Creative Science Alliance | STEAM Workshops Calgary

where curiosity meets community

Hands-on science and art programs for curious minds of all ages - from microscopy in your backyard to research communication workshops for graduate students and corporate teams

STEAM is
Science | Technology | Engineering | Arts | Mathematics

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Programs, workshops, and experiences

A Creative Science Alliance facilitator - Tisha - sits at a table. Two children are also at the table. They are looking at kits of FoldScopes (foldable and affordable microscopes).

science and arts outreach rooted in calgary

Creative Science Alliance was founded to bring genuinely hands-on, community-rooted STEAM experiences to Calgary - programs that take science and arts out of the classroom and into parks, community spaces, living rooms, and labs. Every program is designed and facilitated by a working team of artists and scientists who believe that curiosity is the one thing worth protecting in every person, at every age.

8+ programs offered
6+ ages welcome
YYC-based

experiences for everyone

Whether you're 7 or 77, a parent, a researcher, or just someone who wants to look at pond water under a microscope - there's something here for you!

Check out our Flagship Offerings:

All of our offering are customizable. If you are interested in an event or workshop that is not listed on the Programs page, we would love to build that with you!

check out all offerings

what people say about the CSA

Our partnership with the Creative Science Alliance has been incredibly valuable. We regularly share outreach materials and ideas, and their resources are consistently thoughtful, creative, and easy to adapt for different audiences. Their enthusiasm for public engagement really shows at events, and it makes collaborating both productive and fun. We’re so happy to keep teaming up with them for outreach events in Calgary.

- Dr. Constance Finney, Community Outreach Team member for the Host Parasite Interactions Group

The Zine-Making Workshop with Creative Science Alliance was a bit hit with participants in our Science Communication Training Program!

During a training session focused on creative strategies for communication, our group of scientists - ranging from grad students to university faculty and staff across a range of disciplines - were surprised by how fun and simple the process could be, and they all ended up with an amazing resource to share with the general public.

- Sara Merritt
Director of Education at Reimann Gardens, Iowa State University, Ames, USA and Portal to the Public Co-ordinator

The work CSA does is very important, not just for the academic community but for the wider community as well. CSA workshops help students and faculty communicate their projects' significance to diverse audiences.

In a time where science can be seen as polarizing or complex, it is so important to have programs like the ones provided by CSA to engage the public in the fun, whimsy, and excitement that science has to offer.

- Dr. Hayley Gorman, Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Calgary

I had the pleasure of working with CSA and Viraj through multiple events. Viraj is a highly passionate scientist and communicator. CSA events are scientifically creative and engaging.

Viraj builds great rapport and relationships with everyone of all ages and backgrounds. Everyone walks away from CSA hosted events with a renewed passion for science and a big smile!

- Seong Eon Ha, PhD student at the University of Calgary

csa out in the wild

We are a dedicated team of artists, scientists, and communicators working towards a better future for Calgary. With an inclusive and engaging learning environment, we aim to inspire a passion for science in individuals of all backgrounds.

CSA facilitator helping participants at a community event table inside Contemporary Calgary. A woman is writing on a piece of paper, a man in blue is sitting. There are people in the background as well.

Nathan is explaining to a woman attendee at TEDx Calgary what CSA does.

Box of five zine-making kits arranged on top of each other. In the background there are crayons and pencil sharpeners.

The Calgary Treasure hunt and Max the Mysterious Myxozoan Zine printouts on a table with black cloth.

Land acknowledgement

THE CREATIVE SCIENCE ALLIANCE, LOCATED IN CALGARY, IN THE HEART OF SOUTHERN ALBERTA, BOTH ACKNOWLEDGES AND PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE TRADITIONAL TERRITORIES OF THE PEOPLES OF TREATY 7, WHICH INCLUDE THE BLACKFOOT CONFEDERACY (COMPRISED OF THE SIKSIKA, THE PIIKANI, AND THE KAINAI FIRST NATIONS), THE TSUUT’INA FIRST NATION, AND THE STONEY NAKODA (INCLUDING CHINIKI, BEARSPAW, AND GOODSTONEY FIRST NATIONS). THE CITY OF CALGARY IS ALSO HOME TO THE MÉTIS NATION OF ALBERTA (DISTRICTS 5 AND 6).

our responsibility does not stop here. land acknowledgement without action is performative.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of steps you can take:

Read the book "21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act” by Bob Joseph, reflect, and discuss with friends and family. If interested, I can loan you my book. Please email me at [email protected]. There is another book that I found useful, as a newcomer to Canada, to educate myself - "This Place: 150 Years Retold".
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action were published in 2015. Most remain unimplemented. Read these, share with others, and reflect on how you can take action : Calls to Action
Donate to Indigenous-Led Organizations.
Actively seek out and purchase goods and services from Indigenous-owned businesses, artists, and creators.
Create Culturally Safe Spaces: Implement policies that ensure Indigenous staff, students, and clients are safe and respected.
Use Your Voice: Speak up when you hear derogatory remarks or observe cultural appropriation.