host a workshop

Every Skins workshop is designed to meet the needs of our hosts and their communities.

please Contact Us for more information.

To host a workshop you will need:

Scroll down

Workshop types

Click to learn more
+

Video game

These intensive workshops begin with traditional storytelling – exploring legends, histories and dreams of our communities – and proceed to teach participants how to tell a story in a new way: a video game. 

Software: Bitsy, Unity, Twine 

Duration: varies between softwares 

Click to learn more
+

7th Gen

We noticed that very few Indigenous people show up in books, shows or games that depict the future. In this workshop, participants are guided in designing futuristic characters 7 generations after us.  

Software: Pencil & Paper, Procreate, Blender 

Duration: 2-8 sessions of 2 hours each 

Artificial Intelligence

The Skins Team will break down what makes up artificial intelligence and show how taking this technology into our own hands can shape how we engage with the future of languages, tradition and culture. 

Softwares: Midjourney=

Duration: 1 session of 1.5 hours 

Click to learn more
+

Machinima

Machinima (from the words “machine” and “cinema”) is an emerging technique of making movies within virtual worlds or video games. In this workshop, participants learn the basics of the popular on-line world, Second Life, and how it can be used to tell Indigenous stories. 

Software: Second Life 

Duration: 1-7 sessions of 2-6 hours each

Click on the cards to learn more about each workshop

Click to learn more
+

Video game

These intensive workshops begin with traditional storytelling – exploring legends, histories and dreams of our communities – and proceed to teach participants how to tell a story in a new way: a video game. 

Software: Bitsy, Unity, Twine 

Duration: varies between softwares 

Click to learn more
+

7th Gen

We noticed that very few Indigenous people show up in books, shows or games that depict the future. In this workshop, participants are guided in designing futuristic characters 7 generations after us.  

Software: Pencil & Paper, Procreate, Blender 

Duration: 2-8 sessions of 2 hours each 

Artificial Intelligence

The Skins Team will break down what makes up artificial intelligence and show how taking this technology into our own hands can shape how we engage with the future of languages, tradition and culture. 

Softwares: Midjourney=

Duration: 1 session of 1.5 hours 

Click to learn more
+

Machinima

Machinima (from the words “machine” and “cinema”) is an emerging technique of making movies within virtual worlds or video games. In this workshop, participants learn the basics of the popular on-line world, Second Life, and how it can be used to tell Indigenous stories. 

Software: Second Life 

Duration: 1-7 sessions of 2-6 hours each

Click to learn More

Click to learn More

Click to learn More

Click to learn More

Click on the cards to learn more about each workshop

Host Staff

Host administrator

Prior to the workshop
Corresponds with AbTeC staff to ensure needs are met; promotes workshops; manages participant registration; arranges food service (if necessary)

During the workshop
Remains present to assist with setup and take down; manages venue (temperature, food, etc.); assists participants with personal concerns

Prior to the workshop: corresponds with AbTeC staff to ensure needs are met; promotes workshops; manages participant registration; arranges food service (if necessary) 

During the workshop: remains present to assist with setup and take down; manages venue (temperature, food, etc.); assists participants with personal concerns

host technician

Prior to the workshop
Ensures that all required equipment and software works at least 1 week before the workshop starts

During the workshop
Available to solve technical issues (computer crashes, power, internet, microphones, projections, etc.)

Prior to the workshop: ensures that all required equipment and software works at least 1 week before the workshop starts

During the workshop: available to solve technical issues (computer crashes, power, internet, microphones, projections, etc.)

Participant trainee

(optional, but ideal)

An identified individual who will attend the workshop with the express purpose of learning to lead a future workshop 

*Additional host staffing may be required depending on the type of workshop.

The abtec team

AbTeC’s network is composed of multi-talented artists, gamers and educators. A team of individuals is assembled for each workshop, depending on the number of workshop participants, and in conversation with the host.  

There is a fee for each AbTeC team member.

For workshops outside of Montreal, hosts also cover all travel, accommodation, and meal expenses for each AbTeC team member during the workshop (including travel days). 

Workshop Venue

Workshop hosts must ensure an appropriate venue for the workshop, which includes the following: 

Large room for all participants and staff to work collaboratively and sit comfortably for long periods of time 

Comfortable and consistent room temperature (22 degrees C) 

Fully-equipped presentation area with computer, display, speakers, internet, and microphone

A separate space to take lunch and coffee breaks 

Adequate parking or accessible via public transit

Accessible restrooms

equipment

Workshop hosts must provide equipment with the following minimum technical requirements:

Computers

1 per participant and 1 for instructors

Internet

Presentation Station

Minimum hardware specifications:

OS: Windows 10 (64-bit) 
Processor: 2.6 Ghz quad-core 
Memory: 16GB RAM 
Graphics Card: Nvidia GTX 980 
Disk space: 100 GB 
Peripherals 
1920×1080 monitor 
Mouse with scroll wheel 
Keyboard with number pad 
Headphones

100Mbs download, 10Mbs upload 
Ethernet connections 
Unblocked access 
Ethernet and wifi options for AbTeC staff devices 
Internet connections to workshop devices must be managed by a network switch

Computer 
Projector screen or large display 
Speakers 
Microphone 

Computers

1 per participant and 1 for instructors

Minimum hardware specifications:

OS: Windows 10 (64-bit) 
Processor: 2.6 Ghz quad-core 
Memory: 16GB RAM 
Graphics Card: Nvidia GTX 980 
Disk space: 100 GB 
Peripherals 
1920×1080 monitor 
Mouse with scroll wheel 
Keyboard with number pad 
Headphones

Internet

  • 100Mbs download, 10Mbs upload 
  • Ethernet connections 
  • Unblocked access 
  • Ethernet and wifi options for AbTeC staff devices 
  • Internet connections to workshop devices must be managed by a network switch

Presentation Station

  • Computer
  • Projector screen or large display 
  • Speakers 
  • Microphone 

Online Option

Several of our workshops have been adapted to be delivered online. All participants are required to use their own equipment and internet connection for this option. 

These intensive workshops begin with traditional storytelling – exploring legends, histories and dreams of our communities – and proceed to teach participants how to tell a story in a new way: a video game. With that foundation in place, youth learn important industry related skills such as game design, art direction, 3D modelling and computer programming. The lessons are taught by Indigenous artists and a core team of senior students from Concordia University. 

From mythic characters to traditional game mechanics to decolonized values, the Skins games reflect Indigenous teachings while offering youth basic technical skills. The instructors may also refer to various university programs related to the disciplines being taught in the workshop. 

.

Workshop name

Duration

Software

Requirements

Imagining Indigenous Worlds with Bitsy

1-4 session(s) of up to 2 hours each 
Bitsy
Tech :
Computer with browser & Wifi Connection

Materials:
Pencil & erasers

Interactive Storytelling with Twine

2-4 session(s) of 2 hours each 
Twine

Tech : 
Computer with browser & Wifi Connection

Materials:
Pencil & erasers

Imagining Indigenous Worlds with Unity

4-10 session(s) of 2-3 hours each 
Unity

See detailed tech requirements

Materials:
Sketchbook 
Pencils/Colored Pencils

Indigenous Video Game Production

To be Discussed with Organizers – minimum two weeks, up to four weeks.

See detailed tech requirements

Materials: 
Sketchbook 
Pencils/Colored Pencils 
Black lining pens (felt tip) 
Board Games

We love science fiction. However, we noticed that very few Indigenous people show up in books, shows or games that depict the future. We want to change that and believe that we can thrive by encouraging people to envision ourselves in seven generations. In this workshop, participants are guided in designing futuristic characters with pencil and paper. Take it a step further and learn how to use digitial illustration tools like Procreate or bring your character to life in 3D using Blender. Discussion is encouraged.   

 

Workshop name

Duration

Software

Requirements

7th Gen Character Design (Analog)

1-2 session(s) of up to 2 hours each
N/A

Materials:
Sketchbook
Pencils/Colored Pencils
Black lining pens (felt tip)

7th Gen Character Design+ (Procreate)

2-4 session(s) of 2 hours each 

Teach:
iPad with compatible Apple Pencil
Materials:
Pencils/Colored Pencils
Sketchbook
Black lining pens (felt tip)

7th Gen Character Design++ (Blender)

4-7 session(s) of 2 hours each

See detailed tech requirements

Materials
Sketchbook
Pencils/Colored Pencils
Black lining pens (felt tip)

Extra:
3D Printed Figurines via Shapeways

7th Gen Tech Design (Blender)

3-5 session(s) of 2 hours each

See  detailed tech requirements
Materials
Sketchbook
Pencils/Colored Pencils
Black lining pens (felt tip)

The questions surrounding AI can feel scary at first. The Skins Team will break down what makes up artificial intelligence and show how taking this technology into our own hands can shape how we engage with the future of languages, tradition and culture.   

Workshop name

Duration

Softwares

Requirements

Introduction to AI

1 session of 2 hours

N/A

Projector and screen

Introduction to AI + Using AI Tools Ethically

1 session of 2-3 hours

Midjourney (for Instructors)
ChatGPT

Tech:  
Computer with browser & Wi-Fi connection

Machinima (from the words “machine” and “cinema”) is an emerging technique of making movies within virtual worlds or video games. In this workshop, participants learn the basics of the popular on-line world, Second Life, and how it can be used to tell Indigenous stories. They will select a story, make a storyboard, create characters, build sets, record sound, film scenes, and then edit them into a short movie.  

The ideal duration of this workshop is five days. Shorter introductions to the avatar experience is also available, where participants can visit ongoing exhibitions at AbTeC Gallery, our virtual gallery on Second Life.   

Workshop name

Duration

Software

Requirements

Introduction to Second Life

1-2 session(s) of 2 hours each

Introduction to Machinima

2-4 sessions of 2-3 hours each

Machinima Production

5-10 sessions of 2-3 hours each

See detailed tech requirements

Materials:
Sketchbook
Pencils/Colored Pencils
Black lining pens (felt tip)