Towards Inclusive
Community Building

In a world where diversity, equity, and inclusion are increasingly recognized as essential pillars of societal progress, organizations like cSPACE Projects are leading the charge in actualizing these values within our communities. The inception of cSPACE’s IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility) Commitment stands as a testament to our unwavering dedication to advancing social progress in the communities they serve.

Development of the IDEA Commitment:

During the Spring of 2021, cSPACE embarked on a comprehensive multi-stakeholder process to formulate our IDEA Commitment. Facilitated by an external consultant, this process engaged cSPACE staff and board members, internal stakeholders, external partners, and community representatives. Through two working sessions and extensive online discussions, a robust framework emerged, culminating in the approval of the commitment by the cSPACE board on June 16th, 2021.

The Core Principles:

At the heart of cSPACE’s IDEA Commitment lie the principles of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA). By embracing these principles, cSPACE aims to harness the vast creative potential inherent in diverse communities. They acknowledge the barriers, injustices, and discrimination that have hindered the wellbeing and prospects of many individuals. Our commitment extends beyond rhetoric; it is a pledge to foster an environment where everyone can live, work, play, and feel safe. As stewards of collaboration in Moh’kinsstis/Calgary, cSPACE endeavors to amplify our IDEA efforts and catalyze positive change collectively.

Living up to the IDEA Commitment:

cSPACE Projects sees our IDEA Commitment as the beginning of an enduring journey. It signifies our commitment to ensuring that our people, spaces, and places align with our community-building aspirations. Through tangible actions, ongoing dialogue, and collaborative initiatives, they are actively working towards creating an inclusive and equitable environment that nurtures Calgary’s creative potential.

“I’ve seen cSPACE, the diversity that you guys have done with programming and the people that work in your building… the diversity and inclusion that [you’re] doing is important. Cause it matters. It matters more now it ever has.” 

– Tory Manywounds, “Rooted”
Artist-in-Residence at cSPACE Eau Claire

Initiatives in Support of the IDEA Commitment:

cSPACE Projects has taken concrete steps to fulfill our IDEA Commitment, as evidenced by various initiatives since its inception.

20/20 Wavelength Project: Led by artist Andy Moro, this project includes phases aimed at amplifying Indigenous voices and experiences, fostering understanding, and commemorating significant events like the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 

We Are All Treaty People: In 2021 cSPACE, in partnership with the Beltline Urban Mural Project, commissioned Indigenous artist Nathan P Meguinis to collaborate with cSPACE member artist Doug Driediger on “We Are All Treaty People.” An existing mural, “Long Live the King,” featuring a whimsical portrait of King Edward, was transformed to include a portrait of Chief Bullhead. 

Four Winds Indigenous Market: In the summer of 2023, cSPACE Projects proudly sponsored the Four Winds Indigenous Market, a vibrant cultural celebration held over three days on our Art Park. This event showcased the talents and contributions of Indigenous vendors, dancers, musical performers, and artists, providing a platform for their voices and expressions to be heard and appreciated. 

2021 Creative Incubator Initiative: The jury selection process for this initiative was informed by the IDEA Commitment, resulting in a diverse cohort of artists and filmmakers, with an impressive 93% identifying as female, LGBTQ2SIA, BIPOC, Racialized, or Neurodiverse.

cSPACE Eau Claire Residencies: (October 2022-April 2024) A significant proportion of Artist-in-Residencies at the SPACEPILOT’s first venue, cSPACE Eau Claire, were led by individuals from underrepresented groups, including women, LGBTQ2SQIA individuals, and BIPOC/Racialized artists, comprising 63% of participants.

One of the many events made possible by the SPACEPILOT/cSPACE Eau Claire residency program was queer Chinese Canadian writer Dale Lee Kwong’s “Stories of Exclusion” which led up to Canada Day, July 1st 2023. 

2023 Creative Spaces Mentoring Network (CSMN): Through the year long CSMN mentorship program (in partnership with ArtsBuild Ontario and Calgary Arts Development), cSPACE fostered inclusivity, providing support and guidance to emerging artists from diverse backgrounds, with an outstanding 73% of participants identifying as female, LGBTQ2SIA, BIPOC, Racialized, or Neurodiverse.

2023 Renaming Project: Amid a year of change, cSPACE’s flagship hub underwent a significant transformation, embracing the future while honoring its historic roots. Formerly known as the King Edward School and dubbed cSPACE King Edward early on, it was renamed cSPACE Marda Loop in May 2023. With guidance from Dr. Leroy Little Bear, who is also featured in a quote displayed in stone on the Poet’s Walk, cSPACE Marda Loop now stands as a more inclusive Place for Creative Boundary Crossings, intersecting arts, culture, history, community, reconciliation, and sustainability.

Staff Recognition

Transgender Day of Visibility: A 2021 article on the cSPACE Marda Loop blog highlighted the story of Maxime Beauregard, a trans neurodivergent man on our core staff at time. Publicly recognizing the Transgender Day of Visibility underscores cSPACE’s commitment to inclusivity and recognizing marginalized voices.

Currently 62% of cSPACE’s full and part time staff identify as female, LGBTQ2SIA, BIPOC, Racialized, or Neurodiverse.

Conclusion:

cSPACE Projects’ commitment to the IDEA principles permeates every facet of our organization, from internal culture to external initiatives. Through proactive measures, they are not merely paying lip service to inclusivity and diversity but actively championing these values in our community. As they continue our journey, cSPACE remains dedicated to realizing our vision of a more equitable, accessible, and vibrant society for all.