Salman Rushdie, Suketu Mehta, Alexandra Fuller to Headline Literary Arts programming

Banff, Alberta, April 27, 2015 -- Fall 2015 marks the beginning of a bold transition in Literary Arts at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. Alongside longstanding programs, the department is launching programming aligned with current themes, ideas, and genres under the leadership of recently appointed Director, Devyani Saltzman. For the first time in over 10 years, a new slate of residencies and events will be offered, featuring a prestigious lineup of Canadian and internationally-renowned authors including Salman Rushdie, Suketu Mehta, Alexandra Fuller, and more. 

“Having worked with publishers, authors, and cultural institutions in Toronto, Banff, and abroad, I envision Literary Arts at Banff Centre as a leading national and international hub for the discussion, debate, and practice of writing,” said Saltzman.   

Highlights include the Centre’s first memoir residency with Alexandra Fuller, Karen Connelly, and Booker-nominated, Canadian author Alison Pick; a master class with Suketu Mehta and Folio Prize-winner Akhil Sharma; the Mountain and Wilderness Writing residency with Marni Jackson, Tony Whittome, and Lori Lansens; the Centre’s first crime residency; and a public event with Salman Rushdie as part of the Canadian launch of his new novel, “Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights”.

“This new programming builds on the foundation and reputation of Literary Arts at Banff Centre: bringing together creative minds – from emerging artists to established authors – and providing them opportunities in a world-class facility for collaboration, experimentation, and transformation as part of the artistic development process,” said Carolyn Warren, Vice President, Arts at Banff Centre.

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About Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity:  Founded in 1933, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is a learning organization built upon an extraordinary legacy of excellence in artistic and creative development. What started as a single course in drama has grown to become the global organization leading in arts, culture, and creativity across dozens of disciplines. From our home in the stunning Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity aims to inspire everyone who attends our campus – artists, leaders, and thinkers – to unleash their creative potential and realize their unique contribution to society through cross-disciplinary learning opportunities, world-class performances, and public outreach. www.banffcentre.ca