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Program Information
Joely BigEagle Kequahtooway, Banff Artist in Residence Open Studios 2021. Photo by Rita Taylor
Overview
This four week residency engages eight visual artist participants in a land-based, observational learning that will support the artist to develop and create a project drawing from their artistic practice that will inform the cultural narratives of this region. The artists will have access to a studio to support the creation of their project.
The project is reconciliation-based through the empowerment of Indigenous artists, working with institutions through a process that allows for meaningful engagement with the land; including Banff National Park, Parks Canada and local Knowledge Keepers. Working together, the process encourages knowledge exchange and centres Indigenous ways of knowing.
What Does the Program Offer?
This residency will explore questions around the narratives and histories that Indigenous people hold for themselves; that have been handed down from generation to generation, and from nation to nation through knowledge sharing.
Participants will share stories drawing from artifacts, plants, landmarks, and animals of the region, as well as connecting to the cultural land-based residency with opportunity for material harvesting and hands-on fabrication.
They will also take part in seasonal cultural activities and archival research sessions through on-the-land engagement in Banff National Park and surrounding areas, in collaboration with Parks Canada.
Who Should Apply?
This program is geared towards established Indigenous visual artists who have a strong background in ecological engagement within their current practice. Applicants should have a strong interest in exploring themes of stewardship, land-based learning, and archival research as part of their practice.
We welcome artists who wish to explore experimental elements, or accomplish finished productions of their work to the best of their capacity in a fully supported environment.
Faculty
Lillian Rose
Lillian is a member of the Ktunaxa Nation and resides on the Akisqnuk First Nation (Columbia Lake Indian Reserve#3) near Windermere, British Columbia and has had a varied career working with Government, Industry and First Nations organizations in the field of Natural Resource Management, Archaeology, Economic Development, and Cross-Cultural Education.
Lillian is excited to be a part of the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity team, working under the Participant Resources banner to support, connect and engage with program participants, the Banff Centre Board and staff and Indigenous communities.
Faculty
Joely BigEagle-Kequahtooway
Joely BigEagle-Kequahtooway is an inter-disciplinary land-based buffalo artist. She is a fashion and textile designer, visual artist, beader, storyteller and co-founder of the Buffalo People Arts Institute. She is Nakota/Cree/Saulteaux from the White Bear First Nations - signatory to Treaty 4. She has degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of Calgary and Mathematics from the First Nations University of Canada. She is currently in the Master of Fine Arts program at the Institute of American Indian Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She loves to incorporate mathematics and geometry in her artwork and is inspired by the perfect symmetry in nature. Her mantra envelopes everything Tatanga (Buffalo) as it connects her to ancestral memories, the land and is the manifestational glue that keeps her world together.
Faculty
Lorne Kequahtooway
Originally from the Treay 4 area, Zagime Anishnabek, Lorne Kequahtooway is dedicated to sharing and preserving his culture with others in Saskatchewan. Lorne is co-founder of Buffalo Peoples Arts Institute where he currently teaches cultural awareness through storytelling and community engagement around an interactive buffalo hide-tanning experience.
Guest Faculty
Nahanni McKay
Nahanni is a Metis-Cree-Settler artist and photographer based on Treaty 7 Territory. Born and raised in the Banff, her creative practice has focused on National Parks in Canada and the human impact on surrounding natural environments as well as the decolonization of land.
Nahanni sees herself as a wildlife photographer but the only animals she photographs are ghosts. She uses her photography to bring awareness of the need to coexist with wildlife to prevent further harm to the land we reside on.
Guest Faculty
What's Included
Single Room
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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.
Full Flex 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 Flex meal plan is equivalent to $61.95 credit per day, equivalent to breakfast, lunch and dinner at our Buffet service.
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/ Workshops
Studios & Facilities
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Create in one of our specialized studios and utilize shared production facilities in printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, photography, digital media and more (subject to additional fees)
Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives
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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.
Gym Membership
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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.
Participant Resources
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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.
Box Office Discounts
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Enjoy special artist rates for ticketed performances or complimentary access to events.
Fees & Financial Assistance
Application fee: $35
*Financial Aid of 100% is available for this program.
If you would like to be considered, please complete the Financial Aid question when uploading your supporting materials to SlideRoom.
Please note: 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.
Letter of Intent
A one-page cover letter explaining why you are interested in this program and what you hope to achieve by attending it.
Resume
A one-page resume or C.V. describing academic, professional, and other relevant experience.
Project Proposal
A one-page (500 words) description, including the theme, an outline of materials and facilities required, and indicative timelines.
Portfolio
Please provide up to 3 samples of recent artistic work
Resource Request
Outline all studio, equipment, software, facility, or staff support requested in our upload tool. Final resource allocation is at the discretion of the department.
Financial Assistance
Be sure to complete the Financial Aid Question in SlideRoom to be eligible for the 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.
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
