Indigenous Arts | Banff Centre

Indigenous. Ingenious.

Rigorous, transformative programs for Indigenous artists, inspired by Banff's unique power of place.

Waawaate, Dance, 2018. Photo by Jessica Wittman.

Informed by Indigenous cultures and worldviews, we offer programs in all disciplines for emerging to established Indigenous artists. Our programs are highly transformative, situate rigour and exploration at their centre, and are inspired by ‘power of place’ here in Treaty 7 territory.

Through outstanding performances, concerts, residencies, presentations, workshops, talks, and exhibitions, Indigenous Arts contributes to strong and vibrant Indigenous arts communities in Canada and around the globe.

Indigenous Arts Programs
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iskwé works in the studio

October 10 - October 28, 2022

Write Over Here: Screenwriting Residency - Fall 2022

This three-week online and in-person screenwriting residency, allows for writers to put time aside and engage in their practice.

Application deadline has passed

Two musicians performing with string instruments

August 11 - August 20, 2022

Indigenous Classical Music Gathering

ICMG brings together Indigenous artists working with the Classical genre to cultivate relationships, personal craft and build strong networks.

Application deadline has passed

View Past Program

Indigenous Arts Related

Indigenous Haute Couture Beading

Indigenous Haute Couture High Fashion Virtual Open Studios

In this online version of our Open Studios events, we highlight the work of the Indigenous Haute Couture participants.

Banff Centre Indigenous Artists Spotify Playlist

A curated playlist of work by Indigenous artists from Banff Centre's programming and presenting events.

Indigenous Arts is generously supported by:

Indigenous Arts Stories
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Cris Derksen, Cellist

Decolonizing the Narrative Conversation Series

Decolonizing the Narrative Conversation Series is a monthly online conversation session that invites Indigenous Art creators to talk about their practice.

Laakkuluk

Watch the Decolonizing the Narrative Conversation Series

Explore and deepen your understanding of how Indigenous artists are using their disciplines as a tool to decolonize artistic process and creation

Buffalo Mountain Drum

Bowing Beyond Genres

Cellest Cris Derksen braids traditional and contemporary with genre-defying music.

Reneltta Arluk

Buffalo Mountain Drum

The Art of Traditional Storytelling

Reneltta Arluk brings Indigenous voices to the main stage.

The self-directed residency was magical and memorable. [Banff Centre] is a wonderful place to dive deep into your creation and be supported by open-minded and caring staff.

Daina Ashbee, Self-Directed Residency, 2018

Contact Us

For questions about the department and what we offer, please contact:

Email: arts_info@banffcentre.ca
Phone: 403.762.6180

Partners

We recognize, with deep respect and gratitude, our home on the side of Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain. In the spirit of respect and truth, we honour and acknowledge the Banff area, known as “Minhrpa” (translated in Stoney Nakoda as “the waterfalls”) and the Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Îyârhe Nakoda (Stoney Nakoda) – comprised of the Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Goodstoney Nations – as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation and the Blackfoot Confederacy comprised of the Siksika, Piikani, Kainai. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Shuswap Nations, Ktunaxa Nations, and Metis Nation of Alberta, Region 3. We acknowledge all Nations who live, work, and play here, help us steward this land, and honour and celebrate this place.

©2022 Banff Centre