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Program Information
Overview
How do you know you're making the right decision for yourself, your organization, and your community? What does it mean to lead well in today's arts and culture sector? What does it look like to be strategic and thoughtful while managing risk in a rapidly evolving sector?
Leadership in the arts and culture sector is complex, dynamic, and deeply connected to community. This program invites emerging and experienced leaders to explore leadership through the lens of Indigenous wise practices, right relations, deep listening, self-inquiry, and leadership as a means, not a destination.
Description
Over six days, participants will reflect on their leadership values and experiences while learning alongside a peer cohort of cultural leaders. Participants will be given an opportunity to bring cultural challenges into the room and work through them using wise practice principles.
Together, we will delve into areas such as governance, strategic thinking, organizational development, cultural policy and protocols, and community engagement — not as isolated skills, but as interconnected elements of resilient, values-based leadership.
Program highlights
- Wise Practices Leadership Competencies
- Leadership as Practice
- Designing for Action: Social Network Mapping
- Strategic Thinking in a Changing Sector
- Self-inquiry, Reflection, Land-based Deep Listening
- Collaborative Decision Making
- Insights from the Inside: Converse with CEOs
Requirements
The program is designed to cater to arts and culture professionals working in organizations of any size and across any art form (visual arts, galleries, museums, theatre, dance, opera, film, music and literature).
This program is suited to those who are looking to build skills that will allow them to run effective organizations, build healthy and sustainable communities, and drive change, including:
- Arts and culture managers, directors and senior administrators
- Consultants
- Artists in leadership roles
Eligibility
Applicants must be 18+ at the time of the program start date.
Domestic and international applications are welcome.
Visa Eligibility Information:
- 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 applicants of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities and expressions to apply. Participants from historically underrepresented and equity deserving groups are especially welcome.
Itinerary
Participants are required to dedicate approximately 40 hours during the week to this program.
Itinerary is subject to change.
Sunday
Welcome and smudge
Program overview and introductions
Monday
Wise practices model
Opening the circle: legacy effects and wellbeing
A leader's journey
Evening homework: journal reflections
Tuesday
Dream house
Leadership competencies
Outdoor or group activity
Wise practices pathways plan
Wednesday
Fireside chat with sector leader
Wise practices leadership challenge
Art-based session
Thursday
Land-based deep listening
Designing for action: social network mapping
Sharing our wise practices leadership
Friday
Leadership commitments
Closing circle and reflections
Faculty
Kenji Maeda
Based on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh first nations, Kenji’s experiences are diverse and grounded in his passion for the arts, education, and building community, and influenced by his Uchinanchu heritage. He brings with him over 20 years of experience within the cultural sector working within national and local contexts, and across sector disciplines. Kenji is the Executive Director of the Greater Vancouver Professional Theatre Alliance focusing on strengthening sector capacity, advancing advocacy efforts, and building community.
He is the co-lead of Pathways an equity and access learning program, which has seen more than 125 organizations across B.C. participate in the first two years, as they navigate complex organizational and community realities. He has also taught the Thriving as a Cultural Entrepreneur at Simon Fraser University since 2019 to support the next generation of artistic and cultural leaders. Kenji is thrilled to be back at Banff Centre as an alum of Banff’s 2019 Cultural Leadership Program, to both offer his experiences and to learn from the participants.
He loves spreadsheets, chewy chocolate chip cookies, and his husband Alan.
Faculty
Dr. Cynthia Wesley- Esquimaux
Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux served as Vice Provost for Indigenous Initiatives at Lakehead University for three years. Effective September 2016 she was appointed the 1st Indigenous Chair for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada for Lakehead University and continues to develop pathways forward to reconciliation across Canada.
Cynthia was inducted as a “Honourary Witness” by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada in 2014, and is Chair of the Governing Circle for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba.
She is a member and resident of the Chippewa of Georgina Island First Nation in Ontario and has dedicated her life to building bridges of understanding. She sees endless merit in bringing people from diverse cultures, ages, and backgrounds together to engage in practical dialogue and applied research initiatives.
Faculty
Tareyn Johnson
Tareyn Johnson is Anishnaabe and a member of the Chippewa of Georgina Island First Nation.
She has been the Director of Indigenous Affairs at the University of Ottawa since 2017, as the inaugural leader of the portfolio. She was the project lead for the development and implement the Indigenous Action Plan, the first Indigenous strategic plan at the university. She had been a professor in the Indigenous Studies program since 2021, developing and delivering the Introduction to Indigenous Studies course, as well as the selected topics course, Listen to the Stories: Indigenous Cultural Schemas.
Faculty
What's Included
Meal Plan
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Using a credit-based system to dine on campus, our flexible meal plan allows you to select meals according to your own needs during your stay. Banff Centre can respond to most dietary requests.
The meal plan is equivalent to a $73 credit per day, equivalent to three meals at our buffet service.
Accommodation
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Your program fee includes a single bedroom on the Banff Centre campus for the duration of your program.
Get connected with other artists on campus and focus on your projects in a creative environment while we take care of the day-to-day essentials.
Group Seminars/Workshops
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Group seminars and workshops with faculty.
Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives
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The Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives are delighted to support Banff Centre Participants, Artists, and Faculty
Campus Facilities
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- Participant Resources: Enrich your experience and get to know other artists on campus by taking advantage of the activities and support provided.
- Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre: Your program fee includes free access to the swimming pool, climbing gym and fitness suite.
- Box Office Discounts: Enjoy special artist rates or complimentary access for ticketed performances.
Fees & Financial Assistance
Application Fee
$65 for individuals, $35 for applicants who identify as Indigenous.
The application fee is non-refundable. 100% of this fee goes towards the cost of administering the application in SlideRoom.
Funding
Funding of up to $2500 is available to support participants. Those working for non-profits and smaller organizations are encouraged to apply.
If you would like to be considered, please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials.
Cancellations
Information on our cancellation policy can be found here.
Tax Information
Banff Centre will issue official tax receipts for eligible tuition fees and financial assistance and awards as required by the Income Tax Act. You will receive a T2202 (Tuition and Enrolment Certificate) for eligible tuition fees paid and a T4A (Statement of Pension, Retirement, Annuity, and Other Income) for applicable financial assistance and awards.
How to Apply
Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application.
Step 1:
Complete the Online FormStep 2:
Please login with the username and password emailed to you on completion of step 1.
Step 3:
Upload Your MaterialsResume
A two-page resume or C.V. describing academic, professional, and other relevant experience.
Program specific questionnaire
Applicants have the option of a written or video submission. Please keep videos to under five minutes.
Financial Assistance
Be sure to complete the Financial Aid question in SlideRoom to be eligible for the financial assistance.
Adjudication
Participants are chosen by an adjudication panel comprising of internal and external assessors. The selection criteria include:
- Required skills and experience.
- The potential for the applicant to benefit from the program.
Our programs are highly competitive with a limited number of places available. Applicants will be notified of their selection status as soon as the adjudication process is complete. Due to the high volume of applications individual feedback will not be provided.
Disclaimer
All programs, faculty, dates, fees, and offers of financial assistance are subject to change. Program fee is subject to applicable taxes. Non-refundable fees and deposits will be retained upon cancellation. Any other fees are refunded at the discretion of the Banff Centre. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.
Contact Admissions
For questions on preparing your application, please contact Admissions:
Toll Free Number (Canada + USA)
1.800.565.9989
Phone
403.762.6180
