Overview
The Group Leighton Studio Residency offers creative teams and collaborators 1 to 3 weeks of focused, self-directed time in private, purpose-built studios set in the forested surroundings of Banff Centre. This competitive program supports collaborative research, creative exploration, and project development, with the flexibility to work in solitude or engage with Banff Centre’s broader artistic community.
Your group will benefit from independent management of your time in residence, choosing when to focus, collaborate, explore and create.
Description
Leighton Studios are purpose-built, private workspaces designed to support a range of creative disciplines. For collaborative residencies, three Leighton Studios can accommodate groups or duos working together. Each studio offers a distinct environment, allowing applicants to indicate a preferred space that best supports their practice:
- For groups of 2-8 people working collaboratively, the Painter House studio will accommodate your creative brainstorming and discussions. This large residence-style studio allows for collaboration and development of ideas in a comfortable environment.
- For duos, you may also consider the Thom or Gerin-Lajoie studios.
This residency is designed for independent group work and does not include production support, technical assistance, or access to specialized facilities. Groups are responsible for bringing all materials, equipment, and supplies required for their project.
Dates
Residencies can be a minimum of 1 week and a maximum of 3 weeks, with proposed dates starting on a Monday and ending on a Friday and arrival on the Sunday before and departure on the Saturday after.
Program Dates are available within the below date ranges:
- April 6 - December 11, 2026
- January 4 - March 26, 2027
There will be no availability between December 14, 2026 and January 3, 2027 due to the Institutional Holiday Closure.
Important: Dates are fixed and if accepted, cannot be changed or deferred. Please ensure to select dates that work for everyone's schedule when applying.
Requirements
This residency is open to groups of 2 – 8 creative professionals with a demonstrated record of accomplishment and a clearly defined collaborative project. Including but not limited to:
Curatorial Practice: research and writing
Design: architectural, environmental, interactive, visual, functional, and fashion
Music: composition and songwriting
Theatre Arts: dramaturgy, playwriting, and theatrical development
Visual Arts: drawing, painting, digital art, and multimedia
Writing: literature, poetry, non-fiction, journalism, and screenwriting
Interdisciplinary Projects: work integrating multiple creative disciplines
Applicants will benefit most if they are comfortable working autonomously in an unstructured environment. This residency is best suited for groups who:
- work independently without production support, instrument rentals, or access to specialized production facilities
- have a project that fits within the footprint of a Leighton Studio
- provide all materials, equipment, and supplies required for their project
If your project requires production support, please consider applying to one of our other artist in residence programs in Literary Arts, Music, Dance, Theatre, Indigenous Arts or Visual Arts.
Eligibility
Artists who have participated in a Leighton Studio residency in the past three years are not eligible to apply.
Applicants must be ages 18+ at the time of the program start date.
Banff Centre welcomes applications from both domestic and international applicants for our program.
Visa Eligibility Information: Canadian Student Visa Not Eligible: 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 artists of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities and expressions to apply. Artists from historically underrepresented and equity deserving groups are especially welcome.
Accessibility: The Leighton Studios are located in the woods and are accessed via a gravel pathway. Due to their remote location on campus, they are currently not wheelchair accessible. Please contact us if you require wheelchair accessible accommodation.
