Turning Curiosity Into Capability
Digital Creative Arts Centre London Ontario (DCAC) prepares youth for creative careers
in design, audio, video, and technology.
Through mentorship, SHSM workshops, co-op placements, and access to a professional studio, students gain the confidence, skills, and experience they need to turn ideas into real opportunities.
▪ Building Skills That Last
Our Mission & Vision
for Young Creators
DCAC empowers youth in London, Ontario through immersive digital arts education, real-world production experience, and creative mentorship, thereby building the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need
to thrive.
We envision a future where every young person has access to meaningful creative education and the tools to turn their ideas into impact.
✔ Empowering youth through digital arts and mentorship
✔ Providing hands-on studio and production experience
✔ Building pathways into creative industries
✔ Expanding access to creativity for all
Our Core Values
Access & Inclusion
Creativity should be for everyone.
We believe every young person, regardless of background, experience level, or access to resources — deserves the opportunity to explore digital arts, creative technology, and media production.
Our programs are built with accessibility and equity at their core, ensuring no one is left behind.
Real-World Readiness
Learning should lead to action.
At DCAC, students don’t just learn, they create.
From professional-grade recording sessions to producing short films or launching design projects, we give youth the tools and real-world experience needed to pursue careers in creative industries like design, film, and music.
Collaboration Over Competition
Creativity thrives in community.
We champion teamwork as a creative superpower.
Whether through student-led projects, peer feedback sessions, or co-op collaborations, DCAC fosters environments where learners support and elevate one another’s growth.
Community & Partnership
It takes a village to nurture a creator.
We work closely with school boards, educators, and community leaders to build scalable creative programming that meets youth where they are.
Every partnership helps us deepen our impact and broaden
our reach.
▪ A Creative Hub for Youth in London, Ontario
Where Youth Creativity Becomes Career Experience
➊ What we do:
We help youth explore creative careers by blending digital media training, mentorship, and real-world experience.
Through our programs, students build confidence, develop digital skills, and gain portfolio-ready work in design, audio, video, and technology.
➋ How we do it:
✔ SHSM workshops meeting OSSD requirements in digital media & arts
✔ Co-op placements with mentorship and portfolio building
✔ Studio access for projects, recording & video production
✔ Partnerships expanding youth access to tech & creativity
➌ Why it matters:
We provide the tools and opportunities that help young people turn creativity into capability.
Our programs prepare youth to think critically, work collaboratively, and pursue meaningful careers in creative industries.
Together, we’re shaping the next generation of creators,
innovators, and leaders.
Building the Digital Creative Arts Centre
for the Next Generation at BGC London
The Digital Creative Arts Centre (DCAC) was a concept created and developed
by Mario Circelli for BGC London.
Mario Circelli is a broadcast journalist, documentary filmmaker, communications expert, and musician based in London, Ontario. His passion for music began in elementary school, later growing through high school and university where he played in bands before moving behind the scenes as an audio engineer and producer. Over his career, he has produced and engineered more than 45 records and compilation albums, working across diverse genres and projects.
With over 20 years of experience in the radio and television industry, Circelli built a career as a reporter, newscaster, and radio station manager. He later served as a senior producer at A-Channel/CTV London, before transitioning into communications as a government and community outreach specialist.
His documentary filmmaking credits include:
▪ Stinkin’ Out the Joint — chronicling London, ON’s punk rock music scene.
▪ In Our Own Words — exploring Italian immigration to Southwestern Ontario.
▪ Everyday Heroes — highlighting London, ON’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He has also produced films for the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and contributed to several student productions.
Beyond media, Circelli is the founder and chair of the Forest City London Music Awards (2002–present) and the London Music Hall of Fame, both of which celebrate and preserve local music history.
In addition to his work in media and music, he operates a private consultancy practice in marketing, communications, media, and event management, while also serving as the Manager of Youth Programs and the Digital Creative Arts Centre at BGC London.
BY THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF OUR SPONSORS
