Immersive art and youth activities: a look back at the Café numérique held as part of MTL connect ← All news
Culture Technology 11 November 2026

Immersive art and youth activities: a look back at the Café numérique held as part of MTL connect

From October 10 to 17, Printemps numérique organized a Café numérique at Complexe Desjardins as part of MTL connect. Free and open to the public, this space for discovery welcomed 2,324 participants, who had the opportunity to experience immersive works in the 360° Mobile Dome and discover creations by more than twenty Francophone, international and emerging artists.

The artistic program explored the intersections of new imaginaries, memory and storytelling, while highlighting the diversity of artistic perspectives. Visitors were invited to immerse themselves in unique visual and soundscapes. Organized around four themes designed to evoke emotion and meaning, the works offered different perspectives on digital creativity and the possibilities of immersive experiences.

Café numérique: discovering and learning about digital technologies in new ways

As an extension of this artistic exploration, Café numérique, an initiative by Printemps numérique, invites young people to discover and experiment with new technologies through interactive and immersive activities. It provides an opportunity to strengthen their digital literacy, develop critical thinking skills and reflect on the challenges of digital citizenship.

During the week at Complexe Desjardins, Café numérique also welcomed school groups and youth organizations. These activities brought together a total of 44 young people, who had the opportunity to discover immersive art and take part in discussions on various digital issues, including the role of AI in creativity, the strategies digital media use to capture our attention, and the importance of kindness in our online interactions.

By encouraging experimentation and discussion, these activities made technological discovery a starting point for sparking curiosity, fostering critical thinking and giving young people an opportunity to share their perspectives.

Learn more and book a Café numérique

FEMIN-IA: imagining solutions for more inclusive artificial intelligence

On October 16, the 360° Mobile Dome hosted the FEMIN-IA workshop, presented by the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) and REPAM. The activity brought together young Francophone women to reflect, collaborate and develop solutions around three key challenges: strengthening women’s participation and leadership in artificial intelligence, improving access to funding and support for innovative projects led by women, and increasing the visibility of Francophone content created by women.

Atelier IA lors du café numérique

Among the participants, Charonne Mumvudi spoke about the importance of making technology ecosystems more accessible and representative of the diversity of Francophone communities. Drawing in particular on her experience as an immigrant, she advocated for better access to training, greater opportunities for women to pursue careers in technology regardless of their age or immigration status, and artificial intelligence that better reflects local linguistic and cultural realities.

“We need to break down the barriers that prevent women from taking their place in Tech. Let’s build bridges and make training accessible to everyone, regardless of age or status. We need to give them their chance while that passion and drive are still there!”

 

“Many applications and algorithms come from elsewhere and do not always reflect our reality. We need to integrate local expressions to help women from Quebec gain visibility throughout the Francophone world.”

— Charonne Mumvudi, FEMIN-IA participant, MTL connect 2026

Building on the commitment made in Kigali to make greater inclusion of women in artificial intelligence a priority, FEMIN-IA provided a space for reflection and collaboration, helping generate ideas and potential solutions for more inclusive Francophone digital ecosystems.

Après 5: an immersive experience bringing Desjardins and young people together

The 360° Mobile Dome was also one of the highlights of Après 5, an event organized by Desjardins. This gathering provided a valuable opportunity for exchange between Desjardins and the next generation.

Inspired by the theme of travel, nearly 185 young people were invited to explore new horizons through an immersive experience specially designed for the occasion. Featuring interactive stops, the journey allowed participants to discover different worlds and enjoy enriching experiences through immersive content created specifically for the event.

Relive the Après 5 event

Digital experiences that bring people together

Whether introducing the public to immersive art, raising young people’s awareness of digital issues, exploring women’s inclusion in artificial intelligence or offering new experiences to the next generation, Café numérique created numerous opportunities to explore the potential of digital technologies.

Its presence at Complexe Desjardins, as part of MTL connect, reflects Printemps numérique’s commitment to making technology accessible to diverse audiences and transforming digital experiences into opportunities for discovery, dialogue and connection.

Cafés numériques are offered by Printemps numérique as part of the Jeunesse QC 2030 program, presented by Hydro-Québec and supported by the Secrétariat à la jeunesse du Québec.

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