About Us
14 years in business
Est. in 2008
Cool people doing cool things.
N2M2L About
Near North Mobile Media Lab (N2M2L) is a registered non-profit that provides the tools media artists, students, filmmakers and audiences in Northern Ontario need to produce, present and enjoy contemporary media arts in all its forms. This includes but is not limited to: media installations; filmmaking; video art; animation; documentary arts; and sound production. We provide a rental service of industry standard equipment at low prices, run workshops, hold screenings and events, and foster a growing community of media artists in our region. We are located in downtown North Bay.
N2M2L Mission
The Near North Mobile Media Lab cultivates, develops, and champions contemporary digital media art for artists and audiences in northern Ontario.
N2M2L Mandate
We envision a thriving and sustainable arts community in northern Ontario that supports innovative digital media artists, creates access to contemporary presentations, and is a valued participant in broader artistic discourse.
Born in the North
Board of Directors
Chair
Neil Brown
Treasurer
Stephen Lee
Secretary
Stéphanie Lamothe
Member
Gregory Unrau
Member
Josie Beamish
Member
Aylan Couchie
Member
Stephanie McGinn
Member
Douglas Brisebois
Staff
Executive Director
Sharon Switzer
Sharon Switzer is an artist, curator, arts educator, and producer. She has, since the early 1990s, exhibited her digital and video art widely across Canada and in the U.S, as well as at international art fairs with Corkin Gallery. Her curating focuses on bringing contemporary art to public spaces. She founded the not-for-profit curatorial organization Art for Commuters, and produced the Art in Transit program as well as the Toronto Urban Film Festival, offering artists an opportunity to show their work in the public spaces frequented by urban commuters. Switzer has an MFA from the University of Western Ontario, is a Graduate of the CFC Media Lab at the Canadian Film Centre. She is represented by Corkin Gallery, Toronto.
Communications Officer
Jameson Toye
Jameson Toye is a Marketing Coordinator based in North Bay, Ontario, who has been working in the role of Communications Officer with the Near North Mobile Media Lab since joining in November 2018.
Jameson graduated from the Advertising and Marketing Communications program at Canadore College with honours, and since joining N2M2L has proven himself to be a tremendous asset and contributor to our team. He has learned much about the Northern Ontario Arts sector from his time working with N2M2L, and is excited to continue learning more.
Ice Follies Biennial Festival Coordinator
DhruvRaj Jobanputra
DhruvRaj Jobanputra (DJ) began his broadcasting career in his home country before moving to North Bay in August 2019 to pursue Broadcasting – Television and Video Production at Canadore College. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, DJ excelled in his studies, earning recognition for his work, including directing an online broadcast of the off-Broadway play All in the Timing.
Since moving to North Bay, DJ has been actively involved in several projects, including producing a high-quality commercial for a local restaurant and participating in the Buy Local Support Local campaigns to promote businesses during COVID-19. He is currently establishing his own digital media production and video advertisement business along with the . DJ has worked on 7 Christmas movies and several web series in Northern Ontario. His innovative ideas and fresh perspective make him an invaluable member of our organization.
Digital Creator North Program Facilitator
Sara Mayhew
Sara Mayhew is a Canadian manga artist, writer, and illustrator. She graduated Canadore College in 2005 and the same year created “Secrets of Sorcerers,” which won the International Manga and Anime Festival award and a Northern Arts grant. Mayhew also illustrated “The First Emperor,” self-published “Love Pet,” and created the “Legend of the Ztarr” series, which received another Northern Arts grant. Mayhew has written about her skeptical viewpoint in her art in various periodicals, podcasts, and conventions. Her work has also featured in Applied Arts Magazine and Scholastic’s ChickaDEE magazine.
Technical Coordinator
Alejandra Lara
Ale is a Colombian broadcaster with experience and knowledge in the media industry. She has worked in the creation and execution of live broadcasts, sports programs and large-scale events. Her goal is to combine creativity, technology and organization to deliver memorable experiences to the audience.