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Winter Writers Retreat 2023
Program Information
Collage of program faculty, Lisa Robertson and Nasser Hussain
Overview
The Winter Writers Retreat is a self-directed program that offers time and space for writers to retreat, 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 with the opportunity to attend inspiring talks, performances, and meet with guest faculty to consult on your work.
What does the program offer?
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. This program provides opportunities for consultations with mentors, and optional group sessions led by guest mentors that allow writers to explore literary tools, aspects, and devices that you may find useful in your practice. You may also sign up for additional walks and day trips within Banff National Park as well as campus-wide activities organized by our Participant Resources team.
This 13-day residency provides thematic teaching from faculty members, Q&A sessions, public events, and one-on-one workshopping. Instructors will discuss ideas, experiences, and obstacles that participants may be encountering with their writing across genre. This flexible program 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, 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.
Winter Writers Retreat 2023 only accepts projects that are being written in English.
This program is not open to applicants who have taken part in a Banff Centre residency in the last year, nor to current faculty members of any other Banff Centre programming.
For full details on COVID related policies, please visit: www.banffcentre.ca/covid-19-measures
Faculty
What's Included
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 $58 credit per day, equivalent to breakfast, lunch and dinner at our Buffet service.
Each participant will be allocated a small studio as a private writing space.
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.
Enjoy special artist rates for ticketed performances or complimentary access to events.
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.
Limited access to the Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives.
Although the doors remain temporarily closed, you can still access a wide range of books, periodicals, recordings and scores through our digital databases available on the digital resources page, and physical items through our curbside pick-up service.
This program offers opportunities to showcase your work-in-progress.
Fees & Financial Assistance
Application fee: $65 ($35 for applicants who identify as Indigenous)
*Financial Aid of 100% of tuition and 50% of food and accommodation is available for this program.
All accepted participants will receive the above financial aid package. Application fees are non refundable.
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.
Help fund your experience at Banff Centre! View a compiled list of external national and international opportunities here.
How to Apply
Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application.
Adjudication
Participants are selected by impartial adjudicators on the basis of their submitted material. In addition to artistic merit, consideration will be given to the likelihood that the artist's work will benefit from the program. Banff Centre respects the need for artists to plan ahead for their visit; applicants will be notified as soon as adjudication is complete.
This program is not open to current faculty members of any other Banff Centre programming.
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 the Registrar
For questions on preparing your application, please contact the Office of the Registrar:
