Independent Residencies: Leighton Artists Studios - August 2023 - March 2024

Leighton Studios | In-Person

Program Information

Cardinal Studio

The Cardinal Studio at Leighton Artist Studios

Overview

Independent residencies at the Leighton Artists Studios offer artists across a range of disciplines the opportunity for self-directed retreat. Each unique studio is designed by a distinguished Canadian architect to provide a perfect setting for projects requiring focus, solitude, and time for contemplation. Artists working in the Leighton Studios have the opportunity to engage with the community on campus by attending talks, performances and exhibitions, and engaging in the Participant Resources activity calendar.

What does the program offer?

The Leighton Studios provide all the amenities necessary for you to immerse yourself completely in your work. The studios appeal to a variety of disciplines: three of the studios have pianos, three are designed for writers, and two are designed with storage, lighting, and flexible space to accommodate visual artists. 

Each studio is fully furnished and equipped with:
•    A computer monitor (which can be connected to a personal laptop/computer)
•    Printer
•    Wi-Fi
•    Kitchenette
•    Washroom
•    Telephone

Artists do not live in their studios; on-site accommodation and meal plans are provided separately. 

Leighton Artists Studio stays are self-directed residencies. There is no access to specialized production facilities, technical support, or equipment loans. Please refer to each studio page to see what is included within the footprint of the studio.

If your project requires significant support, please consider applying to one of our other artist residence programs in Literary ArtsPerforming Arts, Indigenous Arts or Visual Arts.  

Please note our nine Leighton Studios in the woods are accessed via a gravel pathway and due to their remote location on campus they are not currently wheelchair accessible. Please contact us if you require wheelchair accessible accommodations or have questions about studio options on campus. 

Who should apply?

We invite individual artists to apply, whose projects fit within the footprint of a Leighton Studio and do not require additional support. We unfortunately cannot accommodate groups or collaborators at this time.

Artists of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities, and expressions are encouraged to apply.

Please note, adjudication will prioritize applicants who have not completed a Leighton residency in the past 3 years.

Residency Dates

Residences must be minimum 2 weeks in length and maximum 6 weeks. They must start on a Monday and end on a Friday, with arrival on the Sunday before and departure on the Saturday after. 

Applications are being accepted for the following time periods: August 21, 2023 - March 29, 2024 (no availability from December 16, 2023 - January 7, 2024, due to Institutional closure)

Dates are fixed and if accepted, cannot be changed or deferred. Please ensure to select dates that work for your schedule when applying.  

Image Gallery

What's Included

Accommodations
Single RoomRead MoreClose

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.

Meal Plan Icon
Full Flex Meal PlanRead MoreClose

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 $61.95 credit per day, equivalent to breakfast, lunch and dinner at our Buffet service.

Visual Art Icon
Studio SpaceRead MoreClose

Create in the privacy of one of our Leighton studios.

Barbell Icon
Gym MembershipRead MoreClose

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.

Discount Icon
Box Office DiscountsRead MoreClose

Enjoy special artist rates for ticketed performances or complimentary access to events.

Community Icon
Participant ResourcesRead MoreClose

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.

Paul D. Fleck Library and ArchivesRead MoreClose

The Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives - Current Services

The Library is delighted to support Banff Centre Participants, Artists, and Faculty with the following services:

  • Open hours:  9:30 am to 1 pm, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
  • Access to collections, including program relevant books, scores, artists’ books, recordings, periodicals, and object library.
  • Library accounts for borrowing materials.
  • Digital Library, on campus and remote access.
  • Library research assistance, by appointment.
  • Archives research, by appointment only.

Please email library@banffcentre.ca or archives@banffcentre.ca for more information or assistance.

Fees & Financial Assistance

Two Week Residency
$3 002.07
Two Week Residency (with financial assistance)
$1 001.57
Three Week Residency
$4 663.39
Three Week Residency (with financial assistance)
$1 540.88
Four Week Residency
$6 324.71
Four Week Residency (with financial assistance)
$2 080.18
Five Week Residency
$7 880.71
Five Week Residency (with financial assistance)
$2 566.83
Six Week Residency
$9 520.35
Six Week Residency (with financial assistance)
$3 095.30

Application Fees: $65 ($35 for applicants who identify as Indigenous)

*Financial Aid of 100% is available to cover tuition, and Financial Aid of 50% is available to offset food and accommodation costs

Application fees are non-refundable. 

If you wish to be considered for financial aid, please fill in the question during Step 3, in Slideroom.

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.

Project proposal

A project proposal, including materials you are bringing to complete your project. (2 pages maximum)

Resume

A resume describing academic, professional, and other relevant experience.

Portfolio

  • Composers: audio or video files of your work
  • Visual artists: include eight images representative of recent work, plus catalogues and/or reviews. Provide links to digital images if appropriate.
  • Writers: include a selection of published work or manuscripts-in-progress. Writers who work in a language other than English should include a sample of their work in translation as well as the original. (25 pages maximum)
  • Other artists: include appropriate examples of your recent work.

Financial Assistance

Be sure to complete the Financial Aid question in Slideroom to be eligible for financial assistance.

Adjudication

Acceptance is based on the following criteria: quality of artists work, the artistic merit of the project, the ability to support the proposed project and the benefit to be gained by working in a retreat environment.

Eligibility

We invite individual artists to apply, whose projects fit within the footprint of a Leighton Studio and do not require additional support. We unfortunately cannot accommodate groups or collaborators at this time.

Please note, adjudication will prioritize applicants who have not completed a Leighton residency in the past 3 years.

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 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