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Please note that the program application functionality for all Banff Centre programs will be temporarily turned off for our seasonal closure at 4pm on Thursday 19th December, until noon on Thursday 2nd January. No new applications or payments may be made during this period. Please note that part 3 (portfolio submission) will remain open. See part 3 of the 'How To Apply' section for details. We wish you a safe and happy holiday season!

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Program Information

Program faculty Sina Queyras and A.E. Stallings

Program faculty Sina Queyras and A.E. Stallings

Overview

Banff Centre’s Summer Writers residency will provide writers space for the creative exploration of their writing practice. This self-directed residency offers the opportunity to work away from the constraints of everyday life. Delve deep into your creative project and take advantage of the artistic community of your peers around you.

The program provides optional opportunities for consultations with mentors, public readings, and group sessions led by guest mentors that allow creators to explore techniques, aspects, and devices that you may find useful in your practice.

What does the program offer?

This 12-day self-directed residency provides teaching from faculty members and professional guests, Q&A sessions, public events, and one-on-one workshopping. Mentors will discuss ideas, experiences, and obstacles that participants may be encountering with their writing. 

This residency is a self-directed program that offers time and space for writers to focus, reconnect, and re-energize their writing practice. In addition to a single room, and a small private studio, you will be surrounded by a community of artistic peers. You will have the opportunity to attend inspiring talks and performances and meet with guest faculty to consult on your work.

As a flexible self-guided program, the Summer Writers residency allows you to choose the amount of support you are looking for. All program elements are optional.
 

Who should apply? 

We welcome writers of all ages (18+), backgrounds, and all gender identities and expressions. Writers in all creative genres are invited to apply. The program is designed for emerging and established writers with a proven publication record seeking a period of dedicated time to work on a project in any genre.

Faculty

What's Included

Accommodations
Single Room Read more Close

Your program fee includes a single bedroom on the Banff Centre campus for the duration of your program.

Get connected with other artists on campus and focus on your projects in a creative environment while we take care of the day-to-day essentials.

Meal Plan Icon
Full Flex Meal Plan Read more Close

Using a credit-based system to dine on campus, our flexible meal plans allow you to select meals according to your own needs during your stay. Banff Centre can accommodate most dietary requests. 

The Full Flex meal plan is calculated at $70 credit per day, equivalent to breakfast, lunch and dinner at our Buffet service.

Showcase Icon
Showcase Your Work Read more Close

This program offers opportunities to showcase your work-in-progress in one of our performance venues.

Barbell Icon
Gym Membership Read more Close

Your program fee includes free access to the swimming pool, climbing gym, and fitness suite as well as discounted rates for classes at the Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre.

Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives Read more Close

The Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives - Current Services

The Library is delighted to support Banff Centre Participants, Artists, and Faculty with the following services:

  • Open hours:  9:30 am to 1 pm, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
  • Access to collections, including program relevant books, scores, artists’ books, recordings, periodicals, and object library.
  • Library accounts for borrowing materials.
  • Digital Library, on campus and remote access.
  • Library research assistance, by appointment.
  • Archives research, by appointment only.

Please email library@banffcentre.ca or archives@banffcentre.ca for more information or assistance.

Discount Icon
Box Office Discounts Read more Close

Enjoy special artist rates for ticketed performances or complimentary access to events.

Community Icon
Participant Resources Read more Close

Enrich your experience and get to know other artists on campus by taking advantage of the activities and support provided by our Participant Resources team.

Visual arts icon
Studio Read more Close

A small private studio.

Fees & Financial Assistance

You pay (fee after scholarship applied)
$1 092.00
Total fee (Tuition, Accommodation and Meal Plan)
$3 507.00
Scholarship amount applied*
$2 415.00

Application fee: $65 for individuals or groups ($35 for applicants who identify as Indigenous).

Application Fees are non-refundable.

Individual group members must pay an additional registration fee of $35 on acceptance.

*Scholarship of 100% is available and will be applied to cover tuition, and 50% is available to offset meals and accommodation costs.

Scholarship of 100% is available to Canadian Indigenous participants and will be applied to cover tuition, meals and accommodation costs.

If you would like to be considered, please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials.

Banff Centre will issue official tax receipts for eligible tuition fees and financial assistance and awards as required by the Income Tax Act. You will receive a T2202 (Tuition and Enrolment Certificate) for eligible tuition fees paid and a T4A (Statement of Pension, Retirement, Annuity, and Other Income) for applicable financial assistance and awards.

Help fund your experience at Banff Centre. View a compiled list of national and international opportunities here.

How to Apply

Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application.

Holiday Closure

The student application and payment system is now closed for the institutional rest period. It will reopen at noon on Thursday 2nd January. The Admissions Office closes Thursday 19th December and reopens Thursday 2nd January.

Resume

A resume or C.V. describing publication history as well as academic, professional, and other relevant experience including previous enrolment in writing residencies.

Cover Letter

A one-page cover letter explaining why you are interested in this program, introducing your project, and what you hope to achieve by attending.

Project Proposal

Please provide a one page summary of the proposed project. This summary may be used as a narrative for administrative and public use.

Portfolio

Please provide one writing sample from the work in progress that you intend to work on during the program, excerpt not exceeding 10 pages.

Financial Assistance

Be sure to complete the Financial Aid question in SlideRoom to be eligible for financial assistance.

Adjudication

Adjudication is based on artistic merit, the potential impact of the program on artists’ practice and careers, project feasibility and the capacity of Banff Centre to help realize the project, and the project’s fit with Banff Centre’s values and strategic directions as described in its strategic plan. Banff Centre respects the need for artists to plan ahead for their visit; applicants will be notified as soon as adjudication is complete.

International Applicants

Banff Centre welcomes domestic and international applicants for this program. Please note, Banff Centre programs do not meet Canadian Student Visa eligibility requirements, you must obtain a Visitor Visa to enter Canada. Accepted individuals are responsible for identifying and complying with the immigration requirements to enter Canada as a visitor from their country of origin. Current wait times to receive a visa are much longer than normal, so applicants who require a Visitor Visa should check the current expected processing times prior to applying.

Eligibility

Applicants must be ages 18+ at the time of the program start date.

This program is not open to current faculty members of any other Banff Centre programming. Applications will not be accepted from any applicants who have participated in a Banff Centre program in the last 12 months.
 

Disclaimer

All programs, faculty, dates, fees, and offers of financial assistance are subject to change. Program fee is subject to applicable taxes. Non-refundable fees and deposits will be retained upon cancellation. Any other fees are refunded at the discretion of the Banff Centre. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.

Contact Admissions

For questions on preparing your application, please contact Admissions:

Toll Free Number (Canada + USA)
1.800.565.9989
Phone
403.762.6180