Indigenous Fashion Creation Residency: Embellishments and Accessories

Overview  

This residency invites Indigenous designers and artists to advance personal design projects exploring contemporary and avant-garde approaches to garment and accessory design. The program welcomes artists working in areas such as jewelry, belts, handbags, headpieces, necklaces and bracelets, with an emphasis on new, unusual and experimental ideas that push beyond traditional forms and approaches.

This hybrid residency combines one week of online connection and learning with four weeks of in-person project development at Banff Centre, including studio access, workshops and faculty mentorship.

Faculty-led workshops will explore pattern development and creative techniques that will help designers achieve avant garde aesthetic. Participants will also have dedicated time to work on your projects and share their works in progress through an Open Studios event.

Description

The residency begins with an online week from April 5–9, 2027, giving participants the opportunity to connect with faculty, Banff Centre staff and special guest artists before arriving on campus. The online component includes group sessions and one-on-one meetings to establish connections, introduce the program and help participants prepare for their time on campus.

Upon arriving on campus, April 12 to May 7, 2027, participants will complete an orientation and receive access to Visual Arts facilities and a dedicated studio. During the in-person residency, participants will:

• Take part in faculty-led workshops to explore creative processes, pattern development and techniques for creating avant-garde garments and accessories.
• Participate in one-on-one consultations with faculty and guest artists.
• Have access to a dedicated studio for independent work. 
• Receive technical guidance and production facility overviews from Visual Arts Facilitators.
• Develop their personal projects through hands-on experimentation and dedicated studio time.
• Receive individual feedback and mentorship from faculty and guest artists.

The residency concludes with an Open Studios event, providing an opportunity for participants to share their works in progress with the Banff Centre community.

Requirements

This program is open to individual Indigenous artists fashion makers, designers, and design companies, including those working with a collaborator from regional, national, and global locations. Participants should have:

• A background in fashion or garment design.
• Basic knowledge of sewing and embellishments.
• Experience in garment construction ideal, but not pre-requisite if working on accessories  and using a sewing machine.
• Ability to push past traditional and accepted boundaries.

Duos in collaboration are welcome to apply. Collaborator is considered a student and must in program workshops. 

Participants must be available to attend all elements of the program for its entire duration; variable participation dates will not be considered.

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.