Applications for CSMN Calgary 2025 are Now Open
The Creative Spaces Mentoring Network (CSMN) is a program for artists, arts managers, and community members responsible for a creative space.
The program provides a platform for arts leaders to grow their business and management skills to oversee, renew and develop arts facilities.
Creative spaces can include:
- museums
- art galleries
- studios
- art centers
- maker spaces
- market spaces
- arts institutions
… in short, spaces that support the arts!
About the program
Through the Creative Spaces Mentoring Network, leaders in Calgary’s arts community who are responsible for their spaces, capital-related issues, or are seeking to acquire or establish physical or digital creative space will have the unique opportunity of one-to-one learning with an experienced professional in Calgary’s arts and heritage sector. ABO encourages interested arts leaders who are engaged at any level of creative space development to apply!
In joining the CSMN 2025-26 cohort, you will have the opportunity to engage with like-minded peers in webinars and check in’s throughout the program.
How it works
ArtsBuild Ontario, cSPACE, and Calgary Arts Development will work collectively to match arts and cultural leaders with experienced Mentors from their own or other sectors.
After an initial training webinar, the mentoring teams will meet online for a suggested time of up to three hours monthly from April 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025. The mentoring team discussions are confidential and will focus on particular challenges and skills identified by the Mentee at the beginning of the partnership. All teams will take part in a Kick-Off Workshop, Mid-Program Webinar and a Wrap Up Workshop.
Program Timeline
| Deadline for Mentee and Mentor Applications | December 16, 2024 |
| Matching Period | January to March 2025 |
| Kick-Off Workshop | March 5, 2025 |
| Program Begins | March 6, 2025 |
| Mid-Point Webinar | May 28, 2025 |
| Wrap-Up Workshop | September 10, 2025 |
| Program Ends | September 30, 2025 |
Mentee Applications
- Complete the Application Form.
- Provide a letter of support for your Mentee application (eg. from someone you work or volunteer with in your community).
- Record a 1-2 minute video telling us: about you and your organization, your facilities plans and/or projects, and how this opportunity would benefit you. You can record your video using a smartphone or web camera, and upload via YouTube (privately), Dropbox, Google Drive etc. Please send a link via email to the video hosted on your platform of choice.
- Submit the application online, send the video link, and email the letter of support to ArtsBuild Ontario at programs@artsbuildontario.ca
If you are selected, we will work diligently to match you with a suitable Mentor based on the skills outlined in your application. We will contact applicants to arrange meetings with prospective Mentors in January to March 2025 when the Mentor-Mentee matching process is underway.
Fee
If you are selected as a Mentee, there is a $50 + GST fee. ABO will invoice mentees once a successful match is made.
Mentor Applications
We are currently seeking Mentors for current and future iterations of the Creative Spaces Mentoring Network! If you have been part of a capital project, strategic plan, or have knowledge to share in relation to cultural facilities, the Creative Spaces Mentoring Network is an opportunity for you to support fellow arts managers and foster a strong arts and heritage sector.
Please note that this Mentor role will be voluntary. If you are interested in becoming a Mentor, please complete this Mentor Application Form.
Deadline
Applications close on Monday, December 16, 2024 at midnight.
Additional resources
For more information about the Creative Spaces Mentoring Network, please contact ArtsBuild Ontario at programs@artsbuildontario.ca.
