Early Career Banff Artist in Residence - Summer 2025

Dates

Application Deadline: February 26, 2025

Program Dates: July 22 – August 21, 2025

Overview  

Early Career Banff Artist in Residence (BAiR) Summer 2025 is an immersive program of studio practice, creative exploration, critical feedback, and mentorship for visual artists and curators in the early stages of their careers. 

Open to visual artists and curators working in all visual arts mediums, this program combines the artistic freedom of a self-directed residency with the benefits of technical and faculty support. As well as having the space to create, research, and experiment, participants are part of a community of emerging artists committed to developing and expanding their practice.

Description

Participants in this residency will be supported with:

• lectures.
• workshops.
• feedback from experienced faculty members who will be available for both group and one-on-one consultations.

Artists are provided with a studio, as well as targeted access to our extensive facilities. This includes:

• access to personal studio spaces equipped for creative work, available 24/7, providing a dedicated environment for artistic expression.
• targeted access to shared production facilities and knowledgeable staff who are available to provide technical assistance and support.

Requirements

This residency is for individual artists and collaborative groups (of no more than two) who have

• completed formal training in visual arts at the post-secondary level, or 
• equivalent experience and recognition from their peers acquired through traditional knowledge and practices. 

The program is designed to cater to visual artists at the early stage of their artistic careers, providing them with tailored opportunities for professional development and creative growth, including:

• ceramicists.
• curators.
• painters.
• paper artists.
• photographers.
• print-makers.
• sculptors.

Participants will benefit most if they are comfortable working autonomously in an unstructured environment. The program suits those focused on:

• working on a specific project.
• creating new works.

Priority will be given to artists who have completed relevant training within five years and who have not previously attended a Visual Arts residency at Banff Centre.

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 of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities and expressions to apply. Artists from historically underrepresented and equity deserving groups are especially welcome.