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Banff Artist in Residence Emerging
Program Information

Rudy Loewe’s studio during the Distributed Identities residency, 2019.
Overview
Banff Artist in Residence (BAiR) Emerging is an immersive program of studio practice, creative exploration, and critical feedback and mentorship for visual artists in the early stages of their careers.
BAiR Emerging combines the artistic freedom of a self-directed residency with the supportive benefits of an organized program. As well as having the space to create, research, and experiment, participants are part of a community of emerging artists committed to developing and expanding their practice.
What does the program offer?
Over a period of five weeks, participants will have opportunities to hone their individual practice and collaborate with others, present work to their peers, engage in discussion and critique, learn from demonstrations in various visual art production techniques, and further develop the professional skills needed to support and sustain their practice. Artists will benefit from the insight provided by lead and guest faculty through studio visits and lectures, and attend events across campus in various disciplines.
This program will provide professional development for emerging artists and open up new possibilities and directions in the production of their work. Our knowledgeable staff will be on hand to offer demonstrations, technical support, and provide access to facilities in photography, sculpture, printmaking, papermaking, ceramics, fibre, video, digital technology, and more.
Who should apply?
This residency is for emerging artists who have completed university level training in visual arts (preferably within the last five years), or who have equivalent experience and recognition from their peers.
Applicants should also hold an active exhibition record of at least two years in length, and show evidence of dedication in their pursuit of an artistic career.
The program is designed for full participation over the entire four week period. Variable dates will not be considered.
With generous support by the Jarislowsky Foundation.
Faculty
What's Included
When applying, choose between staying in a single or a shared 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.
Using a credit-based system to dine on campus, our flexible meal plans allow you to select meals according to your own needs during your stay.
The Light Flex meal plan includes $23 credit per day, equivalent to breakfast and lunch in Vistas Dining Room.
Create in one of our specialized studios and utilize shared production facilities in printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, photography, digital media, and more (subject to additional fees).
Collaborative groups share studio space.
This program offers opportunities to showcase your work-in-progress in an open studios event in Glyde Hall.
A series of outstanding guest artists and curators will give free public talks and hold informal discussions. Lecture Series talks are available on iTunes U.
Your program fee includes free access to the swimming pool, climbing gym, and fitness suite as well as discounted rates for classes at the Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre.
Access a wide range of publications, books, music and films in the Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives, open six days a week.
Enrich your experience and get to know other artists on campus by taking advantage of the activities and support provided by our Participant Resources team.
Fees & Financial Assistance
Application fee: $65
*Financial Aid for this program has been generously supported by the Jarislowsky Foundation.
If you would like to be considered, please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials.
Help fund your experience at Banff Centre. View a compiled list of national and international opportunities here.
In addition to the program fee, participants are responsible for all costs associated with their stay such as shipping, materials and supplies, the rental and use of audio/visual equipment, photographic materials, printing, and any specific facility fees.
How to Apply
Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application.
Collaborative Groups: a group leader must complete a single application and upload supporting materials on behalf of the whole group. Visual support materials should be provided for the collective, individual resumes and bios should be provided for each member. Collaborative groups share studio space.
Adjudication
Participants are selected by impartial adjudicators on the basis of their submitted material. In addition to artistic merit, consideration will be given to the likelihood that the artist's work will benefit from the program.
Applicants will be notified of their status as soon as adjudication is complete, approximately eight to 10 weeks following the application deadline.
Eligibility
This residency is for emerging artists who have completed university level training in visual arts (preferably within the last five years), hold an active exhibition record of at least two years in length, and show evidence of dedication in their pursuit of an artistic career.
Note:
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 Banff Centre.
Contact Admissions
For questions on preparing your application, please contact Admissions: