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Indigenous Storytellers and Spoken Word Residency
Program Information

Overview
The Indigenous Storytellers and Spoken Word Residency will push the parameters of traditional storytelling, while retaining the integrity of how stories come to be. Participants will be immersed in in-depth writing practices involving visual, research, and meditative exploration, as well as elder teaching and land based outings.
With coaching from experienced faculty, participants will collaborate with one another and as a collective to refine stories already told and create new ones to share in a professional capacity.
What does the program offer?
The Indigenous Storytellers and Spoken Word Residency offers the opportunity for Indigenous storytellers from all regions to meet and work with peers. Participants will learn new skills from Indigenous mentors in their respective fields, widen their circles of support, and learn marketing management and presentation skills.
The program will include individual writing time, morning group check-ins, and group and individual feedback. Participants will explore the art of storytelling via improvisation through sound and instrument.
Participants will have the opportunity to take part in a workshop, as well as a story lecture and mini showcase. At the end of the residency, participants will showcase their work in a public performance.
Who should apply?
Indigenous writers, storytellers, and spoken word artists are encouraged to apply. Those who work from a word based practice, traditional or contemporary non-text based storytelling, and singer/songwriters with storytelling experience are also invited.
This residency is for emerging to mid-level storytellers. A maximum of 12 participants will be accepted. Indigenous language speakers are also encouraged to apply.
Faculty
What's Included
Your program fee includes a shared bedroom on the Banff Centre campus for the duration of your program.
Single rooms may be available upon request for an additional fee. Please contact the Office of the Registrar.
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.
The Full Flex meal plan includes $41 credit per day, equivalent to breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Vistas Dining Room.
This program offers opportunities to showcase your work-in-progress in one of our performance venues.
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.
Access a wide range of publications, books, music, and films in the Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives, open six days a week.
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
*Participants accepted to the program will be eligible for up to 100% scholarship of the program fee (shared room).
Single rooms are available for the upgrade fee at the cost of the participant.
The program fee includes a shared room and the Full Flex Meal Plan at Banff Centre. Travel to and from Banff Centre is the responsibility of participants.
Additional need-based financial aid is available. If you would like to be considered, please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials. Help fund your experience at Banff Centre. View a compiled list of national and international opportunities here.
How to Apply
Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application.
Adjudication
Participants are selected by impartial adjudicators on the basis of their submitted material. In addition to artistic merit, consideration will be given to the likelihood that the artist's work will benefit from the program. Applicants will be notified of their status as soon as adjudication is complete.
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: