AI x Creativity Fireside Chat: Practical Tools For Artists, Designers, and Media Pros
RRC Polytech's Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts, in partnership with CreativeMornings Winnipeg, is hosting a free Fireside Chat on Jan. 29 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Roundhouse Auditorium in Manitou a bi Bii daziigae.
The focus: how AI is influencing creative work-and how you can use it as a practical, empowering tool instead of treating it like a threat.
Why this matters for creatives
AI moves fast. Thomas Lepp, director of the Schroeder Institute, says it feels like "a huge tidal wave building behind us," and this event aims to add clarity and useful context for the local creative community.
The goal isn't hype. It's practical insight you can apply to your process this quarter, not someday.
Who's speaking
Ben Myers: CEO and co-founder of Robin, an AI-powered communications platform used by organizations across Canada, including educational institutions and government agencies. He also founded Blatant Space, a creative studio working with generative AI art, collaborating with brands and artists like Gucci and Mononeon. Earlier in his career, he worked as a VFX compositor on major films such as Avatar and The Hunger Games. "I'm looking forward to sharing practical examples of how AI can be integrated into the artistic practices of students and faculty," he said.
Sophie Theodorou: Content creator and AI consultant who teaches creators how to use AI tools in everyday workflows. She's built an audience of more than 100,000, partnering with brands like Adobe, Samsung, Google, and GoDaddy. She's also served as a product tester for emerging AI tools and delivered AI training internationally through Apple Education.
Lepp notes both speakers are artists first-positive, thoughtful voices who've been early adopters, showing how AI can give creatives real leverage in the design process.
What you'll get out of it
- Clear examples of where AI actually speeds up creative work without killing your style.
- Ideas for integrating AI into concepting, iteration, and production-without losing your point of view.
- Ways to reframe AI from threat to tool so you can ship better work, faster.
Event details
- Date: Wednesday, Jan. 29
- Time: 12:00-1:00 p.m.
- Location: Roundhouse Auditorium, Manitou a bi Bii daziigae
- Hosts: RRC Polytech's Schroeder Institute of Entertainment and Media Arts + CreativeMornings Winnipeg
- Cost: Free (registration required)
- Register: Save your seat here
Quick prep for attendees
- Bring one current project and note where you get stuck-ideation, versioning, or production.
- List two repeatable tasks you'd offload to an assistant if you had one. That's your first AI use case.
- Come with one question about quality control, style consistency, or client approvals.
Why this series matters
This fireside chat is part of a broader series from the Schroeder Institute to create accessible, future-focused conversations that connect students, working creatives, and industry. As AI reshapes how creative work is produced, the focus is on building skills that complement new tools-not replacing craft, but extending it.
Expect a nuanced discussion with practical takeaways you can apply immediately.
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