Image credit: Zachari Logan, Levitate/Fall No. 1, 2019. Pastel on black paper, 56 x 88 inches
Previously considered antiquated, in recent years figuration has positioned itself at the forefront of contemporary art. Artists interested in feminism, queer theory, and issues surrounding race and disability have challenged historical notions of representation of the human body, returning a lens of criticality to the subject rarely seen before. From sculpture to painting to photography, figuration has the potential to communicate the complexities of gender, sexuality, class, and identity, as well as humans' relationship to the natural environment and society at large.
Led by Zachari Logan, a renowned Canadian artist working across several mediums exploring issues of embodiment, selfhood, and queer representations of the body, with support of Banff Centre Visual Arts staff, Visual Arts Thematic Residency - Rewilding the Body Eclectic welcomes visual artists working in all mediums to embark on a journey of discovery and imagination over five weeks at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. Through self-directed creative practice, research, and discussion, artists in this residency will explore representations of the body and the possibilities that lie within for interpreting and understanding ourselves, each other, and the world.
Open to visual artists working in all mediums, Visual Arts Thematic Residency – Rewilding the Body Eclectic is an immersive program of studio practice, creative exploration, critical feedback, and mentorship for visual artists at all stages of their careers.
As well as having the space to create, research, and experiment, participants are part of a community of artists committed to developing and expanding their self-directed practice.
The residency experience is supported with lectures, workshops, and individual studio visits with faculty as well as dialogue amongst peers.
Artists have access to shared production facilities and knowledgeable staff who are available to provide technical support and assistance.
This residency is for visual artists with an exhibition/publication record who have completed formal training in visual arts at the post-secondary level, or who have equivalent experience and recognition from their peers. Collaborative groups of no more than two are welcome to apply.
Banff Centre invites applications from anywhere in the world, and artists of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities, and expressions.
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.
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 $61.95 credit per day, equivalent to breakfast, lunch and dinner at our Buffet service.
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:
Please email library@banffcentre.ca or archives@banffcentre.ca for more information or assistance.
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.
Create in one of our specialized studios and utilize shared production facilities in printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, photography, digital media and more (subject to additional fees) Collaborative groups share studio space.
A series of outstanding guest artists and curators will give free public talks and hold informal discussions.
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.
This program offers opportunities to showcase your work-in-progress in an open studios event in Glyde Hall.
Join in group seminars/workshops.
Enjoy special artist rates for ticketed performances or complimentary access to events.
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.
*Please answer the Financial Aid question in Slideroom during Part 3 of the application process. 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.
Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application.
A one-page resume describing your academic, artistic, professional, and other relevant artistic experience.
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.
In 500 words, describe the conceptual framework of your proposed project, your weekly execution plan, details of the mediums you propose to use and your level of knowledge in the processes required, and outline any specific technical or support requirements.
Outline all studio, equipment, software, facility, or staff support requested in our upload tool. Final resource allocation is at the discretion of the department.
Provide 10 samples of your artistic work. Curators and researchers must submit three samples of written work. File sizes and specifications are available in our upload tool.
Additional Information
Collaborative groups of no more than two are welcome to apply
Participants are selected by impartial adjudicators based on their submitted material. In addition to artistic merit, consideration will be given to the likelihood that the artist's work and career will benefit from the program. Feasibility, scope, and the capacity of Banff Centre to help realize the project are also considered. Banff Centre’s values and strategic directions are reflected in program development and delivery.
Banff Centre respects the need for artists to plan ahead for their visit; applicants will be notified of their status as soon as adjudication is complete.
Priority will be given to applicants who have not attended a Visual Arts Program at Banff Centre within the last three years.
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.
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.
For questions on preparing your application, please contact Admissions: