Banff Musicians in Residence 2023, Niña Dioz and Duane Forrest. Photo by Rita Taylor
This program provides space and focused time for musicians of all genres to concentrate on artistic development while working on projects that can be either individually or group/ensemble based. You may be working in your established genre(s), or exploring a new one.
Along with the freedom to structure your time around the needs of your project, you will receive artistic inspiration and career advice from well-established faculty. You will have access to a range of artistic influences across the 3 weeks with the opportunity for interaction and collaboration to produce outstanding, creative results.
While this program is largely self-directed, there will be opportunities to gather as a group for lectures, seminars, and collaborative jam sessions. Faculty will be present to assist and mentor you throughout the program for group and/or one-on-one consultations. As well, a personal studio space is provided, accessible 24 hours per day, while production spaces are shared among all participants in the residency.
Culminating in a series of public concerts in an intimate Banff Centre venue for a receptive and casual local audience, you will have opportunities to explore new material, perform repertoire, and share the stage with fellow artists and faculty. These concerts are also recorded for your archival use.
Those interested in additional professional development can apply for the role of Artistic Associate and act as the liaison between faculty and musicians for the program's duration. An individual of exceptional musical ability and maturity will be offered this unique opportunity to be involved in the delivery and event curation of the Banff Musicians in Residence program. The Artistic Associate will liaise between visiting artists and resident musicians as well as Music programming and production staff.
We regret that demo and commercial recordings will not be available during this time period. Any additional technical requests for lighting, projections, sound amplification for your project may be limited and require review to confirm availability.
The program is ideal for individual musicians, ensembles, bands, composers, and music researchers, to spend focused time working on a specific project; creating new works; preparing for concerts, auditions or competitions; or exploring and researching innovative ideas.
Participants should be comfortable working autonomously in an unstructured environment to benefit the most from the program. Musicians at all levels are encouraged to apply.
We welcome musicians of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities and expressions to apply. Artists from historically underrepresented and equity-seeking groups are especially welcome.
Participants must attend all three weeks of the residency.
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.
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.
Create in the privacy of one of our specialized studios.
Group seminars and workshops with faculty.
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.
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.
Enjoy special artist rates for ticketed performances or complimentary access to events.
This program offers opportunities to showcase your work-in-progress.
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:
Please email library@banffcentre.ca or archives@banffcentre.ca for more information or assistance.
Application Fees: $65 for individuals or groups. ($35 for applicants who identify as Indigenous)
Application fees are not refundable.
Individual group members must pay an additional registration fee of $35 on acceptance.
Please note the above fees are per person.
*Financial Aid of 100% is available to cover tuition, and Financial Aid of 50% is available to offset food and accommodation costs
If you would like to be considered, please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials to SlideRoom.
The Artistic Associate will receive a scholarship to cover 100% tuition, meals, and accomodation costs, a daily living allowance, and a travel allowance (regional maximums apply).
French Artists
Thanks to the generosity of the DRG foundation, a number of successful applicants who are citizens of France and former French territories and currently residing there will receive a full scholarship. Covering full costs of tuition, meals and accommodation and a travel allowance (subject to regional maximums).
French applicants should follow the normal application process. Those eligible will be considered for the DRG Funds automatically and be contacted if successful.
Help fund your experience at Banff Centre. View a compiled list of national and international opportunities here.
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.
Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application.
A one-page resume or C.V. describing academic, professional, and other relevant experience.
A one-page cover letter explaining why you are interested in this program, what you hope to achieve by attending it, and how the program theme relates to your practice.
A 500-word description of your proposed project, including the theme, an outline of materials and facilities that may be required, and a breakdown of timelines
Please complete the technical questionnaire in Slideroom.
Be sure to complete the Financial Aid Question in SlideRoom to be eligible for the financial assistance.
If you are interested in applying for the role of Artistic Associate please provide the following:
- A letter of intent explaining why you are interested in taking on the additional responsibilities with this role. Please explain how your experience meets the Artistic Associate criteria and how it would benefit your career.
- Contact details for a relevant professional reference.
Additional Information
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. Adjudication is carried out by impartial disciplinary experts on the basis of applicants’ submitted material.
Banff Centre respects the need for artists to plan ahead for their visit; applicants will be notified as soon as adjudication is complete.
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.
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.
For questions on preparing your application, please contact Admissions: