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Program Information
From left: Sally Frater, Michelle Jacques, and Crystal Mowry.
Overview
Curating While Black is a residency and embedded symposia intended for Black curators interested in moving forward an individual research project in tandem with participation in group discussions and learning opportunities amongst the cohort and with program faculty.
This hybrid program begins with one week online followed by two weeks in person at Banff Centre, presented through the Banff International Curatorial Institute (BICI). Organized though Walter Phillips Gallery, BICI provides research-based programs for curators, arts writers, theorists, artists, and academics to explore curatorial research, pedagogy and practice, visual art criticism, and writing.
Description
Co-led by faculty Sally Frater, Michelle Jacques, and Crystal Mowry, this residency supports curators in developing individual projects while engaging in dialogue and exchange through:
- One-on-one feedback on your curatorial research.
- Opportunities for learning and discussion through faculty talks and peer gatherings.
- Conversations throughout the program and in the embedded symposia on contemporary curatorial practice with faculty and peers.
- Independent writing studios and dedicated space for focused research and reflection.
- Cross-program connections with intentional opportunities to connect with artists in concurrent residencies on campus.
Requirements
The program is intended for Black curators with demonstrated professional experience within the field of visual arts and material culture, performance, film and video, and public programming.
The program is open to curators with institutional affiliations or independent curatorial practices.
Collaborative groups of no more than two are welcome to apply.
Eligibility
Applicants must be 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 who identify as Black (18+), of all backgrounds, gender identities and expressions to apply.
*Please note that while children are welcomed in public spaces on campus they are not permitted in studios.
Itinerary
Week One (online):
- January 25:
Program orientation and introductions
Faculty Lecture
- January 28:
Participant project introductions
Week Two (in person):
- February 1:
Orientation
Faculty Lecture
- February 5:
Faculty Lecture
Week Three (in person):
- February 11:
Symposia
*Faculty one-on-one meetings scheduled at various times throughout three week program.
Dates are subject to change.
Faculty
Sally Frater
Sally Frater is the daughter of immigrants from the Caribbean. Curatorially she is interested in decolonial praxis, space and place, Black and Caribbean diasporas, photography, art of the everyday, and issues of equity and representation in museological spaces. She has curated solo and group exhibitions for institutions such as the Art Gallery of Ontario, Art Gallery of Guelph, the Ulrich Museum of Art, Glassell School of Art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Justina M. Barnicke Gallery at the University of Toronto, Project Row Houses, and Centre[3] for Artistic and Social Practice. The recipient of grants from the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, the Toronto Arts Council, and the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts she is a member of the Association of Art Museum Curators and is an alumna of Independent Curators International. Recently a shortlisted candidate for The Hnatyshyn Foundation Mid-Career Award for Curatorial Excellence she is the senior curator and curatorial manager at the Remai Modern in Saskatoon.
Faculty, Jan 25 - Feb 12, 2027
Michelle Jacques
Michelle Jacques is a curator whose work bridges art history and contemporary practice through critical engagements with race, feminism, and modernism. Currently the Director of Exhibitions & Collections/Chief Curator at Remai Modern, Saskatoon, she has previously held curatorial positions at the Art Gallery of Ontario (1995–2002; 2004–12), served as Director of Programming at the Centre for Art Tapes in Halifax (2002–04), and was Chief Curator at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (2012–21).
Her recent projects include Dawit L. Petros: At the Edge of the Horizon I (Remai Modern, 2025); Land.Sea.Sugar.Salt.: Terrestrial and Aquatic Contemplations of the Caribbean (co-curated with Sally Frater, Remai Modern, 2025); and Denyse Thomasos: just beyond (co-curated with Renée van der Avoird and Sally Frater, AGO/Remai Modern, 2022–23, traveling). Recent recognition includes a Hnatyshyn Foundation Award for Curatorial Excellence (2022) and a Governor General’s Award in Visual and Media Arts (2024).
Photo by Carey Shaw
Faculty, Jan 25 - Feb 12, 2027
Crystal Mowry
Crystal Mowry (she/her) is the Director of Programs at the MacKenzie Art Gallery. She previously held the position of Senior Curator at the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery where she oversaw the gallery’s exhibitions, collection, and publishing activities for over a decade. Her solo projects with artists Deanna Bowen, Maggie Groat, and Ernest Daetwyler have received Exhibition of the Year Awards from Galeries Ontario / Ontario Galleries. She was a recipient of a Waterloo Region Arts Award in 2020, and was shortlisted for the Hnatyshyn Foundation Mid-Career Award for Curatorial Excellence in 2024 and 2025. She has written texts for various artist-focused books on the work of Brendan Fernandes, August Klintberg, Shary Boyle, and others. Originally from Tkaronto (Toronto), Mowry is currently based in Treaty 4 (Regina) where she lives with her family.
Photo by Carey Shaw
Faculty, Jan 25 - 29 and Feb 8 - 12, 2027
Technical Requirements
What's Included
Meal Plan
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The meal plan is equivalent to $68 credit per day, equivalent to two meals at our Buffet service.
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.
Accommodation
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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.
Studio Space
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Create in the privacy of one of our specialized studios.
Group Seminars/Workshops
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Group seminars and workshops with faculty.
Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives
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The Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives are delighted to support Banff Centre Participants, Artists, and Faculty
Campus Facilities
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- 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
Application Fee
$65 for individuals or groups, $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.
Financial Aid
We are pleased to offer a limited amount of financial aid to support participants in our program.
To apply for financial aid please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials in Slideroom at Part 3 of the application process.
*Funding amounts vary and do not cover 100% of the total program fee. Participants should expect to pay a minimum of 25% of the total program fee.
We are pleased to offer scholarships for Canadian Indigenous participants in our arts program, which cover 100% of the total program fee.
Help fund your experience at Banff Centre by viewing our 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 FormStep 2:
Please login with the username and password emailed to you on completion of step 1.
Step 3:
Upload Your MaterialsResume
A two-page resume or C.V. describing academic, professional, and other relevant experience.
Group applications should submit all resumes in one document.
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
Provide a one-page description of your proposed project, including the theme, and relevance to the program.
Portfolio
Please provide up to ten images of past curatorial projects or exhibitions that you organized, and a 1-2 page document with a description of a past curatorial project that is reflective of your practice.
Financial Assistance
Be sure to complete the Financial Aid question in SlideRoom to be eligible for the financial assistance.
Group Applications
Collaborative groups of no more than two are welcome to apply. The lead applicant should complete:
- Step 1: One application form
- Step 2: Pay the $65 processing fee on behalf of the group
- Step 3: One SlideRoom application
Note: An additional $35 registration fee will be added for each member upon acceptance to the program.
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