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Program Information
Marama Salsano, Ecological Engagement Throughout the Seasons, 2023. Photo by Rita Taylor.
Overview
This three-week residency supports Indigenous Artists interested in developing an artistic practice through the intersection of Basketry and Eco-dyeing processes. Participants will learn from experienced faculty who will share the cultural teachings and processes from their respective territories, deepening their connection to land and weave together ancestral knowledge and contemporary artistic practice.
Basketry is a living practice that is both functional and provides cultural knowledge, a means of understanding identity and teachings. Each stitch, like each individual, becomes stronger when woven together, like the interconnections of a community. Through eco-dyeing workshops, participants will also experiment with natural materials and techniques for staining and dyeing fibres and other materials.
Description
This hybrid three-week residency brings together online learning and in-person studio practice, creating opportunities for Indigenous artists to build relationships, learn from experienced faculty and develop their artistic practice through basketry and eco-dyeing.
Participants will engage in:
- Faculty-led workshops exploring basketry techniques, eco-dyeing processes and experimentation with natural materials.
- Cultural teachings and knowledge sharing from faculty rooted in their respective territories, deepening connections to ancestral knowledge and land.
- Access to Visual Arts facilities and a dedicated studio in Glyde Hall.
- Technical guidance and production facility overviews from Visual Arts Facilitators.
- Self-directed studio time to experiment with materials, develop ideas and advance individual artistic practices.
- Group activities and conversations that foster relationship building, connection and ongoing learning within the cohort.
- Opportunities to share works in progress and connect with the broader Banff Centre community.
The residency provides dedicated time and space for participants to explore how basketry and eco-dyeing can inform and expand their contemporary artistic practice.
Requirements
This program is open to individual Indigenous fashion makers, designers, and design companies, including those working with a collaborator from regional, national, and global locations. Participants should have:
- A background in arts and/or culture.
- Basic knowledge of basket making and eco-dyeing.
- Experience in an artistic practice that utilizes natural materials.
- An ability to incorporate traditional and/or contemporary techniques.
Eligibility
Applicants must be 18+ at the time of the program start date.
Domestic and international applications are welcome.
Visa Eligibility Information:
- Please note that Banff Centre programs do not meet the eligibility requirements for a Canadian Student Visa.
- If you are accepted into our program, you must obtain a Visitor Visa to enter Canada. Accepted participants are responsible for identifying and complying with the immigration requirements to enter Canada as a visitor from their country of origin. If you require a Visitor Visa please check the current expected processing times well in advance of applying.
Inclusivity Statement
We welcome applicants of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities and expressions to apply.
Itinerary
Week One:
Online welcome, faculty presentations, and one-on-one project check-ins.
Week Two:
Day one of program begins with Indigenous Arts Welcome, participant orientation, facilitator meetings and tour of facilities, library tour, and program workshops. Studio orientation and facility orientations. Remaining week will host participant presentations and workshops from faculty.
Week Three:
Program check-in with participants, faculty, and staff. Workshops and one-on-ones with program.
Week Four:
Preparation for Open Studios to show work in progress and have studio photographs taken. Participants encouraged to bring completed works to Banff, to display from prior practice for Open Studios, if possible.
Open Studios:
September 22, 2027 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Public event showcasing works in progress and studio photos.
The latter part of the program will include a closing circle, and closing reception. Participants will also be responsible for any mailing of items, winding down any costs incurred, cleaning studio within guidelines and hand in studio key.
*Program schedule is subject to change.
Faculty
Suzan Marie
Suzan Marie is a Decesuline/Cree woman born and raised in the Northwest Territories. As a residential school survivor, Suzan has experienced firsthand the loss of culture and language that deeply impacted her life. In response, she is reclaiming her culture through being from a long line of traditional artisans. A traditional teacher keeping ancient Dene skills alive for over thirty years, Suzan co-authored two books, Whadoo tehmi / Long-ago people’s packsack Dene babiche bags: tradition and revival and Dene spruce root basketry / Dene ts’ukegáí tene rahesi: revival of a tradition, also referred to as the Dene suitcase and Dene pots and pans.
Suzan has taught across Canada and the US to all ages through what she calls reconciliation healing. She works with moose hair, porcupine quills, moose and caribou hooves, dentalium shell, angler, spruce-root, babiche bags, bone, beads, and embroidery using contemporary and traditional techniques. She sews earrings, caribou and moosehide mitts, and various styles of moccasins. In 2002, Suzan was the first recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee Medal for her commitment to keeping culture alive. A harvester of traditional materials and medicines, Suzan lives and breathes her culture. Suzan is also a mom and Setsune to her grandson Carver.
Facutly
Lillian Rose
Lillian is a member of the Ktunaxa Nation and resides on the Akisqnuk First Nation (Columbia Lake Indian Reserve#3) near Windermere, British Columbia and has had a varied career working with Government, Industry and First Nations organizations in the field of Natural Resource Management, Archaeology, Economic Development, and Cross-Cultural Education.
Lillian is excited to be a part of the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity team, working under the Participant Resources banner to support, connect and engage with program participants, the Banff Centre Board and staff and Indigenous communities.
Faculty
Technical Requirements
What's Included
Meal Plan
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All meals at Vistas Dining Room are included in your meal plan. Our buffet-style service offers a variety of options, allowing you to choose meals that best suit your needs throughout your stay.
Banff Centre can respond to most dietary requests. In advance of your arrival, please contact Participant Resources if you have special dietary needs. A medical report from your doctor is required prior to arrival for any medical condition that warrants opting out of the Meal Plan.
Accommodation
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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.
Studio Space
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Create in the privacy of one of our specialized studios.
Showcase Your Work
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This program offers opportunities to showcase your work-in-progress.
Group Seminars/Workshops
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Group seminars and workshops with faculty.
Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives
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The Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives are delighted to support Banff Centre Participants, Artists, and Faculty
Campus Facilities
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- Participant Resources: Enrich your experience and get to know other artists on campus by taking advantage of the activities and support provided.
- Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre: Your program fee includes free access to the swimming pool, climbing gym and fitness suite.
- Box Office Discounts: Enjoy special artist rates or complimentary access for ticketed performances.
Fees & Financial Assistance
Application Fee
$35 for applicants who identify as Indigenous.
This non-refundable fee covers the full cost of processing your application, including the SlideRoom fee.
Scholarships
We are pleased to offer a range of scholarships to support participants in our programs.
- Banff Centre Indigenous Arts Scholarship
Program participants receive a Banff Centre Arts Scholarship that covers the full cost of tuition, accommodation and meals.
*Participant costs shown above reflect the cost after the scholarship has been applied. To be eligible for Banff Centre scholarship, please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials.
Additional Funding
There are a limited number of Banff Centre Named Scholarships for eligible Canadian and International participants. No separate application is required, all eligible applications are automatically considered.
Explore these and additional external ways to fund your experience by reviewing our curated list of national and international opportunities here.
Cancellations
Information on our cancellation policy can be found here.
Tax Information
Banff Centre is a post-secondary institution in the province of Alberta. We are required to issue tax receipts for applicable financial assistance and awards received, and eligible tuition charged, as per the Income Tax Act and Canada Revenue Agency. To learn more, please visit Tax Information for program participants and/ or P105 Students and Income Tax 2025.
How to Apply
Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application.
System Maintenance
Please note that our application system is temporarily closed for system maintenance. Please re-try later.
Step 1:
Application Temporarily UnavailableStep 2:
Application Temporarily UnavailableResume
A two-page resume or C.V. describing academic, professional, and other relevant experience.
Cover Letter
A one-page cover letter explaining why you are interested in this program and what you hope to achieve by attending it.
Portfolio
Please provide 7-10 images of prior work in fashion.
Financial Assistance
Be sure to complete the Financial Aid question in SlideRoom to be eligible for the financial assistance.
Adjudication
Participants are chosen by an adjudication panel comprising of internal and external assessors. The selection criteria include:
- Quality, originality and artistic merit.
- Required skills and experience.
- The potential for the applicant's work to benefit from the program.
Our programs are highly competitive with a limited number of places available. Applicants will be notified of their selection status as soon as the adjudication process is complete. Due to the high volume of applications individual feedback will not be provided.
Disclaimer
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
Phone
403.762.6180