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Summer Writers Residency 2023

Literary Arts | In Person

Program Information

Collage of program faculty, Stuart Ross and Canisia Lubrin

Stuart Ross, photo by Stephen Brockwell; Canisia Lubrin, photo by Rachel Elza Griffiths

Overview

Banff Centre’s Summer Writers residency will provide writers space for the creative exploration of their writing practice. This self-directed residency offers the opportunity to work away from the constraints of everyday life. Delve deep into your creative project and take advantage of the artistic community of your peers around you.

The program provides optional opportunities for consultations with mentors, public readings, and group sessions led by guest mentors that allow creators to explore techniques, aspects, and devices that you may find useful in your practice.

What does the program offer?

This two-week residency provides teaching from faculty members and professional guests, Q&A sessions, public events, and one-on-one workshopping. Mentors will discuss ideas, experiences, and obstacles that participants may be encountering with their writing. 

This residency is a self-directed program that 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, you will be surrounded by a community of artistic peers. You will have the opportunity to attend inspiring talks and performances and meet with guest faculty to consult on your work.

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

Who should apply? 

We welcome writers of all ages (18+), backgrounds, and all gender identities and expressions. Writers in all creative genres are invited to apply. The program is designed for emerging and established writers with a proven publication record seeking a period of dedicated time to work on a project in any genre.

Note: While the language of Banff Centre is English, we additionally welcome projects in French and French Creole for this residency.

Faculty

What's Included

Accommodations
Single RoomRead MoreClose

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.

Meal Plan Icon
Full Meal PlanRead MoreClose

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.

The Full Flex meal plan includes $54 credit per day, equivalent to breakfast, lunch and dinner in Vistas Dining Room.

Showcase Icon
Showcase Your WorkRead MoreClose

This program offers opportunities to showcase your work-in-progress in one of our performance venues.

Barbell Icon
Gym MembershipRead MoreClose

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 ArchivesRead MoreClose

The Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives - Current Services

The Library is delighted to support Banff Centre Participants, Artists, and Faculty with the following services:

  • Open hours:  9:30 am to 1 pm, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
  • Access to collections, including program relevant books, scores, artists’ books, recordings, periodicals, and object library.
  • Library accounts for borrowing materials.
  • Digital Library, on campus and remote access.
  • Library research assistance, by appointment.
  • Archives research, by appointment only.

Please email library@banffcentre.ca or archives@banffcentre.ca for more information or assistance.

Discount Icon
Box Office DiscountsRead MoreClose

Enjoy special artist rates for ticketed performances or complimentary access to events.

Community Icon
Participant ResourcesRead MoreClose

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.

Think Bubbles Icon
StudioRead MoreClose

A small private studio.

Fees & Financial Assistance

Program Fee
$3 002.07
+GST
Program Fee with Financial Aid*
$1 001.57
+GST

Application fee: $65 ($35 for applicants who identify as Indigenous)

*Financial Aid of 100% is available to cover tuition, and 50% is available to offset food and accommodation costs.

*Application fees are not refundable.

Help fund your experience at Banff Centre. View a compiled list of national and international opportunities here.

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.

Resume

A 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, introducing your project, and what you hope to achieve by attending.

Project Summary

Provide a 500-word summary of the proposed project. This summary may be used as a narrative for administrative and public use.

Portfolio

Please provide one writing sample from the work in progress that you intend to work on during the program, excerpt not exceeding 10 pages.

Financial Assistance

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

Adjudication

Adjudication is based on artistic merit, the potential impact of the program on artists’ practice and careers, project feasibility and the capacity of Banff Centre to help realize the project, and the project’s fit with Banff Centre’s values and strategic directions as described in its strategic plan. Banff Centre respects the need for artists to plan ahead for their visit; applicants will be notified 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 ages 18+ at the time of the program start date.

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