Overview
A Leighton Studio Residency offers creative professionals 2 to 6 weeks of focused, self-directed time in private, purpose-built studios set in the forested surroundings of Banff Centre. This competitive program supports independent research, creative exploration, and project development, with the flexibility to work in solitude or engage with Banff Centre’s broader artistic community.
You will benefit from independent management of your time in residence, choosing when to focus, collaborate, explore and create.
Description
Leighton Studios are purpose-built, private workspaces designed to support a range of creative disciplines. Each studio offers a distinct environment, allowing applicants to indicate a preferred space that best supports their practice.
Writers and curators may prefer the Hemingway, Henriquez, or Evamy studios—quiet, contemplative spaces designed for literary or research-based projects.
Musicians, composers, and songwriters may select the Valentine, Davidson, or Cardinal studios, which accommodate solo composition or sound-based work.
Visual Artists, designers, animators, and filmmakers often choose the Thom or Gerin-Lajoie studios, which provide more space for physical creation and experimentation.
Learn more about each studio’s features and find the best fit for your project.
This residency is designed for independent work and does not include production support, technical assistance, or access to specialized facilities. Applicants are responsible for bringing all materials, equipment, and supplies required for their project.
Dates
Residencies can be a minimum of 2 weeks and a maximum of 6 weeks, with proposed dates starting on a Monday and ending on a Friday and arrival on the Sunday before and departure on the Saturday after.
Program Dates are available within the below date ranges:
- April 6 - December 11, 2026
- January 4 - March 26, 2027
There will be no availability between December 14, 2026 and January 3, 2027 due to the Institutional Holiday Closure.
Important: Dates are fixed and if accepted, cannot be changed or deferred. Please ensure to select dates that work for your schedule when applying.
Requirements
This residency is open to creative professionals with a demonstrated record of accomplishment and a clearly defined project. Including but not limited to:
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: work integrating multiple creative disciplines
Applicants will benefit most if they are comfortable working autonomously in an unstructured environment. This residency is best suited for those who:
work independently without production support, instrument rentals, or access to specialized production facilities
have a project that fits within the footprint of a Leighton Studio
provide all materials, equipment, and supplies required for their project
If your project requires production support, please consider applying to one of our other artist in residence programs in Literary Arts, Music, Dance, Theatre, Indigenous Arts or Visual Arts.
Eligibility
Artists who have participated in a Leighton Studio residency in the past three years are not eligible to apply.
Applicants must be ages 18+ at the time of the program start date.
Banff Centre welcomes applications from both domestic and international applicants for our program.
Visa Eligibility Information: Canadian Student Visa Not Eligible: Please note that Banff Centre programs do not meet the eligibility requirements for a Canadian Student Visa. If you are accepted into our program, you must obtain a Visitor Visa to enter Canada. Accepted participants are responsible for identifying and complying with the immigration requirements to enter Canada as a visitor from their country of origin. If you require a Visitor Visa please check the current expected processing times well in advance of applying.
Inclusivity Statement
We welcome artists of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities and expressions to apply. Artists from historically underrepresented and equity deserving groups are especially welcome.
Accessibility: The Leighton Studios are located in the woods and are accessed via a gravel pathway. Due to their remote location on campus, they are currently not wheelchair accessible. Please contact us if you require wheelchair accessible accommodation.
