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Program Information

Program faculty Holly Melgard, Douglas Kearney, and Eric Sneathen

Program faculty Holly Melgard, Douglas Kearney, and Eric Sneathen

Dates

Application Deadline: March 5, 2025

Program Dates: August 18 - August 29, 2025

Overview  

Summer Writers is a self-directed residency that provides writers with the time and space to focus on their work away from the constraints of everyday life. During the residency, writers can take advantage of one-on-one mentorship opportunities with faculty as well as a community of artistic peers. 

Faculty include Dr. Douglas Kearney, Dr. Holly Melgard, Dr. Eric Sneathen and professional guest Hazel Millar (Book*hug Press). 

Description

This two-week self-directed residency offers time and space for writers to focus, reconnect, and re-energize their writing practice. In addition to a single room and a small private studio, writers will be able to engage with other writers on the program.

As a flexible self-guided program with optional elements, the Summer Writers residency allows participants to choose the amount of support they are looking for. 

Optional program elements include:

  • talks from faculty members Dr. Holly Melgard, Dr. Eric Sneathen, Dr. Douglas Kearney, and professional guest Hazel Millar (Book*hug Press).
  • Q & A sessions. 
  • public readings.
  • one-on-one mentoring with faculty to discuss ideas, experiences, and writing obstacles.

Requirements

The program is designed for established writers with a proven publication record seeking a period of dedicated time to work on a project in any genre. Participants will benefit most if they are comfortable working autonomously in an unstructured environment. 

This program is not open to:

  • applicants who have taken part in a Banff Centre residency in the last year.
  • current faculty members of any other Banff Centre programming.

This program is run in English and only accepts projects that are being written in English. English is the language of Banff Centre correspondence.

Eligibility

Applicants must be ages 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. Artists from historically underrepresented and equity deserving groups are especially welcome.

Itinerary

  • August 17 - Arrival
  • August 18 - Orientation and welcome reception
  • August 20, 22, 27 - Faculty talks
  • August 21, 26, 28 - Public readings
  • August 29 - Farewell reception
  • August 30 - Departure

All dates are subject to change. One-on-one sessions with mentors will be booked during program dates.

 

Faculty

What's Included

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Meal Plan Read more Close

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 Regular meal plan is equivalent to $53 credit per day, equivalent to two meals at our Buffet service.

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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Studio Space Read more Close

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

Campus Facilities Read more Close
  • Participant Resources: Enrich your experience and get to know other artists on campus by taking advantage of the activities and support provided. 
  • Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre: Your program fee includes free access to the swimming pool, climbing gym and fitness suite as well as discounted rates for classes. 
  • Box Office Discounts: Enjoy special artist rates or complimentary access for ticketed performances.

Fees & Financial Assistance

Total fee per person (Tuition, Accommodation and Meal Plan)
$3 616.20
Scholarship Amount Applied*
$2 469.60
You pay (fee after scholarship applied)
$1 146.60

Application Fee

$65 for individuals, $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, and 50% of meals and accommodation costs
  • Canadian Indigenous scholarship: covers 100% of tuition fees, meals, and accommodation costs

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 by view a 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 one to two-page resume or C.V. describing publication history as well as academic, professional, and other relevant experience including previous enrolment in writing residencies.

Cover Letter

A one-page cover letter explaining why you are interested in this program and what you hope to achieve by attending it.

Project Proposal

A one-page description of your proposed work-in-progress. This summary may be used as a narrative for administrative and public use.

Portfolio

Please provide an excerpt from the work-in-progress that you intend to work on during the program (maximum 10 pages).

Financial Assistance

Be sure to complete the Financial Aid question in SlideRoom to be eligible for financial assistance.

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