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Emerging Banff Artist in Residence 2023
Program Information

Luke Parnell, 'Neon Reconciliation Explosion', 2020, 7 x 12 feet, Acrylic on birch plywood, presswood. Courtesy of MKG127, photographer Toni Hafkenscheid.
Overview
Banff Artist in Residence (BAiR) Emerging is an immersive program of studio practice, creative exploration, and critical feedback and mentorship for visual artists of all ages 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, 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 guest faculty through studio visits, lectures, and workshops.
Our knowledgeable staff will be on hand to offer demonstrations, technical support, and provide access to facilities in photography, sculpture, printmaking, papermaking, ceramics, textiles, and digital technology.
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.
For full details on vaccination requirements, masking, safety protocols, and COVID related policies please visit: www.banffcentre.ca/covid-19-measures
This program is generously supported by the Gail and Stephen A. Jarislowsky Outstanding Artist program.
Faculty
What's Included
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.
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. Banff Centre can respond to most dietary requests.
The Full Flex meal plan is equivalent to $58 credit per day, equivalent to breakfast, lunch and dinner at our Buffet service.
Limited access to the Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives.
Although the doors remain temporarily closed, you can still access a wide range of books, periodicals, recordings and scores through our digital databases available on the digital resources page, and physical items through our curbside pick-up service.
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.
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.
A series of outstanding guest artists and curators will give free public talks and hold informal discussions.
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.
This program offers opportunities to showcase your work-in-progress in [one of our performance venues / an open studios event in Glyde Hall].
Join in group seminars/workshops.
Enjoy special artist rates for ticketed performances or complimentary access to events.
Fees & Financial Assistance
Application fee: $65 ($35 for applicants who identify as Indigenous)
*Financial Aid of 100% is available to cover tuition, and 50% is available to offset food and accommodation costs.
* All accepted participants will receive the above financial aid package. Application fees are not refundable.
Help fund your experience at Banff Centre. View a compiled list of national and international opportunities here.
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.
Detailed Project Proposal and Timeline
In 500 - 1000 words, describe the conceptual framework of your proposed project, your weekly execution plan, details of the mediums you propose to use and your level of knowledge in the processes required, and outline any specific technical or support requirements.
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.
Please note, application fees are non-refundable and go towards supporting the review of each program application and the adjudication process. All submitted applications are reviewed by a panel of adjudicators, and due to the competitive nature of Banff Centre’s programs, we do not provide feedback on applications or guarantee acceptances into programs. All applicants will be notified of their application status via email following adjudication.
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.
International Applicants
Banff Centre welcomes domestic and international applicants for this program. Please note, Banff Centre programs do not meet Canadian Student Visa eligibility requirements, you must obtain a Visitor Visa to enter Canada. Accepted individuals are responsible for identifying and complying with the immigration requirements to enter Canada as a visitor from their country of origin. Current wait times to receive a visa are much longer than normal, so applicants who require a Visitor Visa should check the current expected processing times prior to applying.
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 the Registrar
For questions on preparing your application, please contact the Office of the Registrar: