Programs at The Banff Centre

Writing Studio 2008

Program dates: April 28, 2008 - May 31, 2008

Application deadline: November 30, 2007

Writing genres offered: Fiction and other narrative prose and Poetry.

Due to the late announcement of program fees and financial assistance, The Banff Centre is pleased to extend the application deadline to November 30, 2007.


Director: Greg Hollingshead
Associate Directors: Edna Alford, Don MacKay

Program Information

Directors: Greg Hollingshead - Fiction & other narrative prose, Edna Alford - Associate Director, Fiction &
other narrative prose, Don McKay - Associate Director, poetry,
Faculty: Catherine Bush - Fiction & other narrative prose, Alan Cumyn - Fiction & other narrative prose, Mary Dalton - Poetry, John Steffler - Poetry, Colin Bernhardt - Voice & Relaxation, John Metcalf - Fiction & other narrative prose, Gil Adamson - Fiction & other narrative prose,
:
“The benefits that I take away from this experience, both specifically related to the manuscript that I am currently writing and in my general self-image as a confident writer, are immeasurable.”
Kristy McKay — Edmonton, Alberta

About the Writing Studio

The Writing Studio is a five-week program offering poets and writers of fiction and other narrative prose the time, space, and support they need to pursue a writing project, with the benefit of editorial consultation. Designed for literary writers at an early stage in their careers, the program offers an extended period of uninterrupted writing time, one-on-one editorial assistance from experienced writers/editors, and an opportunity to engage with a community of working writers. The Writing Studio is an ideal environment for artistic inspiration and growth. Situated in the majestic Canadian Rockies, The Banff Centre offers a unique natural setting for artists of all disciplines to realize their creative potential.

All participants may work with at least two or, in the case of poets, three faculty mentors during the five weeks of the program. As part of the Banff Summer Arts Festival, Writing Studio participants and faculty offer a weekly reading series. To help writers develop their public reading skills, we offer one-on-one sessions with a voice and relaxation instructor. Activities other than the writer’s individual work (i.e., guided hikes, social gatherings, concerts and performances) are voluntary, and participants are encouraged to structure their time to suit their own needs and goals.

Enrolment is limited to 24 writers.

Work spaces

Participants are housed in single rooms that also serve as their private work spaces. Writers should bring their own computers or laptops, as well as software, if they wish to use a computer on a full-time basis in their rooms. A PC and a Macintosh computer are available for general e-mail and printing purposes. Photocopying services and Internet access (including wireless) are available at several public locations.

All programs, faculty, dates, fees, and offers of financial assistance are subject to change. Non-refundable fees and deposits will be retained upon cancellation. Any other fees are refunded at the discretion of The Banff Centre.