see the space and what it has to offer.

When the drop-in sessions start next week, teens will be able to explore DSLR photography and lighting, along with learning how to use Adobe Suite to edit film, make vector drawings, and more.

“It’s for all spectrums, it’s for kids who want to show up, take their own photographs, learn how to light their own shots, learn how to manipulate their own images or edit. And it’s also for kids who are just looking for something to do after school,” he said.

With a green screen at the library, and the technology in the Digital Creator space, Levesque said students have all the tools to make a vlog or podcast.

“Everybody I talk to has a favourite YouTuber, so I think that that’s an interesting access point because that was something that I wish I had the accessibility to do,” he said.

The programming starts next Tuesday with a Meme Building workshop from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the library, followed by drop-in sessions throughout the week at the Digital Creator Space at the museum.

Other upcoming events include:

Saturday, Jan. 27 – Podcast 101, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at the library

Tuesday, Jan. 30 – Light Painting, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the library

Saturday, Feb. 3 – Experimental Photography, 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., and 1:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. at the library

Wednesdays and Thursdays – Drop-in DGTL Creator Space, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the museum

Fridays, Drop-in DGTL Creator Space, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the museum

To register for a workshop, email Levesque at [email protected].