Our next Vancouver AI Community Meetup is just three sleeps away, and I couldn’t be more excited to share the details with you! We’re gathering at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre to spotlight the incredible talent and projects emerging from our AI community.

January 29th Lineup

Lionel Ringenbach & Marina Tsougrianis – Experimental AI Art Collaboration: Together, Lionel and Marina are celebrating the Holy Mother of the Void's first birthday with a unique, interactive installation blending shadow work, dance, and AI. This collaborative piece invites performers and audience members to take turns displaying and observing their evolving shadows, creating a playful exploration of identity and perspective.

Lionel will also showcase Compovision AI, a groundbreaking generative AI project redefining how we interact with machines. Instead of text prompts or clicks, Compovision lets users co-create by visually interacting with the world around them, turning everyday objects into stunning, AI-generated compositions. It’s an entirely new way to communicate and create with machines.

Nicole A. Donnelly – AI Adoption Specialist (from Seattle!): Nicole is traveling up from Seattle to join us! She’ll walk us through practical ways to integrate AI into everyday workflows, unlocking creativity in spaces where complexity once reigned. We’re officially international! 😉

Mirjana Prpa – HCI Researcher & Professor: From Northeastern University, Mirjana’s insights into AI, machine learning, and XR will get you thinking about the future intersections of humans, machines, and immersive tech.

Brittney Smaila – Neuroscientist & Poet: Brittney’s spoken word performance will weave the analytical precision of neuroscience with soulful storytelling, reminding us of the deeply human side of AI.

Ed Kennedy – Latent Space Explorer: Ed’s interactive installations will bridge the gap between AI, art, and play, letting us navigate the hidden spaces where creativity and code collide.

Special Acknowledgment

I also want to take a moment to acknowledge Gabriel George Sr. from the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, who has been generously sharing his traditional welcomes, songs, and cultural knowledge with us at recent meetups.

His presence reminds us of the deep histories of this land and the importance of weaving cultural wisdom into our conversations about the future. We’re honored to have him as part of our community.

Details you need to know:
📅 When: Wednesday, January 29th, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Where: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, 1100 Chestnut St, Vancouver

🎟️ If you haven’t snagged your ticket yet, head over here to grab yours.

In Case You Missed It: Peter Lucas Jones

In December, we were honored to host Peter Lucas Jones, CEO of Te Hiku Media and one of Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in AI.” His inspiring talk explored how Māori communities in Aotearoa (New Zealand) are using AI to preserve and revitalize the Māori language while asserting Indigenous data sovereignty.

📺 Catch his full talk on YouTube: Peter Lucas Jones | Māori Data Sovereignty & Language Revitalization

Upcoming Vancouver AI Meetups

February 26, 2025: A Space for New Ideas

This month, we’re diving into experimental ideas and concepts at the bleeding edge of AI. While the full lineup is still coming together, it’s a great time to pitch your project! If you’ve got a demo, talk, or wild idea you’d like to share, reply to this email with your concept, and we’ll work with you to make it happen.

March 26, 2025: Rethinking Collaboration in the AI Era

We’ll explore how humans and machines collaborate in creative, technical, and entrepreneurial spaces. As with February, we’re still shaping the talks and demos—so hit us up if you want to take the stage or share something cool!

Special Event: The Thinking Game Documentary Premiere

On February 5th, we’re hosting the Vancouver premiere of The Thinking Game—a rare behind-the-scenes look at DeepMind’s race to AGI (Artificial General Intelligence). This documentary dives deep into what AGI could mean for science, society, and the future of humanity.

📅 When: Wednesday, February 5th, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Where: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre

Limited tickets available: Get yours here - This is a one-of-a-kind chance to see the story of AGI unfold and join a community discussion about its implications. Don’t miss it!

Whether you're an artist, engineer, philosopher, or simply curious about AI, this is a space to explore, question, and create together.

Let’s dream bigger and make the future ours to shape.

See you under the stars,
KK

PS: Big thanks to our sponsors SEVGEV LLP, Dimitri Schwartzman, Sons of Vancouver, and Goodness Distributors for helping us bring this community to life.

BC leader in technology and legal innovation, SEVGEV LLP champions our vision of a future where creativity and AI thrive hand in hand.

​Connecting families to their dream residential homes, Dimitri Schwartzman w/ Macdonald Realty believes in building communities that inspire.

​Artisans of craft and community, Sons of Vancouver fuels our gatherings with the spirit of independent creativity.

​Spreading good vibes and great support, Goodness Distributors helps our AI community flourish with every step.