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Program Information
Designs by Rebecca Baker-Grenier, Indigenous Haute Couture 2022. Photos by Rita Taylor.
Overview
The three-week Indigenous Fashion Runway Residency offers four Indigenous fashion designers the opportunity to build their portfolios and showcase their runway work in a professional setting.
Participants will be supported by the faculty and Banff Centre’s production team as they explore working with models, photography, and fashion show preparation. This residency is a balance of exploration and self-directed preparation for the runway to showcase 6-8 looks.
Designers may apply with up to 2 collaborators.
Description
This program offers four Indigenous designers and their collaborators will have the opportunity to work together on coordinating their segment of the fashion showcase runway. The program provides mentorship and professional development, fostering learning through hands-on experience, including:
- Developing portfolios and showcasing work in a professional setting
- Working with faculty and Banff Centre’s production team
- Exploring modeling, photography, and runway preparation.
Program Highlights:
- Collaborate on a fashion showcase runway, which will be professionally photographed and recorded with B-roll for your portfolio
- Workshops on lighting, projection, staging, sound design, and special effects.
- Faculty led sessions on: Fashion as a Career, Marketing and Promotion of Products, Preparing for the Runway, and working with models and industry professions.
The residency will take place in Banff Centre’s Performing Arts Facilities, where each design team will have access to Lazlo Funtek Dance Studios, The Wardrobe Facility and the Margaret Greenham Theatre.
Requirements
Indigenous designers are invited to apply with a newly featured design line that is either complete or near completion at the time of application, ensuring it is ready for showcase during the program.
- Open to regional, national, and global Indigenous fashion makers, designers, and design companies.
- Applicants will submit a portfolio, along with the theme and background of their work.
Lead Designers can apply with a co-designer (adornment & jewelry), and/or a designer’s assistant to support their design line. Their contributions will be recognized as designers in collaboration. All participants will take part in program sessions.
Eligibility
Applicants must be 18+ at the time of the program start date.
Indigenous domestic and international applications are welcome.
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.
Itinerary
Week One:
- Participants arrive on November 16th, 2025.
- November 17th, 2025: Program Welcome and Campus Orientation
- Welcome to campus with participants, faculty and staff hosted by Indigenous Arts with support of Knowledge Keeper and Elder.
- November 18th, 2025: Campus Tour, Class Photo, and Participant Head Shots
November 19th, 2025 to 21st, 2025:
- Workshop sessions led by Banff Centre Production Team and Faculty in wardrobe, lighting, staging, projection, and special effects
- Workshops sessions led by Banff Centre Production Team for wardrobe access, lighting, project, projection and special effects. Faculty led workshops.
- Self-directed time to work as a design team with opportunity for sessions with faculty, guest artists and production team.
Week Two:
- Participants will begin with a weekly gathering check-in and continue preparing for the fashion runway and continue participating in workshop sessions.
- This week will include a guest faculty presentation to help participants think about marketing, branding and distribution. The opportunity to work with photographers is to focus on in-studio photography without models focusing on the products.
Week Three:
- Participants will prepare for the runway. Models will be on campus and design teams will start coordinating looks with the models. Each designer features 5 to 8 looks for the runway.
The designers will work with the production team to focus on lighting, projection, sound and staging.
Participants will showcase the work in the Indigenous Fashion Runway Showcase on December 5th, 2025 at 7:00 PM at the Margaret Greenham Theatre.
Faculty
What's Included
Meal Plan
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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 three meals at our Buffet service.
Accommodation
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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.
Studio Space
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Create in the privacy of one of our specialized studios.
Showcase Your Work
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This program offers opportunities to showcase your work-in-progress.
Group Seminars/Workshops
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Group seminars and workshops with faculty.
Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives
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The Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives are delighted to support Banff Centre Participants, Artists, and Faculty
Campus Facilities
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- 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.
Fees & Financial Assistance
Application Fee
$35 for applicants who identify as Indigenous.
The application fee is non-refundable. 100% of this fee goes towards the cost of administering the application in SlideRoom.
Scholarships
We are pleased to offer scholarships to support participants in our program. Below are details regarding the scholarship amount and how they are applied.
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Scholarship: covers 100% of tuition fees and meals and accommodation costs
To receive the standard scholarship please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials.
Please note that all travel arrangements and associated costs are the responsibility of the participants. For additional support to help fund your experience at Banff Centre, view a 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 FormStep 2:
Please login with the username and password emailed to you on completion of step 1.
Step 3:
Upload Your MaterialsResume
A one-page resume or C.V. describing academic, professional, and other relevant experience.
All collaborators resumes should be summited in one document.
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
Provide a 500-word or a 3-minute video description of your proposed project, including the theme, an outline of materials and facilities that may be required, and a breakdown of timelines. These summaries will be used as a narrative for administrative and public use.
Resource request form
Please review and complete applicable resource request forms in Slideroom detailing your technical and resource requirements related to your proposed project.
Portfolio
Please provide up to 5 samples of relevant recent artistic work. File sizes and specifications are available in our upload tool.
Financial Assistance
Be sure to complete the Financial Aid question in SlideRoom to be eligible for the financial assistance.
Group Applications
The lead applicant should complete:
- Step 1: One application form
- Step 2: Pay the $35 processing fee on behalf of the group
- Step 3: One SlideRoom application
Note: An additional $35 registration fee will be added for each member upon acceptance to the program.
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