Indigenous. Ingenious.

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

Waawaate, Dance, 2018. Photo by Jessica Wittman.

Indigenous Arts

Be inspired by power of place

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.

We are pleased to offer 100% scholarships to support Indigenous artists to attend our programming.

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

Upcoming Programs
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An artist is working at a table in a studio

Program Dates September 02, 2025 - October 03, 2025

Aknumustiǂis: Ecological Engagement Through the Seasons 2025

Residency for Indigenous visual artists focused on land-centered artistic processes and engagement.

Application deadline has passed

Designs by Rebecca Baker-Grenier, Indigenous Haute Couture 2022, photos by Rita Taylor

Program Dates November 17, 2025 - December 05, 2025

Indigenous Fashion Runway Residency 2025

The 3-week Residency offers four Indigenous designers and collaborators a chance to create, refine, and showcase their work.

Application Deadline

A singer is playing the guitar and singing into a microphone

Program Dates February 02, 2026 - February 28, 2026

Toga da wôhnagabi: Music Creation Residency 2026

“Toga da wôhnagabi” (Stories for the future) provides songwriters a transformative space to actively listen and learn from each other in story and song.

Application Deadline

August 20, 2025

An artist is working at a table in their studio

Program Dates March 02, 2026 - March 27, 2026

Digital Constellations: Production & Post-Production Residency 2026

This residency offers time and resources in a supportive environment to focus on video and audio production and post-production components of your projects.

Application Deadline

September 10, 2025

A person is seated at a desk while viewing digital animations on a computer screen

Program Dates February 23, 2026 - March 27, 2026

Media Production Training: Digital Constellations 2026

This program offers practical hands-on experience and formal instruction in the areas of video production and post-production, audio, animation & graphics.

Application Deadline

September 10, 2025

An artist adds finishing touches to a red dress on a dress form

Program Dates April 01, 2025 - May 02, 2025

Indigenous Haute Couture – Creation & Embellishments 2025

Indigenous fashion designers will focus on project creation through self-directed studio time in a fully supported environment.

Application deadline has passed

I had an amazing experience with the Banff Centre and the others in the program. Being able to create without distraction boosted my creativity and allowed me to focus on solely on my art practice. The serene location, the wonderful staff, and faculty of the program I attended left me with nothing but positive feelings for my time spent in the Banff Centre.

Austin Harry, Akunumusǂitis 2023

Indigenous Arts programs are generously supported by

Indigenous Artists Spotify Playlist

Banff Centre Newsletter Signup

Indigenous Arts Stories

Cris Derksen, Cellist

Decolonizing the Narrative Conversation Series

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

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.

National Indigenous History Month, June at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity

2025 National Indigenous History Month

Join us in June for events and activities during National Indigenous History Month!

Contact Us

For questions about the Indigenous Arts programming we offer, please contact:

Email: arts_info@banffcentre.ca
Phone: 403.762.6180

Phone (Main Switchboard)
403.762.6100

Address
107 Tunnel Mountain Drive
PO Box 1020
Banff, Alberta
Canada
T1L 1H5

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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 “Minihrpa” (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, and Kainai. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Shuswap Nations, Ktunaxa Nations, and Metis Nation of Alberta, Rockyview District 4. We acknowledge all Nations who live, work, and play here, help us steward this land, and honour and celebrate this place.