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Program Information

Banff Centre 2019, Indigenous Storytelling and Spoken Word, Rice Studio, Michael Moore - Speak for Them

Michael Moore, Indigenous Storytelling and Spoken Word 2019. Photo by Jessica Wittman.

Overview

This three-week residency supports Indigenous storytellers in developing existing work through a balance of self-directed studio time, faculty-led workshops, peer sharing circles, and one-on-one feedback sessions designed to deepen the creative process.

The program offers space to focus on learning and expanding one’s storytelling practice. Guest artists—both in person and online—will share their approaches to storytelling across a variety of disciplines, with opportunities for dialogue and exchange.

Description

The residency encourages exploration of cultural knowledge, lived experience, and creative expression in shaping stories. Deepen your understanding of different protocols and practices of storytelling from Indigenous perspectives, whilst further developing an existing work within a supportive, land-based, and peer-informed environment. Program highlights include:

  • A private studio
  • Facilitated group sessions to support artistic growth
  • Faculty-led workshops, presentations, and one-on-one feedback sessions
  • Guest artists, both in person and online, will share storytelling practices across disciplines
  • Peer sharing circles and collaborative readings foster community, connection, and cross-inspiration
  • Optional evening gatherings such as fire nights and an open mic night offer space for informal storytelling and reflection
  • Participants are invited to present works in progress during a public event that includes Banff Centre staff, faculty, Elders, and guest artists

Requirements

This residency is open to Individual Indigenous storytellers and artists who are actively engaged in their practice and wish to deepen their understanding of diverse storytelling protocols, genres, and cultural perspectives. Applicants should:

  • Identify as artists and storytellers
  • Have demonstrable experience and knowledge in their artistic practice
  • Be committed to developing an existing work during the residency
  • Be open to learning, sharing, and engaging with faculty and peers

Post-secondary education in arts or culture is considered an asset but is not required. Applicants should be able to clearly demonstrate an active artistic practice.

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

  • On-campus orientation and welcome by faculty, Banff Centre staff, and an Elder/Knowledge Keeper
  • Faculty and participant presentations to introduce practices and projects
  • Opportunity to sign up for one-on-one online sessions with faculty

Week Two

  • Daily morning gatherings led by faculty for grounding and addressing questions
  • Guest artist presentations and dialogue sessions
  • On-the-land engagement hosted by a local Knowledge Keeper or Elder

Week Three

  • Welcome and orientation to new faculty; check-in with program leadership
  • One-on-one review sessions with faculty
  • Peer collaborations through shared readings and discussion

Final Public Presentation – May 29, 2026

  • A public event featuring participants and faculty sharing works in progress

Optional Evening Activities

  • Organized fire nights for community gathering and storytelling

Faculty

What's Included

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The meal plan is $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. 

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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Create in the privacy of one of our specialized studios.

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Showcase Your Work Read more Close

This program offers opportunities to showcase your work-in-progress.

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Group Seminars/Workshops Read more Close

Group seminars and workshops with faculty.

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)
$5 601.75
Scholarship Amount Applied*
$5 601.75
You pay
$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.

  • Standard scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees, meals, and accommodation costs.

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 Form

Step 2:

Pay your application fee

Please login with the username and password emailed to you on completion of step 1.

Step 3:

Upload Your Materials

Resume

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

Project Proposal

Provide a one-page description of your proposed project, including the theme, and relevance to the program.

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 samples of your work or work-in-progress. 

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