Jamie Bell
Jamie Bell is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of expertise in media, communications, and community engagement within the arts and non-profit sectors. Specializing in strategic communications, project management, and stakeholder engagement, Jamie excels in leading high-impact initiatives and fostering collaboration in diverse environments.
Throughout his career, Jamie has successfully partnered with esteemed institutions such as the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, University of Minnesota Duluth, and University of Victoria to spearhead projects focused on food security and economic reconciliation among Indigenous youth. As Public Affairs Officer for Nunavut Arctic College and the Nunavut Research Institute (2008-2017), he implemented innovative communication strategies that significantly enhanced community interaction and awareness.
In his roles as Co-Founder and Executive Director of Art Borups Corners (2019-2024) and the Arviat Film Society (2010-2021), Jamie secured over $375,000 in program funding through targeted grant writing, promoting growth and collaboration among local artists and students. His leadership emphasizes mentorship and professional development, designing programs that bridge traditional knowledge with contemporary artistic practices to cultivate entrepreneurial skills in youth.
Jamie’s strategic communications efforts have greatly increased public awareness and engagement across various platforms. His creative problem-solving and community outreach initiatives empower and uplift communities through the arts. Additionally, his work with the OpenAI Researcher Access Program showcases his ability to integrate traditional knowledge with advanced technologies, enhancing creative practices and fostering cultural expression among northern and Indigenous artists. Jamie continues to drive positive change and collaboration, establishing himself as a transformative leader in arts and community-focused initiatives.
Skills Overview
Strategic Communications & Community Outreach
Strategic Planning: Developing and implementing comprehensive communication strategies to enhance public awareness and community engagement.
Multilingual Communication: Managing bilingual communications in English and Inuktitut to engage diverse audiences effectively.
Event Coordination: Planning and executing events, workshops, and training programs to promote community engagement and professional development.
Community Engagement: Designing inclusive arts-based and participatory outreach, events and activities that connect with various community members, including youth, artists, researchers and Elders.
Project Management & Program Development for Arts and Community Development
Project Leadership: Leading and managing complex arts and community projects with strict timelines, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
Grant Writing & Fundraising: Writing and securing funding for arts, participatory research and community programs through targeted grant writing and fundraising efforts to support multiple initiatives.
Program Design: Creating innovative programs and events that bridge traditional knowledge with contemporary artistic practices, fostering entrepreneurial skills for youth and community members of all ages.
Leadership & Mentorship
Team Leadership: Leading multidisciplinary teams, promoting collaboration, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Mentorship: Providing training and guidance for community-driven programs and organizations to enhance skills in arts, technology use and media arts.
Capacity Building: Developing programs and events that enhance organizational capacity and empower community members.
Media Arts, Production & Technical Proficiency
Multimedia Production: Designing and producing dynamic multimedia content for various platforms, including print and online media.
Technical Communication: Creating comprehensive technical documentation that enhances user comprehension and accessibility.
Web Development: Proficient in website development tools such as HTML, CSS, Dreamweaver, and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro).
Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Building
Collaborative Partnerships: Building and maintaining strategic partnerships with academic institutions, Indigenous communities, and governmental organizations.
Stakeholder Management: Engaging effectively with diverse stakeholders to ensure project objectives and deliverables are met.
Networking: Establishing strong networks that facilitate resource sharing and collaborative opportunities.
Financial & Operational Management
Budgeting & Forecasting: Planning and managing annual systems services budgets and fiscal forecasts to align with departmental goals.
Financial Oversight: Ensuring cost-effective solutions and adherence to budgetary guidelines in project execution.
Operational Efficiency: Implementing best practices to improve departmental efficiency and responsiveness to technological advancements.
Participatory Research & Data Analysis
Participatory Research: Utilizing participatory methodologies and community feedback to align project outcomes with community needs and cultural aspirations.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Conducting data analysis and research to inform strategic decisions and measure project impacts.
Continuous Improvement: Implementing assessment frameworks to evaluate and enhance project effectiveness and community engagement.
Innovative and Creative Problem-Solving
Innovation: Integrating advanced technologies with traditional practices to enhance creative processes and cultural expression.
Adaptability: Navigating dynamic environments and adjusting strategies to meet evolving project demands and community needs.
Solution-Oriented: Developing tailor-made technical solutions that adhere to government standards and best practices.
Education
Creativity for Entrepreneurship (Continuing Education), University of Minnesota Duluth, 2020
Arts Management (Continuing Education), University of Windsor, 2017
Interactive Multimedia, Certificate Algonquin College, 1996
Print Journalism, Diploma Algonquin College, 1993 – 1995
Co-Founder and Executive Director, Art Borups Corners
Borups Corners, Ontario and Winnipeg, Manitoba | 2021-Present
As a co-founder and Executive Director of Art Borups Corners, a transformative arts collective and community recreation initiative, significant expertise in communications, program management, and organizational capacity building was demonstrated. The role involved spearheading comprehensive arts administration, successfully acquiring more than $375,000 of program funding from 2022-2024 through strategic grant writing for various community-focused projects and administering an additional $120,000 advertising budget.. Increased online engagement in 2024 to generate more than one million impressions and 100,000 visitors to program platforms. Incubating a diverse team atmosphere of more than 15 artists, students and community-based researchers, professional development for working artists was prioritized alongside mentorship opportunities for students and local residents. Innovative programming led to enhanced community engagement and empowerment, directly addressing youth development within the arts and recreation sectors.
Collaborating with esteemed institutions, impactful initiatives were co-designed to tackle pressing challenges such as food security and entrepreneurship training for Indigenous youth. Engagement with multiple stakeholders, including Indigenous communities and academic institutions, underscored the commitment to participatory methodologies and the importance of integrating community needs with actionable outcomes. Notable achievements included the development of educational programs that emphasized research-driven approaches to cultural entrepreneurship and arts-based community development, resulting in strengthened collaborative networks and increased capacity for advocacy and economic resilience within the region. This holistic approach not only nurtured artistic expression but also laid a sustainable foundation for ongoing research and program scalability in the arts and community sectors.
Co-Founder and Director, Arviat Film Society and Arviat Television
Arviat, Nunavut | 2010 – 2021
Co-founder and media mentor of the Arviat Film Society and Arviat Television, demonstrating a strong commitment to participatory media and performing arts training, enhancing community engagement and resilience through artistic expression with Inuit youth, artists and community members. Designing and delivering participatory arts, research and media skills training and mentorship programs that successfully integrated youth, artists, researchers, educators, Elders, and community members.
Delivering media arts and cultural programming to support training and establishing Arviat TV, in partnership with Isuma TV’s Digital Indigenous Democracy Project since November 2013.
Supporting the design, delivery and collaboration for more than 50 community-based participatory research, arts, health and wellness initiatives, mentorship and media training for projects such as the Atii! Let’s Do It! Youth Media Team and Building Healthy Bodies, Positive Impacts of Climate Change and the Nanisiniq Arviat History Project.
Harnessing film, television and performing arts for youth engagement, developing effective communication strategies, and supporting the securing of funding for community-driven programs involving groups of 25 ranging from 12-66 years of age..
Public Affairs Officer, Nunavut Arctic College and the Nunavut Research Institute
Arviat/Iqaluit, Nunavut | 2008-2017
Reporting to the President, and providing support to the Board of Governors and Minister’s office. Establishing and leading the Public Affairs Office for Nunavut Arctic College, driving strategic communications, outreach, and marketing initiatives aimed at enhancing public awareness of post-secondary education opportunities in Nunavut. Managing an advertising and marketing budget of $250,000, to develop and implement communications strategies and promotional campaigns for the College, ensuring consistent messaging to connect Inuit and Nunavummiut adult learners with educational resources and opportunities.
Overseeing the development of a wide range of communications materials, including press releases, media briefings, social media content, Ministerial statements, speeches, and advertising, facilitating effective media engagement and maximizing positive coverage. Establishing the College's social media presence, launching promotional campaigns that expanded community engagement and audience reach.
Managing and coordinating representation of the College at various trade shows and career fairs, including the Nunavut Trade Show, Kivalliq Trade Show, and Kitikmeot Trade Shows. Engaging with local high schools, community organizations and events, to disseminate information to potential students about the diverse continuing education, diploma and degree programs available to them.
Conducting thorough assessments of the College's communication needs and formulating cohesive strategies for outreach to 25 remote communities in Nunavut. Compiling and publishing the College’s annual reports, research compendia on projects conducted throughout Nunavut, and contributing valuable insights to the broader educational community.
Collaborating closely with College staff, the Department of Education, and various governmental, municipal and non-governmental organizations to create standardized communications strategies to enhance the College's public relations. Providing clear and concise briefing materials and advice on communication-related issues to senior management and the Board of Governors, ensuring informed decision-making processes.
Effectively managing the marketing and promotion of numerous post-secondary programs across the territory, including Nunavut Teacher Education, Nursing, Jewellery and Metalwork, Fur and Fashion Design, Environmental Technology, skilled trades initiatives and others, ensuring promotional materials reflecting the needs and aspirations of Nunavut residents. Monitoring outreach efforts and results for increased visibility and participation in educational opportunities for adult learners across the region.
Communications Manager; Policy, Planning and Communications
Department of Economic Development and Transportation, Government of Nunavut
Iqaluit, Nunavut | 2007-2008
Reporting to the Director of Policy, Planning and Communications and managing a budget of $130,000, responsibilities involved providing communications services aligned with the diverse linguistic and socio-economic needs of Nunavummiut.
Strategic planning and execution of territory-wide communication campaigns aimed at increasing awareness and compliance regarding new federal air transportation identification requirements. Successfully led initiatives to encourage Nunavummiut to obtain government-issued identification cards through innovative outreach efforts.
Designing and developing interactive, multilingual web platforms in both English, French and Inuktut for pan-territorial and national marketing campaigns and trade shows, promoting economic development and tourism opportunities across Nunavut. Developing engaging content as part of the ‘Look Up Nunavut’ campaign that effectively showcased Nunavut’s economic potential.
Marketing and promoting public programs and resources related to business development, tourism, arts and culture. Ensuring externally contracted work for the development of ED&T publications, presentations, and displays adhered to departmental guidelines regarding cost and timelines.
Skillfully handling inquiries from news media and the public, crafting and editing media releases, backgrounders, and ministerial statements for the department and the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.
Providing research and advisory support to senior management on IT issues, as well as planned and developed the annual systems services budget and fiscal forecasts for the department. This role exemplified their ability to engage a variety of stakeholders and demonstrate leadership within a dynamic governmental environment.
Communications and Information Coordinator; Policy, Planning and Communications
Department of Economic Development and Transportation, Government of Nunavut
Iqaluit, Nunavut | 2006-2007
Reporting to the Communications Manager, responsibilities involved managing and coordinating departmental outreach and communications activities. Coordinating the publication and release of materials for media, internet, and print platforms, ensuring information was disseminated effectively to diverse audiences.
Providing research and advisory services to the Deputy Minister and Senior Management, focusing on information technology issues that significantly influenced departmental operations. This included planning and development of annual systems services budget and fiscal forecasts, ensuring alignment with department goals.
Researching, monitoring, and evaluating emerging information technologies, recommending cost-effective solutions tailored to the department's needs. Supporting technology innovation initiatives to improve efficiency and responsiveness to technological advancements and needs.
Writing news releases, ministerial statements and marketing content. Collaborating and liaising with communications staff across various departments, including Intergovernmental Affairs, on special projects. Notable initiatives included development of the department's corporate website, production of the Sanaugait Arts and Crafts Strategy, the Parnautiit Nunavut Mineral Exploration and Mining Strategy, and marketing campaigns to boost arts, culture, economic development and tourism..
Providing hands-on advice and administrative support to headquarters and regional staff, enhancing their communication capabilities for program delivery. Conducting comprehensive research and mastering advancements in Internet and Intranet technologies, to deliver valuable insights to guide management and staff in navigating a rapidly evolving digital landscape with multiple shifting priorities.
Generating detailed reports, including monthly web statistics, server studies, site audits, and user requirement surveys, which helped to assess and improve the efficacy of public service communications related to business development, tourism, arts and culture, resource development, and transportation.
Multimedia Producer, Army News
Directorate of Army Public Affairs, Department of National Defence
Ottawa, Ontario | 2005 – 2006
Designing, creating, planning, and implementing a diverse array of multimedia projects aimed at promoting Army Transformation and enhancing public affairs initiatives. Collaborating with cross-functional teams to support innovative communication strategies across various platforms, including the Army’s website, global television network, and print media.
Supporting the development of interactive multimedia projects, online case studies, and marketing content, increasing engagement and outreach for multiple Army websites and special projects and providing mentorship to students and staff.
Web Developer and Quality Assurance
Directorate of History and Heritage, Department of National Defence
Ottawa, Ontario | 2005
Supporting a team of developers in a contract role to enhance web content dedicated to Canada’s military heritage and history.
Writing and editing content summaries for metadata records to improve content description and categorization. Conducted rigorous proofreading and quality assurance to ensure compliance with Common Look and Feel and DND Web Publishing standards. Designing and developing web content, contributing to a more dynamic and user-friendly online experience.
eBusiness and Database Developer
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
Ottawa, Ontario | 2004
Developing metadata collection and documentation strategies for information management, identifying key goals and operational objectives to ensure project alignment with client needs in a cost-effective and standards-compliant manner.
Engaging effectively with senior and executive management by presenting strategies and reporting project progress to stakeholders, including the NSERC Corporate Webmaster, eBusiness Project Manager, Chief Information Officer, and account executives.
Creating and maintaining a comprehensive Project Management Plan using Microsoft Project, alongside an organized project archive that encompassed all documentation, correspondence, and records.
Facilitating information sessions for the Tri-Council-approved Web Invigoration Portal Project, recording and documenting feedback from staff, management, and stakeholders to foster continuous improvement and project success.
User Interface Design and Technical Communicator
Land Software Engineering Centre, Department of National Defence
Ottawa, Ontario | 1998 - 2004
Establishing a User Interface Design and Technical Communications team within an ISO-9001:2000 software engineering framework for the Canadian Army. Technical writing and communication, planning, designing, and producing print and online documentation.
Mentoring new and junior designers and communicators, providing training in technical documentation and multimedia tools, supporting a collaborative and continuously improving team environment. Managing multiple high-stakes communications projects within a complex department of over 100 developers and clients to ensure alignment on project objectives and deliverables.
Developing user interfaces and comprehensive training materials for tactical software and systems. Conducting research to implement and document quality system best practices for improving technical communication, project management, and training, contributing to effective knowledge transfer and sustaining innovation within public service sector environments.
Multimedia Coordinator
Ottawa Center for Research and Innovation
Ottawa, Ontario | 1998
Contributing to a multidisciplinary communications team focused on promoting and marketing a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing collaborative technology research, education, and entrepreneurship in Ottawa.
Designing and producing dynamic marketing and communications materials for a variety of professional development events, including seminars, trade shows, technical conferences, and special events such as New Media North, Zone5ive, the Technology Executive Breakfast, Ottawa SPIN, and the Annual General Meeting.
Monitoring, writing, editing, and publishing news articles related to the Ottawa-area high-tech industry, corporate events, and announcements for the website and media. Maintaining and enhancing website content and graphics, ensuring alignment with current initiatives and promoting engagement with stakeholders.
Marketing Officer Web and Online, Community and Student Affairs Department
Algonquin College
Ottawa, Ontario | 1996 – 1997
Reporting to the Director of Community and Student Affairs, responsibilities involved developing, maintaining and administering the Algonquin College corporate website, writing and editing of content for internal and public distribution.
Providing general assistance to the operations and activities of the Community and Student Affairs Office, College Information Booth and responding to the needs and requests of students, staff and the general public. Extensive writing, editing and production for on-line Continuing Education catalogues and college marketing materials.
Reporter-Photographer, Atikokan Progress
Atikokan, Ontario | 1994 - 1995
Writing, interviewing, researching, reporting and photography for news, local events, court and legal issues, business and human-interest stories Northwestern Ontario.
Editing, reviewing and proofreading for news and editorial content, advertising, page layout and custom print orders. Researching information for stories using online and archival records and conducting interviews in a wide variety of situations and environments.
Incubator for Digital and Cultural Entrepreneurship
Art Borups Corners | Winnipeg, Manitoba | November 2021-Present
Establishing an experimental urban and land-based arts and culture training and mentorship program for incubating next-generation arts talent with $50,000 of funding from the Canada Council for the Arts Digital Greenhouse.
Exploring new technologies and platforms for emerging Indigenous youth, artists and culture connectors to learn skills from the palm of their hands – in whatever community they live – whether urban, rural or remote. The platform will also serve as a marketplace to match these youth with one another, building virtual communities and including mentors and Elders, to support their further arts education and knowledge.
Digital Frontiers: Exploring AI in Creative Arts
Art Borups Corners | Winnipeg, Manitoba | June 2024 - May 2025
Co-creating and leading a transformative initiative that integrated artificial intelligence into the arts to empower northern and Indigenous artists. Secured $10,000 USD of funding, support and resources from the OpenAI Researcher Access Program,
Securing project funding to design and deliver innovative training and mentorship opportunities with cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies.
Applying arts and community-based participatory research approaches to elevate diverse voices and technology levels with an artistic narrative.
The program achieved significant outcomes, enriching digital storytelling techniques, streamlining administrative operations, and enhancing community engagement and creative collaboration across multiple projects.
Focused on measuring and reporting outcomes, the initiative saw artists not only adapt to AI technologies but also evolve as pioneers in integrating these tools within their artistic practice. Outcomes included a surge in innovative project participation and a strong sense of community collaboration redefining narratives for digital arts.
Relationship Development and Community Engagement with the University of Minnesota Duluth and Minneapolis College of Art and Design
Art Borups Corners | Borups Corners, Ontario & Winnipeg, Manitoba | November 2023 - June 2024
Creating and co-leading a project to support relationship development and community engagement initiatives in collaboration with the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and the University of Minnesota Duluth to explore participatory arts, food security research and training opportunities. Successfully supported a cross-functional team of a dozen diverse students, artists, and researchers across multiple regions, enhancing collaborative networks among academic institutions, Indigenous businesses, and community organizations. Connecting experienced food sector entrepreneurs with Indigenous youth, empowering participants and fostering social cohesion while addressing food insecurity in northern communities.
Exploring and implementing innovative project strategies for experiential learning, biophilic design, and community-based research approaches. Cultivating partnerships and securing funding from Manitoba Agriculture, driving impactful outcomes in entrepreneurial mindset development and community capacity building.
Ensuring effective communication strategies for stakeholder engagement, contributing to long-term planning and future collaborative research between Manitoba, Nunavut, Northwestern Ontario and Minnesota. The project's success was reflected in strengthened community ties, enhanced skills development, and increased employment opportunities for advancing economic reconciliation.
Introducing, Indigenous Intellectual Property Protection Program for Indigenous Cultural Expression
Art Borups Corners | Winnipeg, Manitoba | April - August 2024
Establishing a project to introduce Indigenous Intellectual Property Protection, with funding from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, the role involved empowering Indigenous youth to better understand their cultural heritage and intellectual property rights.
Designing and delivering a series of workshops in collaboration with esteemed educational institutions—including the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and the University of Victoria Community-Based Research Lab—participants developed critical skills related to Traditional Knowledge, Cultural Expressions, and the nuances of the IP landscape in Canada. The program fostered community engagement and cross-cultural exchanges, enhancing awareness of IP rights and enriching conversations about innovation and sustainability.
proposing and securing funding, overseeing project logistics, and delivering impactful training and mentorship opportunities to engage youth in the creation of a measurement tool utilizing OpenAI models to assess the alignment of activities.
Relationship Development and Engagement with the University of the Arctic
Art Borups Corners | Borups Corners, Ontario & Winnipeg, Manitoba | November 2023 - June 2024
Establishing a project to facilitate innovative relationship development and stakeholder engagement with post-secondary institutions and University of the Arctic (UArctic) thematic networks, focusing on participatory arts-based food security, climate change adaptation, northern supply chain research, creative entrepreneurship and creative leadership training.
Successfully establishing inclusive cross-sectoral partnerships, fostering community empowerment and social cohesion through targeted training and curriculum development for the arts, agriculture and food sectors.
Securing project funding, managing activities, and co-designing impactful training and mentorship opportunities that inspired economic growth, self-reliance and self-determination.
Engaging a diverse array of stakeholders—including academic researchers, local organizations, youth, artists and industry experts—to enhance community outreach efforts and inform the design and delivery of tailored educational programs.
Towards A Framework for Northern Food Systems Innovation
Art Borups Corners | Borups Corners, Ontario & Winnipeg Manitoba | May 2023 - June 2024
A collaborative artist and community-driven pilot program aimed at addressing food insecurity and innovation with northern and Indigenous communities, emphasizing arts and community-based participatory research for community engagement. Funded by Manitoba Agriculture and the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
Designing and implementing a program to bolster creative and cultural entrepreneurship and technology skills, fostering direct involvement from primary stakeholders, including artists, farmers, youth, and Elders.
Managing relationships with various partners, including the University of Minnesota Duluth, University of Victoria and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, facilitating training in supply chain optimization, emergent design, experiential design, and biophilic practices. The initiative supported increasing Indigenous participation in Manitoba’s agri-food sectors and supported the creation of evidence-based solutions to enhance community health and economic resilience.
Implementing assessment and measurement frameworks to measure project impacts, leveraging both qualitative and quantitative research methods to identify themes and trends influencing food security.
Leading capacity-building efforts to encourage sustainable advocacy for policy change, leading to improved opportunities while strengthening ties with government and non-profit sectors. Reinforcing stakeholder collaboration through strategic communication and community engagement strategies, to drive effective outreach and partnership development.
Integrating participatory arts-based approaches and traditional knowledge with modern technologies to prepare northern and Indigenous youth and community members to navigate emerging opportunities, promote informed policy changes, and cultivate a resilient, data-driven ecosystem for northern food systems innovation.
Arts Mentor, Inclusion in Northern Research
Winnipeg, Manitoba | 2020-2021
Supporting arts and media mentorship for “Inclusion in Northern Research” to explore what it means to be included in northern research as viewed through an arts-based lens. The project was established as part of the ArcticNet Network Centre of Excellence’s Arctic Change 2020 conference
Contributing to the development of a strategy and key performance indicators for equity, diversity and inclusion in northern research.
Presenting to more than 5,700 researchers at Arctic Change; 1,500 researchers at the Arctic Science Summit Week 2021 in Lisbon, Portugal and Vienna in 2023l. In 2021, ReCreating Environments of Inclusion was piloted during the 2021 ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meetings.