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Program Information

Program faculty Rhonda Mullins, Santiago Artozqui, Cole Swensen, Chris Clarke

Program faculty Rhonda Mullins, Santiago Artozqui, Cole Swensen, Chris Clarke

Dates

Application Deadline: September 24, 2025

Program Dates: February 09 – February 20, 2026

Overview  

This 12-day contemporary writing residency will provide French citizens with the opportunity to explore craft and voice while introducing them to the North American publishing market. Participants will be able to workshop their original prose or poetry manuscripts with a faculty of accomplished writers and translators of French and English. 

Faculty members Rhonda Mullins, Cole Swenson, Chris Clarke, Santiago Artozqui, and professional guest Alana Wilcox (Coach House Books) will share their own work, present talks, field questions about translation, and work with authors to hone their manuscripts in progress.

Participants of Contemporary French Literature will also have the opportunity build a community of artistic peers and share their work with a wider audience.

Description

This self-directed residency offers French writers working across genres with a flexible format that allows them to choose the amount of programming and support they want.

Optional elements include:

  • thematic talks from specialist faculty Chris Clarke, Rhonda Mullins, Santiago Artozqui, and Cole Swenson and professional guest Alana Wilcox (Coach House Books) to introduce participants to the North American market and the experience of translation.
  • one-on-one mentoring with faculty to discuss ideas, experiences, and obstacles that participants may be encountering with their project.
  • Q & A sessions.
  • workshops to explore techniques, aspects, and devices writers may find useful in their practice.
  • public readings.

All participants will have individual accommodation and a small private studio where they can focus on their writing practice. Participants will also be surrounded by a community of artistic peers.

Requirements

French writers seeking time to focus on a current literary project and an opportunity to connect with peers and translators from around the world will benefit greatly from this program. 

Applicants should be accomplished, professional writers who have been published in books, national or international magazines, newspapers, anthologies, or literary journals. However, writers with less experience may be accepted to the program based on merit, the proposed project, and writing skill.

Participants will benefit most if they are comfortable working autonomously in an unstructured environment. The program suits those focused on:

  • working on a specific project.
  • creating new works.

Please note: The language of administration at Banff Centre is English. All administrative correspondence related to this program—after adjudication, and while the program is running—will be in English. Participants need to have a working knowledge of English.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must be a French citizen residing in France or one of the following French territories: French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, Saint Barthélemy, Clipperton Island, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna, French Southern And Antarctic Lands, Mayotte, Réunion, or Saint Pierre And Miquelon. You will be expected to write a thank you letter to the donor at the end of your program.

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

Visa Eligibility Information: 

  • Please note that Banff Centre programs do not meet the eligibility requirements for a Canadian Student Visa. 
  • If you are accepted into our program, you must obtain a Visitor Visa to enter Canada. Accepted participants are responsible for identifying and complying with the immigration requirements to enter Canada as a visitor from their country of origin. If you require a Visitor Visa please check the current expected processing times well in advance of applying.

Inclusivity Statement

We welcome applicants of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities and expressions to apply. Artists from historically underrepresented and equity deserving groups are especially welcome.

Itinerary

  • February 8 - Arrival
  • February 9 - Orientation and welcome reception
  • February 11, 13, 18 - Faculty talks
  • February 12, 17, 19 - Public readings
  • February 20 - Farewell reception
  • February 21 - Departure

All dates are subject to change. One-on-one sessions with mentors will be booked during program dates.

 

 

Faculty

What's Included

Meal Plan Icon
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 respond to most dietary requests. 

The Full meal plan is equivalent to $73 credit per day, equivalent to two meals at our Buffet service.

Accommodations
Accommodation 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.

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Studio Space Read more Close

Create in the privacy of one of our specialized studios.

Showcase Icon
Showcase Your Work Read more Close

This program offers opportunities to showcase your work-in-progress.

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Group Seminars/Workshops Read more Close

Group seminars and workshops with faculty.

Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives Read more Close

The Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives are delighted to support Banff Centre Participants, Artists, and Faculty

Campus Facilities Read more Close
  • Participant Resources: Enrich your experience and get to know other artists on campus by taking advantage of the activities and support provided. 
  • Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre: Your program fee includes free access to the swimming pool, climbing gym and fitness suite as well as discounted rates for classes. 
  • Box Office Discounts: Enjoy special artist rates or complimentary access for ticketed performances.
Travel Read more Close

A travel bursary is included. Regional maximums apply. Recipient must book their own travel.

Fees & Financial Assistance

Total fee per person (Tuition, Accommodation and Meal Plan)
$3 616.20
Scholarship Amount Applied*
$3 616.20
You pay (accommodation & meal plan fee after scholarship applied)
$0.00

Application Fee

There is no fee to apply to this program. 

Scholarships

Thanks to the generous support of Fondation DRG through the Fondation de France, successful applicants with French citizenship are eligible for a scholarship to cover 100% of their tuition, onsite accommodations and meal plan. All economy-class travel expenses will also be covered. Recipients must book their own travel and will be reimbursed.

  • 100% scholarship covers the full cost of the program.
     

To receive the standard scholarship, please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials.

Help fund your experience at Banff Centre by viewing our compiled list of national and international opportunities here.

Cancellations

Information on our cancellation policy can be found here.

Tax Information

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.

How to Apply

Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application.

Step 1:

Complete the Online Form

Step 2:

Pay your application fee

Please login with the username and password emailed to you on completion of step 1.

Step 3:

Upload Your Materials

Resume

A one to two-page resume or C.V. describing academic, professional, and other relevant experience.

Cover Letter

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

Project Proposal

A one-page description of your proposed work-in-progress. This summary may be used as a narrative for administrative and public use.

Portfolio

Please provide an excerpt from the work-in-progress that you intend to work on during the program (maximum 10 pages).

Financial Assistance

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

Adjudication

Participants are chosen by an adjudication panel comprising of internal and external assessors. The selection criteria include:

  • Quality, originality and artistic merit.
  • Required skills and experience. 
  • The potential for the applicant's work to benefit from the program.
  • Banff Centre’s ability to support the project.

Our programs are highly competitive with a limited number of places available. Applicants will be notified of their selection status as soon as the adjudication process is complete. Due to the high volume of applications individual feedback will not be provided. 

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