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Program Information

An artist adds finishing touches to a red dress on a dress form

Shaina Stephens, Indigenous Haute Couture residency, 2024. Photo by Rita Taylor.

Dates

Application Deadline: November 27, 2024

Program Dates: April 02 May 01, 2025

Online: April 01 05, 2025 In Person: April 07 May 02, 2025

Overview

This five-week hybrid residency, led by D’Arcy Moses, supports twelve Indigenous designers in advancing their personal design projects. 

The online portion equips designers to arrive on campus ready to create haute couture garments or accessories. Once on campus, they will focus on pattern development and embellishments while benefiting from full access to our Visual Arts facilities

Workshops on pattern drafting and embellishments will help designers achieve an haute couture aesthetic. There will also be sessions with cultural workers to explore beading, tufting, and quilling techniques. Participants will work in one of our Glyde Hall studios, with opportunities to showcase progress. 

Description

This hybrid residency is a balance of self-directed studio time, workshops, presentations and access to Visual Arts Studios. This residency is supported by faculty who will offer insight into their creative processes, as well as visual arts facilitators. Successful applicants will benefit from: 

  • Self-directed time to work on personal project.
  • 24/7 access to your own studio in Glyde Hall.
  • Group workshops and presentations from faculty and artists, along with one-on-one sessions, and on-the-land engagement opportunities.
  • Visual Arts Facilities including analogue and digital photography, sculpture, printmaking, paper-making, ceramics, digital media, video, and sound. 
  • The visual art teams support to facilitate your projects and provide technical assistance.
  • Opportunities to showcase works-in-progress at the Open Studio at the end of the program.

*Materials: Participants are expected to bring the necessary materials and embellishments for their personal design projects during the on-campus portion of the residency. All other workshop-related materials will be provided by the program.

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 fashion or garment design.
  • Basic knowledge of pattern making.
  • Experience in garment construction, sewing, and using a sewing machine.
  • An ability to incorporate traditional and/or contemporary embellishment techniques.

Collaborative groups are welcome to apply. Groups no larger than two people will 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.

Itinerary

Week One: Preparation (Online)

Participants should be available from 10am - 3pm

  • Group sessions: Introductions with faculty, staff and participants. 
  • One-on-one Zoom session with faculty and Visual Arts Facilitator staff to discuss project, build timelines for the on-campus portion, prepare participant presentations and be aware of what to expect when on campus.
  • Participants will be offered some workshops online by guest artists. 
  • Faculty presentations.

Week Two: On-campus

  • Participants arrive on April 6, 2025.
  • This week will include sessions: on campus welcome, participant orientation, participant presentations, and intensive workshops on pattern drafting and embellishments.

Week Three: On-campus

  • The week will begin with a gathering of participants, faculty and staff. This week will include a guest faculty presentation, workshops, one-on-one workshops, and an on-the-land engagement opportunity.

Week Four: On-campus

  • The week will begin with a gathering of participants, faculty and staff. This week will include a guest faculty presentations, self-directed worktime and follow-up workshops. 

Week Five: On-campus

  • The last week is focused on Open Studios where participants and faculty can show works in progress with the public. The week will also give space to get photographs with our photographer of themselves in the studio and works in progress.

The latter part of the program will also host evaluation session, closing circle, and closing reception. Participants will also be responsible for any mailing of items, winding down any costs incurred, cleaning and hand in studio key.

*All dates are subject to change. One-on-one sessions with mentors will be booked during program dates.

Faculty

Technical Requirements

Access to Zoom with a camera, microphone, speakers, and/or headsets and internet connection are required for week one.
 

What's Included

Meal Plan Icon
Meal Plan Read more Close

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 meal plan is equivalent to $73 credit per day, equivalent to three meals at our Buffet service.

Accommodations
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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.

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Group Seminars/Workshop Read more Close

Group seminars and workshops with faculty.

Visual Art Icon
Studios & Facilities Read more Close

Create in one of our specialized studios and utilize shared Visual Arts and production facilities. 

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Showcase Your Work Read more Close

This program offers opportunities to showcase your work-in-progress in an open studios event in Glyde Hall.

Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives Read more Close

The Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives are delighted to support Banff Centre Participants, Artists, and Faculty

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Fees & Financial Assistance

Total fee per person (Tuition, Accommodation and Meal Plan)
$6 324.71
You pay (fee after scholarship applied)
$0.00

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. 

Scholarships

We are pleased to offer scholarships to support participants in our program. Below are details regarding the scholarship amount and how they are applied.

  • 100% Scholarship covers tuition, meals, and accommodation costs

To receive the standard scholarship please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials.

Please note that all travel arrangements and associated costs are the responsibility of the participants.

For additional support to help fund your experience at Banff Centre, view a 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.

Resume

A one-page resume or C.V. describing academic, professional, and other relevant experience.

Letter of Intent

A 500 word or 3 minute video description of why you wish to attend this program, what you hope to learn or achieve and what impact it could have on your artistic practice. 

Project Proposal

In 500 words or a 3 minute video, describe the framework of your proposed project in relation to the residency theme, 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.

Resource Request Information

Outline all studio, equipment, software, facility, or staff support requested in our upload tool. Final resource allocation is at the discretion of the department.

Portfolio

Please submit up to 5 examples of your work. File sizes and specifications are available in our upload tool.

Financial Assistance

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

Group Applications

Collaborative groups of no more than two are welcome to apply.

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 the second 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.
  • Banff Centre’s ability to support the project.

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