Indigenous Arts

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.

An update on our offerings

We have launched 
Akunumusǂitis (Natural Law) - Ecological Engagement Through the Seasons

October 02 - October 27, 2023

This four week residency engages eight visual artist participants in a land-based, observational learning that will support the artist to develop and create a project drawing from their artistic practice that will inform the cultural narratives of this region. The artists will have access to a studio to support the creation of their project.

COMING SOON 

Wîchoîe Ahiya Indigenous Singer Songwriter Residency
In Person Residency 20th November – 8th December 2023 

This residency will open for applications in the coming weeks. It will offer participants three weeks in residence at Banff Centre to explore the art of songwriting, vocal presence, and production. 

With Dale Mac, Roots/Rock/Blues songwriter from White Bear First Nation in Saskatchewan as the lead faculty, participants will deepen their creative practice and learn through faculty led workshops and one-on-one sessions. There will be a chance to record a track in the Telus Studio and to perform at one of two scheduled public concerts. 

Indigenous Haute Couture – Contemporary Embellishments
In Person Residency 26th February – 22nd March, 2024

This residency will open for applications in the summer. This four-week Indigenous Haute Couture Fashion Residency will offer Indigenous textile-based artists with traditional and contemporary practices the opportunity to develop their design and pattern development skills in connection to adapting new approaches for their embellishments all at haute couture level.
Working with lead Faculty D’Arcy Moses, throughout the program, participants will design a couture garment inspired by their Indigeneity and based on the traditional silhouettes, lines and/or materials of their culture. 
Presented discussions with faculty will focus on Indigenous identity in the garment business and how culture plays a role, be it recycling, repurposing materials and/or related conversations.

If you wish to stay informed about our upcoming programs and Banff Centre news, please subscribe to our newsletter. 

Indigenous Arts is generously supported by: