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Program Information
Overview
The Self-Directed Mountain Writing program is a three-week residency for four established writers working in any genre (fiction, nonfiction, journalism, or poetry), on mountain narratives, environmental journalism, stories of adventure, or projects with climbing or mountaineering themes.
With a strong emphasis on literary quality, interior journeys of exploration and the psychology of extreme endeavours are as much a focus as the physical accomplishments involved.
Writers will enjoy dedicated, uninterrupted writing time in a spectacular mountain setting, and the communality of a small group of peers from around the world.
This program overlaps with the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival where visiting authors, editors, or publishers will offer further enrichment and inspiration.
What does the program offer?
Participants will be encouraged to meet regularly to share work and projects for independent peer review and community support. During the program, once weekly, published guest speakers will present to the participants on topics and themes relevant to the program.
Writers will be allocated a Leighton Artist Studio for personal use.
Who should apply?
Established writers with a proven publication record seeking a period of dedicated time to work on a project in the mountain writing genre.
We welcome writers from all backgrounds, as well as gender identities and expressions.
The Mountain Writing Residency is generously supported by:
Carlyle Norman Writing Scholarships
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.
The Full Flex meal plan includes $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.
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.
Writing Studio
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Each participant will be allocated a Leighton Artist Studio.
Box Office Discounts
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Enjoy special artist rates for ticketed performances or complimentary access to events.
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.
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.
Group Seminars/Workshops
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Join in group seminars/workshops.
Fees & Financial Assistance
Application fee: $65 ($35 for applicants who identify as Indigenous)
*Financial Aid of up to $3375 is available for this program.
Please answer the Financial Aid question in Slideroom during Part 3 of the application process if you wish to be considered. All applicants are eligible to receive financial aid.
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.
How to Apply
Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application.
Resume
A one-page resume or C.V. describing academic, professional, or other relevant creative experience.
Letter of Intent
A one-page letter explaining why you are interested in this program and what you hope to achieve by attending it.
Project Proposal
A description of your proposed work-in-progress (1000 words maximum).
Writing Samples
Provide an excerpt of your work in progress (10 pages maximum) and up to two samples of relevant recent artistic work (15 pages maximum). 25 pages total
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
