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We will be launching applications for Spring 2024 programs in November. You can sign up to the Newsletter to receive an alert when applications open.
Wîchoîe Ahiya Indigenous Singer Songwriter Residency 2023
Program Information
Banff Centre 2019, Indigenous Arts Singer Songwriter Residency, James Campbell (electric guitar/vocals), KeAloha Noelani Jung (percussion). Photo by Jessica Wittman.
Overview
Inspired by Elder Buddy Wesley, Wîchoîe Ahiya (“Wee-cho-ee-ay A-hee-ya”) means “singing words” in Stoney Nakoda. This three-week residency allows participants to deepen their creative practice and expand their skill set through faculty led workshops, group gatherings, and one-on-one sessions with senior faculty. Take time to shape your vision for your next project.
What does the program offer?
Wîchoîe Ahiya Indigenous Singer Songwriter Residency is designed to explore the entire process of song writing with different methodologies, expand on performance skills, and learn the intricacies of production.
During this residency, you will have freedom to structure your time around the needs of your project and work in an audio production studio to record one song for a demo.
Together with the faculty you will get an opportunity to enhance your stage performance both with the cohort; and in one of two concerts.
You’ll also interact with a supportive community of up to 10 peers and have 24-hour access to studios.
Private music huts are available and a gathering space to be shared with others in the residency for self-directed mini concerts.
Who should apply?
Open to Indigenous people from all regions locally, nationally, and internationally, this residency is an ideal fit for Indigenous singer songwriters who have one or more projects completed and who will be working on a new project.
This program is only open to individual applications.
Faculty
What's Included
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.
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 Flex meal plan is equivalent to $61.95 credit per day, equivalent to breakfast, lunch and dinner at our Buffet service.
This program offers opportunities to showcase your work-in-progress in one of our performance venues.
You’ll have the option to record a song in a commercial studio.
Create in one of our specialized music studios.
Your program fee includes free access to the swimming pool, climbing gym and fitness suite as well as discounted rates for classes at the Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre.
The Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives - Current Services
The Library is delighted to support Banff Centre Participants, Artists, and Faculty with the following services:
- Open hours: 9:30 am to 1 pm, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
- Access to collections, including program relevant books, scores, artists’ books, recordings, periodicals, and object library.
- Library accounts for borrowing materials.
- Digital Library, on campus and remote access.
- Library research assistance, by appointment.
- Archives research, by appointment only.
Please email library@banffcentre.ca or archives@banffcentre.ca for more information or assistance.
Enjoy special artist rates for ticketed performances or complimentary access to events.
Enrich your experience and get to know other artists on campus by taking advantage of the activities and support provided by our Participant Resources team.
Fees & Financial Assistance
Application fee: $35
Application fees are not refundable.
*Financial Aid of 100% is available for this program.
If you would like to be considered, please complete the Financial Aid question when uploading your supporting materials to SlideRoom.
Please note: 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.
Adjudication
Adjudication is based on artistic merit, the potential impact of the program on artists’ practice and careers, project feasibility and the capacity of Banff Centre to help realize the project, and the project’s fit with Banff Centre’s values and strategic directions as described in its strategic plan. Banff Centre respects the need for artists to plan ahead for their visit; applicants will be notified as soon as adjudication is complete.
International Applicants
Banff Centre welcomes domestic and international applicants for this program. Please note, Banff Centre programs do not meet Canadian Student Visa eligibility requirements, you must obtain a Visitor Visa to enter Canada. Accepted individuals are responsible for identifying and complying with the immigration requirements to enter Canada as a visitor from their country of origin. Current wait times to receive a visa are much longer than normal, so applicants who require a Visitor Visa should check the current expected processing times prior to applying.
Eligibility
Applicants must be ages 18+ at the time of the program start date.
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 the Registrar
For questions on preparing your application, please contact the Office of the Registrar:
