Applications are now open for Spring/Summer 2024 programs.  For Fall 2024 progams onwards you can sign up to the Newsletter to receive an alert when applications open.

The Application and Payment systems will be closed from the 20th December to 3rd January as part of the Institutional Holiday Closure.  SlideRoom will remain open for portfolio submissions.

Questions please contact the Admissions Office or call 403 762 6180. 

Program dates have passed. Please join our contact list for updates.

Writing Studio

Literary Arts

Program Information

Overview

An ideal environment for artistic inspiration and growth, Writing Studio provides writers and poets with an extended period of uninterrupted writing time and one-on-one editorial assistance from experienced writers/editors. 

You’ll also have the opportunity to engage with a community of working writers, work with a voice and movement coach, and to share your work at a weekly reading event.

What does the program offer?

This program is designed to offer the freedom of unstructured time for each individual participant’s needs and desired outcomes. The residency also offers the opportunity to work with our esteemed faculty mentors over five weeks. 

Writing Studio also features a weekly reading series, as well as one-on-one sessions with a voice and relaxation instructor to help you develop your public reading skills. 

Who should apply?

Early and mid-stage career writers of fiction (or other narrative prose) and poetry who are seeking a period of dedicated time to develop a book-length manuscript with the guidance of an experienced mentor. This program is designed for published poets, writers of fiction, and other narrative prose.

We welcome writers from all backgrounds, and all gender identities and expressions.

Faculty

What's Included

Accommodations
Single RoomRead MoreClose

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.

Meal Plan Icon
Regular Meal PlanRead MoreClose

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.

The Regular Flex meal plan includes $30 credit per day, equivalent to lunch and dinner in Vistas Dining Room.

Showcase Icon
Showcase Your WorkRead MoreClose

This program offers opportunities to showcase your work-in-progress in one of our performance venues.

Barbell Icon
Gym MembershipRead MoreClose

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.

Paul D. Fleck Library and ArchivesRead MoreClose

Access a wide range of publications, books, music and films in the Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives, open six days a week.

Discount Icon
Box Office DiscountsRead MoreClose

Enjoy special artist rates for ticketed performances or complimentary access to events.

Community Icon
Participant ResourcesRead MoreClose

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.

Fees & Financial Assistance

Program Fee (Single Room)
$5 736.69
+GST
Program Fee with financial assistance (Single Room)*
$2 868.35
+GST

Application fee: $65

*Financial Aid up to approximately 50% is available for this program

If you would like to be considered, please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials to SlideRoom.

Help fund your experience at Banff Centre! View a compiled list of national and international opportunities here.

How to Apply

Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application.

Financial Assistance

Be sure to complete the Financial Aid section to be eligible for financial assistance.

Resume

A one-page resume or C.V. describing academic, professional, and other relevant experience.

Project Summary and Bio

Provide a 100-word artist biography and a 100-word summary of the proposed project. These summaries and bios will be used for administrative and public purposes related to your program. 

Project Proposal

A description of the project you will be working on, and a brief statement of your expectations and goals for the program. Your proposal should be a maximum of two pages (adjudicators will stop reading at two pages regardless of how many pages are submitted), in 12 pt. font and double spaced.

Portfolio

A segment from the work-in-progress you will work on during the program, and samples of additional published or unpublished work. Please note, writing samples should not exceed 23 pages in total (adjudicators will stop reading at 23 pages regardless of how many pages are submitted), in 12 pt. font and double spaced. Format may vary for Poetry samples.

References

Contact details for two referees.

Applications will only be considered for one genre of writing, i.e. either narrative or poetry.  Please note, Writing Studio does not accept applications for children’s literature or screenplay projects.

Writing Studio only accepts projects that are being written in English.  
 

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.

Applicants will be notified of their status as soon as adjudication is complete.

Eligibility

Applicants will normally, but not necessarily, have published a body of work (a book of poetry, fiction, or other narrative prose, or substantial publication in magazines and/or anthologies). Applicants are accepted to Writing Studio to work on a book-length manuscript, which they will develop during their time in the program. The preferred situation is that the participant be already at work on the manuscript, so that material exists that can be discussed and edited.

Banff Centre is unable to offer editorial assistance to writers who have manuscripts already submitted and are in the editing process with a publisher.

Please note: Past participants of Writing Studio must wait at least one year before applying again, and should be working on a different project. Those accepted as participants to the program who subsequently find themselves unable to attend for the full program schedule are asked to withdraw and re-apply another year.

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