Program Information
Overview
Studio Practicum programs provide an opportunity for participants to expand and enhance their technical skills in mediums supported by Banff Centre’s Visual Arts production facilities.
This program offers practical experience supporting Visual Arts residency programs and artists in residence as they engage with interdisciplinary approaches toward art-making in the Digital Media facilities. Computational Arts Studio Practicum participants will also engage with experienced artists from a range of disciplines (including printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, and photography) who seek to integrate new methods into their practice.
Participants will receive mentorship and feedback from the Digital Media Facilitator as they learn skills for supporting artists’ projects, maintenance, and safe operation of equipment. Primary areas of focus include 3D printing, laser engraving, 3D scanning, and video art. Additional opportunities may arise in CNC fabrication, interactive media, and electronics.
What does the program offer?
Learning opportunities will arise through the direct engagement with artists-in-residence, demonstrations, and regular mentorship from the Digital Media Facilitator. Individual learning objectives and goals are determined in consultation with the mentor at the beginning of the program. Digital arts are the principal focus of this program, however supplementary learning opportunities may be offered in other Visual Arts disciplines as well. Participants will receive mentorship to strengthen their technical and artistic knowledge, communication, critical thinking, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills. In addition to supporting artists in their specific production facilities, all Studio Practicum Participants will collectively prepare and maintain studio spaces for Visual Arts residencies.
The regular course of study for the Computational Arts Studio Practicum is 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Participants have the opportunity to spend one weekday focused on independent study, while the other four weekdays are dedicated to supporting the Computational Arts Studio Practicum, artists in residence, and regular departmental projects.
Who should apply?
This program is suited for recent graduates of studio-based programs with an emphasis on digital fabrication, interactive media, and inter-disciplinary practices. Animation, video, and audio experience is also an asset. The program offers experience within a professional organization for those seeking careers as studio technicians or production assistants, or those in pursuit of graduate studies. Applicants must exhibit foundational skills in various digital technologies through their portfolio submissions.
Artists from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply, with a special invitation to individuals of Indigenous descent.
Eligibility
As this program exceeds six months in length, enrollment is limited to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada. This is due to changes made by the Government of Canada to international student visa regulations, effective June 1, 2014.
What's Included
You are eligible for Banff Centre housing (based on availability). You are responsible for your own room and board costs. Current rates for Banff Centre accommodation are $8.06 / day (shared) or $16.12 / day (single) and will be deducted from the living allowance.
As space is extremely limited, Banff Centre housing is available for practicum participants only.
You will receive a living allowance of $61 per day.
Note that financial assistance and stipend awards are considered taxable income for Revenue Canada.
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.
Enjoy special artist rates for ticketed performances or complimentary access to events.
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
Indigenous applicants: $35
*The tuition fee is covered 100% by financial assistance from Banff Centre.
Successful applicants will receive a daily living allowance while part of the program. Practicums are responsible for their own room and board costs but are eligible for subsidized Banff Centre housing based on availability (see What's Included for more information).
How to Apply
List of Technical Skills
Provide an outline that describes the technical skills in which you have acquired intermediate to advance knowledge:
- Intermediate= have completed an introductory course of study in the medium
- Advanced = have worked with this medium in a significant capacity and produced a body of work demonstrated in my portfolio submissions.
You may highlight any additional skills outside of this specialized medium of study in which you have achieved intermediate to advanced proficiency.
Eligibility
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.
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 the Registrar
For questions on preparing your application, please contact the Office of the Registrar:
