Leighton Artist Studio Residency: Photography 26/27

Overview

Spend 2 to 6 weeks in The Crich Photography Studio — your own private studio with a black-and-white darkroom, digital photography setup, and mountain views. Designed for self-directed projects, this competitive program gives creative professionals the time, space, and focus to advance their work in analogue, digital, or select alternative processes. Whether pursuing independent research, creative exploration, or project development, participants can work in focused solitude or engage with Banff Centre’s vibrant artistic community, all within an inspiring mountain setting.

Description

This self-directed residency is unique in offering private use of The Crich Photography Studio which best supports projects involving: 

• Black and white analogue photography (Film development, processing, and printing)
• Digital photography
• Some alternative processes (cyanotype)

The residency is designed for independent work and does not include production support, technical assistance, or access to additional specialized facilities. Residents are responsible for bringing all materials, equipment, and supplies required for their project.

Please note: The Crich Photography Studio is located in the Jeanne and Peter Lougheed building, separate from the other Leighton Studios. The studio is wheelchair accessible, however the darkroom facilities are not. If you require wheelchair-accessible accommodations, please contact us to discuss available options.

Dates

Residencies can be a minimum of 2 weeks and a maximum of 6 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 - January 17, 2027
• February 13 - March 26, 2027 

Important: Dates are fixed and if accepted, cannot be changed or deferred. Please ensure to select dates that work for your schedule when applying.  

Requirements

This residency is open to individual creative professionals with:

• a demonstrated record of accomplishment
• a clearly defined project.

Applicants will benefit most if they are comfortable working autonomously in an unstructured environment. The residency is best suited for those who:

• work independently without production support, instrument rentals, or access to specialized production facilities
• have a project that fits within the footprint of The Crich Photography Studio
• provide all materials, equipment, and supplies required for their project.

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.