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Description

Join us for a boundary-pushing evening of experimental poetry and prose at this Literary Cabaret, sharing works from the Computational Writing residency at Banff Centre. Across three nights, explore writing that is at once strangely familiar and radically new, created and performed by participants and faculty mentors.

This two-week residency unites writers and artists interrogating how technology, code, and artificial intelligence can be used as ethical, creative tools for producing new poetry and prose. The goal isn’t to replace human creativity, but to reimagine authorship, language, and form through collaboration with machines.

This chapter is hosted by Dr. Nick Montfort, one of the world’s leading figures in computational literature and digital writing. His work includes 10 computer-generated books, the collaborations The Deletionist and Sea and Spar Between, and more than 50 individual digital projects.

Enjoy a drink from the bar and immerse yourself in a playful literary setting. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., with readings starting at 7 p.m. Afterward, mingle with the writers and faculty until 9:30 p.m.

Don’t miss this chance to discover poems generated by algorithms, stories shaped by code, and more.

Literary Arts is generously supported by the Flanagan Foundation and Fondation David R. Graham.

Photo of Dr. Nick Montfort
Page Summary
An international leader in computational literature and digital writing, Dr.Nick Montfort reads alongside participants from the Computational Writing residency.
Exhibition
No
Free
Yes
Banff Centre Artist/Practicum/Staff Only
Off
Licensed
Off
Age Restrictions
Ages 14 and Over
Performance Date
Date
Extra Description

Doors open at 6:15 p.m. 

Location
Computed Sort Date
1789088400
Event Subtitle
Hosted by Dr. Nick Monfort
Description

Join us for a gripping evening of suspense-filled storytelling at this Literary Cabaret, sharing works from the Crime Writing residency at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. Across three nights, explore readings of razor-sharp mystery and crime writing by participants and faculty mentors.

Running for two weeks, this debut residency brings together writers working across crime fiction, mystery, noir, and crime-informed nonfiction, with room for hybrid forms that engage with criminal justice, investigation, and moral consequence.

This chapter is hosted by award-winning Indigenous crime writer David Heska Wanbli Weiden, whose work brings moral complexity, cultural depth, and social critique to the genre. He’s the author of Winter Counts, named by Time magazine as one of the best mystery novels of all time.

Enjoy a drink from the bar and immerse yourself in thrilling explorations of justice, violence, and survival. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., with readings starting at 7 p.m. Afterward, mingle with the writers and faculty until 9:30 p.m.

Don’t miss this unique chance to discover the next bestseller and celebrate the artform of a great crime novel. 

Literary Arts is generously supported by the Flanagan Foundation and Fondation David R. Graham.

Photo of David Heska Wanbli Weiden
Page Summary
Award-winning Indigenous crime writer David Heska Wanbli Weiden reads alongside participants from the Crime Writing residency.
Exhibition
No
Free
Yes
Banff Centre Artist/Practicum/Staff Only
Off
Licensed
Off
Age Restrictions
Ages 14 and Over
Performance Date
Date
Extra Description

Doors open at 6:15 p.m. 

Location
Computed Sort Date
1787706000
Event Subtitle
Hosted by David Heska Wanbi Weiden
Description

Join us for a gripping evening of suspense-filled storytelling at this Literary Cabaret, sharing works from the Crime Writing residency at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. Across three nights, explore readings of razor-sharp mystery and crime writing by participants and faculty mentors.

Running for two weeks, this debut residency brings together writers working across crime fiction, mystery, noir, and crime-informed nonfiction, with room for hybrid forms that engage with criminal justice, investigation, and moral consequence.

This chapter is hosted by seasoned crime novelist and literary agent Wayne Arthurson, whose work spans classic detective fiction and contemporary Canadian noir. He’s the author of eight novels, including three from his Leo Desroches crime series and two from his Sergeant Neumann mystery series.

Enjoy a drink from the bar and immerse yourself in thrilling explorations of justice, violence, and survival. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., with readings starting at 7 p.m. Afterward, mingle with the writers and faculty until 9:30 p.m.

Don’t miss this unique chance to discover the next bestseller and celebrate the artform of a great crime novel.

Literary Arts is generously supported by the Flanagan Foundation and Fondation David R. Graham.

Photo of Wayne Arthurson
Page Summary
Seasoned crime novelist Wayne Arthurson reads alongside participants from the Crime Writing residency.
Exhibition
No
Free
Yes
Banff Centre Artist/Practicum/Staff Only
Off
Licensed
Off
Age Restrictions
Ages 14 and Over
Performance Date
Date
Extra Description

Doors open at 6:15 p.m. 

Location
Computed Sort Date
1787274000
Event Subtitle
Hosted by Wayne Arthurson
Description

Join us for an invigorating evening of poetry and prose at this Literary Cabaret, a sharing of works in the Summer Writers residency at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. Across three nights, explore intimate readings of fresh contemporary literature by participants and faculty mentors.

Running for two weeks, Summer Writers is one of Banff Centre’s most popular open-genre Literary residencies, attracting participants working across fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and hybrid forms to dive into works-in-progress under the gorgeous Rocky Mountain sun.

This chapter is hosted by Dr. Adam Dickinson, a poet and interdisciplinary artist whose work explores the relationship between bodies, environments, science, and art. His writing has been nominated for a Governor General’s Award and the Trillium Book Award for poetry.

Enjoy a drink from the bar and immerse yourself in a vibrant literary atmosphere. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., with readings starting at 7 p.m. Afterward, mingle with the writers and faculty until 9:30 p.m.

Don’t miss this chance to discover the books of tomorrow.

Literary Arts is generously supported by the Flanagan Foundation and Fondation David R. Graham.

Photo of Adam Dickinson
Page Summary
Poet and interdisciplinary artist Adam Dickinson reads alongside participants from the Summer Writers residency.
Exhibition
No
Free
Yes
Banff Centre Artist/Practicum/Staff Only
Off
Licensed
Off
Age Restrictions
Ages 14 and Over
Performance Date
Date
Extra Description

Doors open at 6:15 p.m. 

Location
Computed Sort Date
1784250000
Event Subtitle
Hosted by Dr. Adam Dickinson
Description

Join us for an invigorating evening of poetry and prose at this Literary Cabaret, a sharing of works in the Summer Writers residency at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. Across three nights, explore intimate readings of fresh contemporary literature by participants and faculty mentors.

Running for two weeks, Summer Writers is one of Banff Centre’s most popular open-genre Literary residencies, attracting participants working across fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and hybrid forms to dive into works-in-progress under the gorgeous Rocky Mountain sun.

This chapter is hosted by Abel, an internationally recognized Indigenous writer who moves powerfully between poetry, nonfiction, and fiction. Abel’s latest work—a novel titled Empty Spaces—was the winner of both the Governor General’s Award for fiction and the Banff Mountain Book Award.

Enjoy a drink from the bar and immerse yourself in a vibrant literary atmosphere. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., with readings starting at 7 p.m. Afterward, mingle with the writers and faculty until 9:30 p.m.

Don’t miss this chance to discover the books of tomorrow.

Literary Arts is generously supported by the Flanagan Foundation and Fondation David R. Graham.

Photo of Joran Abel
Page Summary
Internationally recognized Indigenous writer Jordan Abel reads alongside participants from the Summer Writers residency.
Exhibition
No
Free
Yes
Banff Centre Artist/Practicum/Staff Only
Off
Licensed
Off
Age Restrictions
Ages 14 and Over
Performance Date
Date
Extra Description

Doors open at 6:15 p.m. 

Location
Computed Sort Date
1784077200
Event Subtitle
Hosted by Jordan Abel
Description

Join us for an invigorating evening of poetry and prose at this Literary Cabaret, a sharing of works in the Summer Writers residency at Banff Centre. Across three nights, explore intimate readings of fresh contemporary literature by participants and faculty mentors.

Running for two weeks, Summer Writers is one of Banff Centre’s most popular open-genre Literary residencies, attracting participants working across fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and hybrid forms to dive into works-in-progress under the gorgeous Rocky Mountain sun.

This chapter is hosted by Bellamy, a legendary figure in contemporary American writing, known for her radical, intimate, and influential contributions to poetry, nonfiction, and art criticism. She has published a dozen books, including—with the publisher Semiotext(e)—Bee Reaved, When the Sick Rule the World, and The Letters of Mina Harker.

Enjoy a drink from the bar and immerse yourself in a vibrant literary atmosphere. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., with readings starting at 7 p.m. Afterward, mingle with the writers and faculty until 9:30 p.m.

Don’t miss this chance to discover the books of tomorrow.

Literary Arts is generously supported by the Flanagan Foundation and Fondation David R. Graham.

Photo of Dodie Bellamy
Page Summary
Highly influential author Dodie Bellamy reads alongside participants from the Summer Writers residency.
Exhibition
No
Free
Yes
Banff Centre Artist/Practicum/Staff Only
Off
Licensed
Off
Age Restrictions
Ages 14 and Over
Performance Date
Date
Extra Description

Doors open at 6:15 p.m. 

Location
Computed Sort Date
1783645200
Event Subtitle
Hosted by Dodie Bellamy
Description

Join us for an engaging evening of nonfiction storytelling at this Literary Cabaret, a sharing of works in the Literary Journalism residency at Banff Centre. Across three nights, explore boundary-pushing readings from participants and faculty mentors.

The three-week residency brings together writers working on long-form journalism, narrative nonfiction, cultural criticism, and reported essays. Participants focus on deeply researched, real-world storytelling—where reporting meets literary craft.

This chapter is hosted by Shawn Micallef, a celebrated urban journalist and cultural commentator whose work explores cities, civic life, and everyday culture. He is a Toronto Star columnist and the author of books including Stroll: Psychogeographic Walking Tours of Toronto and Frontier City: Toronto on the Verge of Greatness.

Enjoy a drink from the bar and immerse yourself in a vibrant literary atmosphere. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., with readings starting at 7 p.m. Afterward, mingle with the writers and faculty until 9:30 p.m.

Don’t miss this chance to hear excerpts of articles and books that will soon be discussed across the country.

Literary Journalism is generously supported by the Flanagan Foundation, Fondation David R. Graham, and the Rogers Communications Chair in Literary Journalism Endowment.

Photo of Shawn Micallef
Page Summary
Urban journalist and cultural commentator Shawn Micallef reads alongside writers from the Literary Journalism residency.
Exhibition
No
Free
Yes
Banff Centre Artist/Practicum/Staff Only
Off
Licensed
Off
Age Restrictions
Ages 14 and Over
Performance Date
Date
Extra Description

Doors open at 6:15 p.m. 

Location
Computed Sort Date
1781226000
Event Subtitle
Hosted by Shawn Micallef
Description

Join us for an engaging evening of nonfiction storytelling at this Literary Cabaret, a sharing of works in the Literary Journalism residency at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. Across three nights, explore boundary-pushing readings from participants and faculty mentors.

The three-week residency brings together writers working on long-form journalism, narrative nonfiction, cultural criticism, and reported essays. Participants focus on deeply researched, real-world storytelling—where reporting meets literary craft.

This chapter is hosted by Manjula Martin, a widely respected literary journalist and editor whose work bridges environmental writing, cultural criticism, and personal narrative. She is the author of the national bestseller The Last Fire Season: A Personal and Pyronatural History, a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award.

Enjoy a drink from the bar and immerse yourself in a vibrant literary atmosphere. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., with readings starting at 7 p.m. Afterward, mingle with the writers and faculty until 9:30 p.m.

Don’t miss this chance to hear about articles and books that will soon be discussed across the country.

Literary Journalism is generously supported by the Flanagan Foundation, Fondation David R. Graham, and the Rogers Communications Chair in Literary Journalism Endowment.

Photo of Manjula Martin.
Page Summary
Journalist and editor Manjula Martin reads alongside writers from the Literary Journalism residency.
Exhibition
No
Free
Yes
Banff Centre Artist/Practicum/Staff Only
Off
Licensed
Off
Age Restrictions
Ages 14 and Over
Performance Date
Date
Extra Description

Doors open at 6:15 p.m. 

Location
Computed Sort Date
1781053200
Event Subtitle
Hosted by Manjula Martin
Description

Join us for an invigorating evening of creativity at Literary Cabaret, part of the Summer Writers residency at Banff Centre. Across three nights, explore intimate readings of groundbreaking poetry and prose by participants and faculty mentors.

This chapter is hosted by Eric Sneathen, a poet and queer literary historian. Sneathen is the author of Snail Poems (2016) and Don’t Leave Me This Way (2023). With Lauren Levin, he edited Honey Mine (2021), the selected fictions of Camille Roy.

Enjoy a drink from the bar, browse a curated selection of books at Pages Books, and immerse yourself in the vibrant literary atmosphere. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., with readings starting at 7:00 p.m. Afterward, mingle with the writers and faculty until 9:30 p.m. Don’t miss this chance to experience the future of creative writing.

Eric Sneathen
Page Summary
Eric Sneathen, a poet and queer literary historian and the author of Snail Poems, will host and read alongside writers from the Summer Writers Residency.
Exhibition
No
Banff Centre Artist/Practicum/Staff Only
Off
Licensed
Off
Event Tags
Performance Date
Date
Extra Description

Doors open at 6:15 p.m. 

Location
Computed Sort Date
1756256400
Event Subtitle
Hosted by Eric Sneathen
Description

Join us for an invigorating evening of creativity at Literary Cabaret, part of the Summer Writers residency at Banff Centre. Across three nights, explore intimate readings of groundbreaking poetry and prose by participants and faculty mentors.

This chapter is hosted by poet Catriona Strang. A founding member of the Institute for Domestic Research, Strang is the author of Low Fancy, Corked, Reveries of a Solitary Biker, and Unfuckable Lardass.

Enjoy a drink from the bar, browse a curated selection of books at Pages Books, and immerse yourself in the vibrant literary atmosphere. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., with readings starting at 7:00 p.m. Afterward, mingle with the writers and faculty until 9:30 p.m. Don’t miss this chance to experience the future of creative writing.

Catriona Strang
Page Summary
Poet and author of Low Fancy, Corked, and Unfuckable Lardass, Catriona Strang, will host and read alongside writers from the Summer Writers Residency.
Exhibition
No
Banff Centre Artist/Practicum/Staff Only
Off
Licensed
Off
Event Tags
Performance Date
Date
Extra Description

Doors open at 6:15 p.m. 

Location
Computed Sort Date
1756429200
Event Subtitle
Hosted by Catriona Strang
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