2024: A Year in Review

cSPACE Projects’ Creative Impact

As 2024 comes to a close, cSPACE Projects reflects on a year of innovation and creativity that has shaped Calgary’s cultural and economic landscape.

Rooted in the belief that vibrant cities thrive on creativity, we remain dedicated to empowering artists, non-profits, and entrepreneurs through transformative spaces and programs.

Creative spaces are more than venues—they are catalysts for community connection, job creation, and entrepreneurship. This year, we reinforced our commitment to Calgary’s creative economy by providing accessible, collaborative environments and launching a new arts-based weekly market, fostering innovation and community spirit.

Highlights from cSPACE Marda Loop

This year, cSPACE Marda Loop at the revitalized historic King Edward School continued to flourish as a dynamic hub for Calgary’s creative community. With artist studios, galleries, coworking spaces, and event venues, it served as a vital gathering place for inspiration and collaboration. 

  • We hosted open-house showcases like I Heart Arts and Haunted Halls, as well as community markets (Hong Kong Culture Days, 4 Winds Indigenous Market), concerts (Chamberfest West) and events (Classic Car Show, beer gardens, Jane’s Walk)
  • Ongoing partnerships with Jubefest, brought free concerts to the community (The Charms, The Heebee-Jeebees, Kirby Sewell); talented Alberta photographers filled our gallery spaces for the Exposure Photography Festival; and a new partnership with Sarina Homes brought live music to our brand new summer market. 
  • cSPACE Marda Loop hosted almost 600 individual events across all our bookable spaces in 2024. That means that at any time during the year, you could have dropped in and found an art exhibition, theatre or dance performance, public market, or seen people working and collaborating in one of our inspiring meeting spaces.

The Market @ cSPACE Marda Loop

The return of Summer Market Days to cSPACE was a resounding success, showcasing the vibrancy and creativity of our community. 

  • From May to September 2024, we hosted 13 markets, bringing together a diverse mix of food, art, and not-for-profit vendors. 
  • Partnerships with tenants and support from organizations like Fresh Routes (affordable produce) and Youth Central enriched the experience, with volunteers and engaging activities for all ages.
  • Visitors enjoyed live music on the Sarina Homes Stage, captivating performances, hands-on arts and crafts, and special programming like JubeSchool drumming sessions and circus acts by The Green Fools. 

A true celebration of creativity, community, and connection, Summer Market Days at cSPACE created an unmissable highlight of the season.

Market

The SPACEPILOT Soars

SPACEPILOT continues to add vibrancy to the downtown core. After completing its pilot year, SPACEPILOT 2.0 is set to expand further over the next 3 years, supporting diverse arts groups in temporary leases and helping activate our vacant city core. 

Quick SPACEPILOT Facts from 2024

  • 63,000 square feet of downtown commercial space filled (that’s over the size of a football field, including end zones!)
  • 73 non-profit organizations served, representing opportunities for almost 4000 artists (75% paid). That’s roughly the population of Raymond, Alberta.
  • Just under 50,000 people flowed through SPACEPILOT spaces – to see a show, participate in an event, or attend an educational event. That’s as many people as attend the Calgary International Film Festival every year!
  • Some SPACEPILOT success stories so far include innovative arts organizations like The Alcove Centre for the Arts, One Big Jam, Stride Gallery, ArtPoint, The Kinkonauts, and The Blox Arts Centre.

“SPACEPILOT was the only way Alcove Arts Centre could access affordable space for our programming.”

– Bethel Afework, Alcove Centre for the Arts

Before SPACEPILOT there was cSPACE Eau Claire Neighbourhood Hub

2024 saw us wrap up cSPACE Eau Claire. From October 2022 until March 2024, the historic Eau Claire & Bow River Lumber Co. building in Eau Claire was home to a generous selection of artists and residences, curated by cSPACE Projects.

  • 30 residencies involved more than 400 artists in creating and developing unique projects and opportunities
  • This resulted in over 400 unique events, and over 1800 hours of public programming overall.
  • For some residency artists, cSPACE Eau Claire was a stepping stone to our SPACEPILOT Program. Participants of the residency program include The Alcove Centre for the Arts and One Big Jam, both of which have semi-permanent spaces through SPACEPILOT.

Market

Conclusion: Celebrating a Year of Creativity and Looking Ahead

As we bid farewell to 2024, cSPACE Projects celebrates a year of milestones that strengthened Calgary’s cultural heartbeat and creative economy. From hosting vibrant community events to launching impactful initiatives like SPACEPILOT and The Market @ cSPACE Marda Loop, we continue to champion the transformative power of creativity. 

Looking ahead, we are excited to expand our reach, nurture more collaborations, and reimagine Calgary’s heritage spaces as hubs of innovation and connection. Together, we’ll keep building a city where creativity thrives and community flourishes.

 

Pictured at left: Kenna Burima plays for an audience at one of the SPACEPILOT locations, Stampede Station.

Photo: Sean Dennie