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Program Information
Photo by Abigaile Edwards
Overview
This three-week introductory hide tanning residency immerses participants in the tools, techniques, and hands-on processes of hide scraping and tanning. Working alongside faculty and peers, participants will learn and practice each stage of the hide-tanning process, from removing flesh to scraping and tanning the hides.
The residency includes an Open Studios event, where participants and faculty will have the chance to share works-in-progress with the public.
Description
This residency weaves together practical skill-building with cultural learning, offering participants the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of traditional hide tanning practices through:
- Cultural learning circles led by guest faculty to further develop knowledge on traditional practices.
- Time to engage with faculty and artists and have access to a Glyde Hall for self-directed time to build on workshop teachings.
- Sharing of different approaches and techniques through faculty led workshops, peer-to-peer circles and artist workshops.
- Convening and conversation of artistic and cultural practices connected to their art forms.
- Participation and experimentation.
- Connection to place - strengthening connection to territory through program framework: program welcome and closing circles.
Requirements
This program welcomes Indigenous visual artists with traditional and/or contemporary arts practices interested in hide-tanning processes.
Groups of 2 collaborators are welcome to apply.
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:
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. Hide scraping and bone tools.
Week Two:
Program check-in with participants, faculty, and staff. Workshops and hide tanning process begins.
Week Three:
Preparation for Open Studios to show work in progress and have studio photographs taken. Participants encouraged to bring completed works to Banff, to display such as, beading, quilling, paintings, etc. for Open Studios
Open Studios:
October 1st, 2026 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.
Faculty
Lucy Yakeleya
Lucy Yakeleya was born and raised into the traditional ways in Fort Good Hope, Northwest Territories, as well as Colville Lake, NT. She spent several years in Residential School in Inuvik, NT. Lucy now lives and works in Yellowknife, NT. The distinct shapes, colours, patterns and small beads used in Lucy’s artwork reflect the influences she picked up from her family and from the Sahtu region. This is a family practice, as most of Lucy’s siblings are also involved in the arts in the Sahtu to this day. On her journey as an artist, Lucy sold her artwork to make extra income, which then gradually turned into a fulfilling hobby. While Lucy sells her art, she mainly loves to create pieces for herself and for her family. Through the years, Lucy has shared her skills with students in schools and has passed on the tradition of hide tanning at the Dene Nahjo camp. In 2019, Lucy shared her knowledge and skills as a faculty for Urban Moose Hide Tanning at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.
Faculty
Gary Gott
Tansi. I am from the Treaty 4 lands of the Sapotaweyak Cree Nation. I was raised with the values of a family that fished, trapped and hunted from the land, and started learning hands-on from the age of 7 yrs. At the age of 19, in University I discovered traditional Indigenous spiritual ceremony and the world of powwow. I've been gifted to have been adopted and taught by families from various nations; Dakota, Lakota, Cheyenne, Plains Cree, etc. I've been beading for over 34 years to date, and have many examples scattered across North America. Recently I have concentrated on mastering the skills of Brain-tanning deer, elk, moose and buffalo hides. I also sing n dance powwow since 1989. I've seen an evolution as I've entered my mid 50s and continue to learn from all I meet.
Faculty
What's Included
Meal Plan
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The meal plan is equivalent to $68 credit per day.
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 at any of our food outlets. Banff Centre can respond to most dietary requests.
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.
The application fee is non-refundable. 100% of this fee goes towards the cost of administering the application in SlideRoom.
Financial Aid
We are pleased to offer a limited amount of financial aid to support participants in our program.
To apply for financial aid please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials in Slideroom at Part 3 of the application process.
*We are pleased to offer scholarships for Canadian Indigenous participants in our arts program, which cover up to 100% of the total program fee.
Help fund your experience at Banff Centre by viewing our compiled list of national and international opportunities here.
Cancellations
Information on our cancellation policy can be found here.
Tax Information
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.
Step 1:
Complete the Online FormStep 2:
Please login with the username and password emailed to you on completion of step 1.
Step 3:
Upload Your MaterialsResume
A two-page resume or C.V. describing academic, professional, and other relevant experience.
Group applications should submit all resumes in one document.
Artistic Statement
Provide either a written statement of up to 500 words or a video of up to three minutes that describes why you wish to attend this program, what you hope to learn or achieve, and the potential impact on your artistic practice. Your statement should also reflect your career and practice, artistic intentions, values, motivations, and how you work.
Portfolio
Please provide up to 10 samples of your artistic work.
Financial Assistance
Be sure to complete the Financial Aid question in SlideRoom to be eligible for financial assistance.
Group Applications
The lead applicant should complete:
- Step 1: One application form
- Step 2: Pay the $35 processing fee on behalf of the group
- Step 3: One SlideRoom application
Note: An additional $35 registration fee will be added for each member upon acceptance to the program.
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
