Indigenous. Ingenious.

Rigorous, transformative programs for Indigenous artists, inspired by Banff's unique power of place.

Waawaate, Dance, 2018. Photo by Jessica Wittman.

Indigenous Arts

Be inspired by power of place

Informed by Indigenous cultures and worldviews, we offer programs in all disciplines for emerging to established Indigenous artists. Our programs are highly transformative, situate rigour and exploration at their centre, and are inspired by ‘power of place’ here in Treaty 7 territory.

Through outstanding performances, concerts, residencies, presentations, workshops, talks, and exhibitions, Indigenous Arts contributes to strong and vibrant Indigenous arts communities in Canada and around the globe.

We are pleased to offer 100% scholarships to support Indigenous artists to attend our programming.

If you wish to stay informed about our upcoming programs and Banff Centre news, please subscribe to our newsletter.

Upcoming Programs
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An artist adds finishing touches to a red dress on a dress form

Program Dates April 01, 2025 - May 02, 2025

Indigenous Haute Couture – Creation & Embellishments 2025

Indigenous fashion designers will focus on project creation through self-directed studio time in a fully supported environment.

Application Deadline

November 27, 2024

An artist is working at a table in a studio

Program Dates September 02, 2025 - October 03, 2025

Aknumustiǂis: Ecological Engagement Through the Seasons 2025

Residency for Indigenous visual artists focused on land-centered artistic processes and engagement.

Application Deadline

Cascade Mountain in Banff National Park

Program Dates January 27, 2025 - February 21, 2025

Write Over Here: Indigenous Screenwriting Residency 2025

This four-week hybrid residency invites Indigenous screenwriters to bring their scripts for feature films, webisode series and short films to develop further.

Application deadline has passed

An indigenous artist works on a hide during a residency.

Program Dates September 30, 2024 - October 18, 2024

Hide Tanning and Parfleche Residency

This residency allows participants to learn more about how to scrape a hide and work with parfleche with the support of faculty, elders, and knowledge keepers.

Application deadline has passed

I had an amazing experience with the Banff Centre and the others in the program. Being able to create without distraction boosted my creativity and allowed me to focus on solely on my art practice. The serene location, the wonderful staff, and faculty of the program I attended left me with nothing but positive feelings for my time spent in the Banff Centre.

Austin Harry, Akunumusǂitis 2023

Indigenous Arts programs are generously supported by

Indigenous Artists Spotify Playlist

Banff Centre Newsletter Signup

Indigenous Arts Stories

Cris Derksen, Cellist

Decolonizing the Narrative Conversation Series

Decolonizing the Narrative Conversation Series is a bi-monthly conversation session that invites Indigenous Art creators to talk about their practice.

Indigenous Haute Couture Beading

Indigenous Haute Couture High Fashion Virtual Open Studios

In this online version of our Open Studios events, we highlight the work of the Indigenous Haute Couture participants.

National Indigenous History Month, June at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity

2024 National Indigenous History Month

Thank you to everyone who joined us in June during 2024 National Indigenous History Month!

Contact Us

For questions about the Indigenous Arts programming we offer, please contact:

Email: arts_info@banffcentre.ca
Phone: 403.762.6180

Phone (Main Switchboard)
403.762.6100

Address
107 Tunnel Mountain Drive
PO Box 1020
Banff, Alberta
Canada
T1L 1H5

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We recognize, with deep respect and gratitude, our home on the side of Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain. In the spirit of respect and truth, we honour and acknowledge the Banff area, known as “Minihrpa” (translated in Stoney Nakoda as “the waterfalls”) and the Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Îyârhe Nakoda (Stoney Nakoda) – comprised of the Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Goodstoney Nations – as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation and the Blackfoot Confederacy comprised of the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Shuswap Nations, Ktunaxa Nations, and Metis Nation of Alberta, Rockyview District 4. We acknowledge all Nations who live, work, and play here, help us steward this land, and honour and celebrate this place.