SANDBOX SESSIONS: A Creative Desk Residency Program at cSPACE MARDA LOOP

THE TIME TO IMAGINE. THE SPACE TO BEGIN.

Are you a writer, illustrator, filmmaker, or creative working on a passion project that needs space to breathe? Sandbox Sessions is a creative residency program offering free co-working space for up to four weeks at cSPACE Marda Loop’s creative coworking hub, The Sandbox.

This pilot program removes barriers to workspace access for independent creatives, giving you the time, tools, and community to move your work forward.

What is it?

SANDBOX SESSIONS – the cSPACE Sandbox Creative Desk Residency supported by the Pekisko Arts Fund at Calgary Foundation was created to support artists by providing access to a desk within our co-working space with the goal of promoting connection and visibility for emerging or independent artists. 

This short-term residency is ideal for creatives and artists actively developing a project that benefits from focus time, connection, and professional space. With one hot-desk available at Sandbox, located in cSPACE Marda Loop, we will provide fully funded desk access to a selection of individuals between September and December 2025.

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Who is it for?

We’re looking for Calgary-based creatives who would benefit from focused desk time in a quiet, supportive space. This program is best suited for digital or paper-based work.

  • Writers (fiction, non-fiction, screenwriters, playwrights)
  • Illustrators or comic artists
  • Filmmakers, editors, content creators
  • Other creatives needing uninterrupted workspace to build their project

Commitment:

We’re looking for artists who are not only seeking dedicated work time but who are also excited to be part of a creative community. Successful residency applicants are encouraged to be present in the space regularly and to engage with others whether through informal conversation, sharing ideas, or simply being part of the day-to-day energy of the space.

Please note: this space is a quiet co-working office set-up. It is not suitable for practices requiring ventilation, large equipment, or immediate access to running water. It is best suited for digital or paper-based work.

Your desk, your launchpad.

What’s included?

Residencies are granted for 4 week durations. During the 4 weeks you will receive 24/7 access to the space to work on your project. 

At the end of your residency, we ask all residents to complete a brief reflection. This is a short description of how the residency supported your work and what impact the opportunity had on your project or practice. It’s a simple but valuable way for us to understand the role this space plays in your creative journey, and it helps us continue to offer and improve this opportunity for others.

  • 24/7 access to a dedicated desk at Sandbox for four weeks
  • Access to Wi-Fi, kitchen, and shared amenities
  • Opportunities to connect with other artists and creative professionals
  • A feature on the cSPACE blog or newsletter
  • Optional presentation or showcase of your work
  • Social media visibility and platform support from cSPACE

HOW TO APPLY

Click the button below to access the application form.

The form includes:

    • Your name and contact info
    • A short description of your current or future project and how this space would help
    • A link to your website, portfolio, or social media
    • Your availability (preferred residency start dates)
    • Optional: ideas for community engagement or participation in a showcase

DEADLINE TO APPLY: August 22, 2025.

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DOWNLOAD SANDBOX SESSION FAQs

This initiative is made possible by the generous support of the Pekisko Family Fund, whose contribution supports the growth of Calgary’s creative sector through meaningful and accessible opportunities.