Skip to main content

Leighton Studio Residencies

Who should apply?

Leighton Studio residencies welcome artists and creative professionals across a wide range of disciplines, including: 

  • Curatorial Practice: research and writing
  • Design: architectural, environmental, interactive, visual, functional, and fashion
  • Music: composition and songwriting
  • Theatre Arts: dramaturgy, playwriting, and theatrical development
  • Visual Arts: drawing, painting, digital art, and multimedia
  • Writing: literature, poetry, non-fiction, journalism, and screenwriting
  • Interdisciplinary Projects: integrating multiple creative disciplines
     

Where is my studio located?

All Leighton Studios (except Crich) are located in a forested area of Banff Centre campus, accessible along a gravel pathway. The studios are your workspace only.

Self-Directed Studio Residencies

Who Should Apply?

Self-Directed residencies support independent projects from people working in:

  • Dance: choreography, staging, conceptual research
  • Theatre Arts: dramaturgy, playwriting, and theatrical development
  • Opera: composition, performance
  • Poets
  • Fiction writers (fantasy, horror, romance, historical, etc.)
  • Non-fiction writers
  • Journalists (Eco, travel, etc.)
  • Screenwriters (tv, film)
  • Musicians: soloists, ensembles, bands
  • Composers, songwriters
  • Researchers
  • Interdisciplinary Projects: work integrating multiple of the above creative disciplines
     

Where is my studio located?

Self-Directed Studios are located on Banff Centre’s campus in buildings that a specific to your artistic discipline. Studios are assigned based on the facilities ability to support your project needs. Studios are a workspace only.

General Residency FAQ's

Where do I stay?

You will have a guestroom in one of our two on-campus hotels. The Professional Development Centre, which has our 24-hour Front Desk staff, and Lloyd Hall are hotels that provide you with a private room during your residency at Banff Centre.

What does it mean to be a Leighton or Self-directed independent residency?

Attending a Self-Directed Studio residency means you create your schedule. Your time is your own for research, ideation and creation – in whatever form that takes. You may choose to focus and work through ideas intensely or you may find opportunities to connect with other participants on campus through organic interactions at mealtimes or attending campus events (concerts, open studios, readings).

What supplies & materials do I need to bring?

Bring any and all materials, equipment and supplies you will need for your project. The town of Banff and nearby Canmore do not have art supply stores or instrument rentals. Calgary is a 90min drive away. Please ship materials in advance to ensure they arrive on time for your residency dates.

How close is the town of Banff?

Banff Centre is located on the side of Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain and is about a 15-minute walk into town. The town of Banff has grocery stores, restaurants and other activities available to you that we encourage you to visit and explore as a part of your time in the Bow Valley.