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Program Information
Overview
The Mountain Writers Intensive is a three-week residency for nine writers working in any genre (fiction, nonfiction, journalism, or poetry), on mountain narratives, environmental journalism, stories of adventure, or projects with a theme of the human relationship to landscape. In the niche genre of Mountain Literature, the journey of self-exploration and the psychology of extreme endeavours are as much a focus as the physical accomplishments involved, and there is a strong emphasis on literary quality and development of narrative.
Writers will enjoy dedicated, uninterrupted writing time in a spectacular mountain setting, and the communality of a small group of writing peers from around the world. This program overlaps with the world-renowned Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival where visiting authors, editors, agents or publishers will offer further enrichment and inspiration.
What does the program offer?
Writers will be encouraged to meet regularly with faculty and other writing participants to share work and projects for peer review. During the program, participants will take part in scheduled workshops with faculty and guest speakers, where participants will learn from experiences from other authors and share best practices.
The residency includes on-campus lodging and meals — all participants have to do is focus on their craft and soak up the inspiration.
Who should apply?
Writers in all genres — fiction, nonfiction, poetry, essay, history, biography, and memoir — are encouraged to apply. We welcome all writers (emerging and established), from all backgrounds, as well as gender identities and expressions. Applicants must be ages 18+ at the time of the program start date.
Please note: This program is run in English and participants are accepted for an English-language essay.
Banff Centre is grateful to the following supporters for making this program possible:
Kootenay Mountain Culture Magazine
With support from the Carlyle Norman Writing Scholarships
Faculty
Harley Rustad
Harley Rustad is an award-winning and bestselling author, journalist, and magazine editor. He is the author of Lost in the Valley of Death: A Story of Obsession and Danger in the Himalayas and Big Lonely Doug: The Story of One of Canada’s Last Great Trees. His writing has appeared in publications including Outside, Geographical, the Globe and Mail, and the Guardian. He is a senior editor at The Walrus magazine, a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, and the founder of the Port Renfrew Writers Retreat. He is originally from Salt Spring Island, British Columbia.
Faculty
Helen Mort
Helen Mort is the author of three poetry collections, a novel, a collection of short stories and a memoir. Her non-fiction debut, 'A Line Above the Sky' (Bury, 2022) is an exploration of motherhood and mountaineering and won the Boardman Tasker Prize in the UK and the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival Grand Prize in 2023. She is Professor of Creative Writing at Manchester Metropolitan University and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. She lives in Sheffield and is a keen amateur fell runner and rock climber.
Faculty
What's Included
Single Room
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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.
Full Flex Meal Plan
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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 $70 credit per day, equivalent to breakfast, lunch and dinner at our Buffet service.
Showcase Your Work
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This program offers opportunities to showcase your work-in-progress in [one of our performance venues / an open studios event in Glyde Hall].
Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival
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Participants have free access to the book-related festival events, which include readings, lectures, panel discussions, and book launches. Celebrating the world’s best mountain, environmental, and adventure stories, the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival offers inspiration and a chance to network with other writers, editors, publishers, and festival guests.
Plus, enjoy special artist rates for other ticketed performances or complimentary access to events happening on campus during the program.
Gym Membership
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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.
Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives
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Access a wide range of publications, books, music, and films in the Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives, open six days a week.
Participant Resources
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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.
Group Seminars/Workshops
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Join in group seminars/workshops, and gain support and inspirations from faculty and peers.
Fees & Financial Assistance
Application fee: $65 for individuals or groups ($35 for applicants who identify as Indigenous). Application fees are non-refundable.
*Scholarship of 100% is available and will be applied to cover tuition, and 50% is available to offset meals and accommodation costs.
Scholarship of 100% is available to Canadian Indigenous participants and will be applied to cover tuition, meals and accommodation costs.
If you would like to be considered, please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials.
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.
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.
Resume
A resume, C.V., or a short description of your previous writing activities i.e. include a list of publication credits if applicable, and previous writing programs or workshops taken.
Letter of Intent
A 500-word description of why you wish to attend this program, what you hope to learn or achieve and what impact it could have on your artistic practice.
Project Proposal
A description of the project you propose to work on (maximum 1000 words). Proposed manuscripts should be developed in English.
Writing Samples
Provide an excerpt of your work in progress (10 pages maximum) and up to two samples of relevant recent artistic work (15 pages maximum). 25 pages total.
Financial Assistance
Be sure to complete the Financial Aid Question in SlideRoom to be eligible for the financial assistance.
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.
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 18+ at the time of the program start date.
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
