Program Information
Overview
The Walter Phillips Gallery Preparatorial Practicum program offers the participant hands-on opportunities working alongside the gallery’s preparator and curator. Direct mentorship and support is provided to develop the participant’s skills in preventative conservation, art handling, installation techniques, and museum standards in environmental conditions (including appropriate humidity, temperature, and lighting levels).
The practicum participant will also have the opportunity to gain expertise in crate building, art packing, and framing of artwork, and will assist in storage, packing, and unpacking of artworks relating to Walter Phillips Gallery exhibitions and the permanent collection.
Learning opportunities will also arise through attendance at formal and informal lectures and discussion groups. Practical experience will primarily focus on activities that complement the program’s learning objectives through various ongoing activities of Walter Phillips Gallery.
What does the program offer?
Benefits to the participant include practical experience installing exhibitions within a public institution, technical problem-solving skills, enhanced communication skills, and teamwork.
The participant will further hone their building and carpentry skills, attention to detail, and strategies in exhibition layout and design. They will also have the opportunity to work in Sketchup and Past Perfect collections management software.
In addition to the work component of the program, outside of exhibition installation periods participants have one day each week dedicated to personal research activities as outlined in their individual learning objectives.
Who should apply?
This practicum placement is appropriate for recent graduates of studio-based programs interested in pursuing a career in gallery installation to gain professional experience and develop their careers and capabilities. Candidates for the Preparatorial Practicum must possess a foundation in studio art, art history, or museum studies with some previous experience working with tools and building materials. This program requires a full-time commitment.
Practitioners from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply, with a special invitation to individuals of Indigenous descent.
Eligibility
As this program exceeds six months in length, enrolment is limited to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada. This is due to changes made by the Government of Canada to international student visa regulations, effective June 1, 2014 .
What's Included
You are eligible for Banff Centre housing (based on availability). You are responsible for your own room and board costs. Current rates for Banff Centre accommodation are $8.06 / day (shared) or $16.12 / day (single) and will be deducted from the your living allowance.
As space is extremely limited, Banff Centre housing is available for practicum participants only.
You will receive a living allowance of $61 per day.
Note that financial assistance and stipend awards are considered taxable income for Revenue Canada.
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: $65
Indigenous Applicants: $35
*The Tuition fee is covered 100% by financial assistance from Banff Centre.
Successful applicants will receive a daily living allowance while part of the program. Practicums are responsible for their own room and board costs but are eligible for subsidized Banff Centre housing based on availability (see What's Included for more information).
How to Apply
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, approximately eight to 10 weeks following the application deadline.
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:
