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Program Information
Barbara Spohr, Untitled (Toronto), 1978, C-print on paper. Collection of Walter Phillips Gallery, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity P79 0160 P
Overview
Created by the friends and family of the late artist Barbara Spohr, this award is intended to encourage the development of Canadian contemporary photography by providing financial and creative assistance to an artist whose work has made a significant contribution to the field.
The Barbara Spohr Memorial Award for Photography supports one mid-career Canadian artist (Canadian citizen or permanent resident) working in photography to undertake a fully funded residency at Banff Centre. Most recently offered as a bi-annual award to artists who have previously been enrolled in a Visual Arts residency program at Banff Centre, the Barbara Spohr Memorial Award for Photography will now take place annually and is open for application to all mid-career Canadian artists working in photography.
What does the program offer?
One mid-career Canadian artist will have the opportunity to undertake a self-directed residency with access to analogue and digital photographic production facilities at Banff Centre. The award winner will have access to the Crich Studio, a Leighton Artist Studio featuring private analogue darkroom facilities.
The award winner will also have the option of giving a public talk with an associated fee at CARFAC-based rates, presented by Walter Phillips Gallery.
Who should apply?
Applications are open to Canadian mid-career artists with a substantial exhibition history. For the purposes of this program, this is defined as a minimum of ten exhibitions in a professional context such as artist-run centres, public art galleries, recognized photo festivals, etc.
Applicants must be Canadian, a Permanent Resident or eligible under the terms of the Jay Treaty. Banff Centre invites applicants and artists of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities, and expressions.
Banff Centre is grateful to the following supporters for making this program possible:
The friends and family of the late artist Barbara Spohr.
What's Included
Studios & Facilities
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The award winner will have access to the Crich Studio, a Leighton Artist Studio featuring private analogue darkroom facilities.
Showcase Your Work
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The award winner will have the option of giving a public talk presented by Walter Phillips Gallery.
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.
Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives
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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:
- 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.
- Research assistance, by appointment.
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.
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.
Box Office Discounts
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Enjoy special artist rates for ticketed performances or complimentary access to events.
Fees & Financial Assistance
Application Fee: $35 for individuals.
Application fees are non-refundable.
*Scholarship of 100% is available and will be applied to cover tuition, meal and accommodation costs. A travel bursary is also included. Regional maximums apply. Recipient must book their own travel.
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 one-page resume describing your academic, artistic, professional, and other relevant artistic experience.
Artistic Summary
Please upload a one page introduction to your practice as a whole, and what impact this award would have on your practice.
Project Proposal
Please provide a one page introduction to your proposed project that you would undergo on site, the link to your practice, and the impact of this award on your project.
Technical Description
Please provide a 500 word description of the technical processes, size, equipment, and materials required to complete your work.
Portfolio
Please upload one PDF file with up to 10 samples of your artistic work with captions for each image.
Adjudication
Participants are selected by impartial adjudicators on the basis of their submitted material. In addition to artistic merit, educational training, and relevance of application to theme of the program, consideration will be given to the likelihood that the artist's work and career will benefit from the program. Project feasibility and the capacity of Banff Centre to support the artist are also considered. Banff Centre’s values are reflected in program development and delivery.
Banff Centre respects the need for artists to plan ahead for their visit; applicants will be notified as soon as adjudication is complete.
Eligibility
Applicants must be ages 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
