Clifford E. Lee Choreography Award 2027

Overview  

The Clifford E. Lee Choreography Award supports an emerging Canadian choreographer through the creation, development, and presentation of an ambitious new work.

Across two residencies at Banff Centre, the award recipient moves from artistic research and experimentation to production and public performance. The first residency provides space to investigate an idea, test new approaches, and deepen the choreographer’s creative practice. The second brings the work into a professionally supported production environment, culminating in a public presentation. 

The award recognizes that significant new work requires more than rehearsal time. It requires space for uncertainty, discovery, collaboration, and revision. By supporting both the artistic process and the work’s path toward production, the Clifford E. Lee Choreography Award enables artists to pursue projects that may not be possible elsewhere.

Description

Established in 1978 by the Clifford E. Lee Foundation, the Clifford E. Lee Choreography Award is one of Canada’s most distinguished awards for emerging choreographers. Presented biennially, it supports bold choreographic voices and the development of new approaches to contemporary dance.

The recipient receives a $25,000 CAD commissioning award and two residencies at Banff Centre over a two-year period. 

Residencies can include a creative team of up to 8 people, providing space and time for collaboration throughout the development process. 

Creative Residency: Select one from December 6–17, 2027, January 10–28, 2028 or January 17–28, 2028

The creative residency is dedicated to artistic research and early-stage development. It provides the choreographer and their collaborators with uninterrupted studio time to investigate the project’s central ideas, generate movement, experiment with form, and develop new creative methodologies.

The emphasis is on inquiry and process. Artists are encouraged to take risks, follow unexpected discoveries, and explore interdisciplinary or technically ambitious approaches without the immediate pressure of completing a production.

Participants receive:

• Dedicated studio space.
• Time for research, experimentation, collaboration, and creation.
• Opportunities for artistic exchange and dialogue.
• No technical production support during this residency.

Production Residency: Dates to be determined

The production residency supports the project’s transition from artistic development to public presentation. Working within Banff Centre’s professional production environment, the choreographer and creative team will refine the work’s structure, design, and performance language.

Participants receive:

• A performance venue selected in relation to the project and Banff Centre’s available resources.
• Two weeks of production development.
• Support from a professional technical team.
• A public performance or presentation at the conclusion of the residency.

Production residency dates are determined in consultation with the award recipient, based on the project’s development, technical requirements, and Banff Centre’s availability.

Together, the two residencies create a sustained development pathway from initial inquiry through creation, production, and public encounter.

Requirements

The award is open to emerging Canadian choreographers working in contemporary dance. Choreographers may apply independently or in partnership with a dance company or creative team.

We welcome proposals rooted in a wide range of practices, including movement research, interdisciplinary collaboration, cultural and traditional forms, experimentation, and new technologies.

Strong applications will demonstrate:

• A distinctive choreographic voice and compelling artistic inquiry.
• A project that would benefit meaningfully from an extended research-to-production process.
• A willingness to experiment, revise, and allow the work to evolve.
• A clear understanding of the project’s current stage of development.
• An ambitious but achievable vision for the work’s eventual production.
• The potential for the award to advance both the proposed work and the choreographer’s longer-term artistic practice.

Applicants may apply individually or with a creative team. The complete residency group, including the choreographer, may include up to 8 participants.

Eligibility

Applicants must be 18+ at the time of the program start date. 

Applicants must be Canadian (citizens or residents).

Inclusivity Statement

We welcome applicants of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities and expressions to apply. Artists from historically underrepresented and equity deserving groups are especially welcome.

This award is supported by the Clifford E. Lee Artist Fund at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.