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Program Information
Lara Felsing, Aknumustiǂis Ecological Engagement Through the Seasons, Banff Centre 2023. Photo by Rita Taylor.
Dates
Application Deadline: May 07, 2025
Program Dates: September 02 - October 03, 2025
Online: September 02 - 06, 2025 In Person: September 08 - October 03, 2025
Overview
The five-week hybrid residency will engage 12 visual artists whose artistic practice includes land-based themes, environmental sustainability, Indigenous narratives of the land, and/or use of natural materials.
Artists can apply with a personal project to explore, experiment and research, or complete their final project work. The online portion equips artists to arrive on campus ready to create in a supportive environment with access to a studio and Visual Arts facilities. The residency features workshops, on-the-land engagement, faculty guidance, knowledge exchange centered on integrating Indigenous ways of knowing into the artistic process and the opportunity to showcase works at Open Studios.
Description
This hybrid residency is a balance of self-directed studio time, workshops, presentations, and access to Visual Arts Studios. This residency is supported by a faculty team, who will offer insight into their creative processes, and visual arts facilitators. Successful applicants will benefit from:
- Self-directed time to work on a personal project.
- 24/7 access to their own studio in Glyde Hall.
- Group workshops and presentations from faculty and artists, along with one-on-one sessions, and on-the-land engagement opportunities.
- Visual Arts facilities which include production in analogue and digital photography, sculpture, printmaking, paper-making, ceramics, fibre, painting, drawing, digital media, video, and sound.
- Visual Arts team to support and facilitate their projects and provide technical assistance.
- Opportunities to showcase works-in-progress at the Open Studios at the end of the program.
*Materials: Participants are expected to bring the necessary materials and embellishments for their personal design projects during the on-campus portion of the residency. All other workshop-related materials will be provided by the program.
Requirements
This program is geared towards established Indigenous visual artists from regional, national, and global locations. Participants should have:
- a strong background in ecological engagement within their current practice.
- a keen interest in exploring themes of stewardship, land-based learning, and archival research as part of their practice.
Eligibility
Applicants must be ages 18+ at the time of the program start date.
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: Preparation (Online)
Participants should be available from 10am - 3pm
- Online convening with faculty, staff, and participants.
- Group sessions: Introductions with faculty, staff, visual arts facilitators, and participants.
- One-on-one Zoom sessions with faculty and Visual Arts Facilitator to discuss projects, prepare participant presentations, build timelines, and outline campus expectations.
Week Two: On-Campus
- Arrival on September 07, 2025.
- Sessions: On-campus welcome, participant orientation, presentations, library tour, and program workshops.
- Includes self-directed studio time and one-on-one sessions.
Week Three: On-Campus
- Gathering with participants, faculty, and staff.
- Guest faculty presentation, workshops, one-on-one workshops, and on-the-land engagement.
Week Four: On-Campus
- Program check-in with participants, faculty, and staff.
- New guest faculty, workshops, presentations, self-directed work time, and one-on-one sessions.
Week Five: On-Campus
- Preparation for Open Studios: Show works in progress and have studio photographs taken.
- Open Studios – October 1, 2025, 4:00 to 7:00 PM:
- Public event showcasing works in progress and studio photos.
The latter part of the program will also host evaluation session, closing circle, and closing reception. Participants will also be responsible for any mailing of items, winding down any costs incurred, cleaning and hand in studio key.
*All dates are subject to change. One-on-one sessions with mentors will be booked during program dates.
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.
Lead Faculty
Guest Faculty
Guest faculty for this program will be announced soon.
Guest Faculty TBA
Guest Faculty
Guest faculty for this program will be announced soon.
Guest Faculty TBA
Guest Faculty
Guest faculty for this program will be announced soon.
Guest Faculty TBA
Technical Requirements
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.
Group Seminars/Workshops
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Group seminars and workshops with faculty.
Studios & Facilities
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Create in one of our specialized studios and utilize shared Visual Arts and production facilities.
Showcase Your Work
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This program offers opportunities to showcase your work-in-progress.
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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<ul><li><a href="https://www.banffcentre.ca/participant-resources" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Participant Resources</a>: Enrich your experience and get to know other artists on campus by taking advantage of the activities and support provided. </li><li><a href="https://www.banffcentre.ca/sally-borden-fitness-and-recreation" target="_blank">Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre</a>: Your program fee includes free access to the swimming pool, climbing gym and fitness suite as well as discounted rates for classes. </li><li><a href="https://www.banffcentre.ca/events/events" target="_blank">Box Office Discounts</a>: Enjoy special artist rates or complimentary access for ticketed performances.</li></ul>
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.
- Scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees, meals, and accommodation costs
If you would like to be considered, 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.
Help fund your experience at Banff Centre by viewing 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.
Letter of Intent
A 500 word or 3 minute video description of why you wish to attend this program, what you hope to learn or achieve and what impact it could have on your artistic practice.
Project Proposal
In 500 words or a 3 minute video, describe the framework of your proposed project in relation to the residency theme, your weekly execution plan, details of the mediums you propose to use and your level of knowledge in the processes required, and outline any specific technical or support requirements.
Resource Request Information
Outline all studio, equipment, software, facility, or staff support requested in our upload tool. Final resource allocation is at the discretion of the department.
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 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
