Early Career Banff Artist in Residence 2026

About the Open Call

Early Career Banff Artist in Residence (BAiR) 2026 is an immersive program of studio practice, creative exploration, critical feedback, and mentorship for visual artists in the early stages of their careers. Open to artists working in all visual arts mediums, this program is faculty-led while providing space, time, and support towards the development of an agreed-upon studio project. As well as having the opportunity to research, experiment, and create, participants are part of a community of emerging artists committed to developing and expanding their practice. They will participate in faculty-led conversations around the contexts that artists establish for the production and presentation of their work. This program is designed for participation over the entire program period. Variable dates will not be considered. The program invites participants to reflect on how their work is situated within or alongside their artistic peers and predecessors. It emphasizes collective learning, cross-disciplinary exchange, and relational approaches to practice. Participants will explore how artists establish associations with one another across diverse modes of making and thinking. This program supports: the development of conceptual thought and creative skills through faculty supported research-creation; development of technical skills through experimentation and skill-based learning assisted by staff technicians; faculty and guest artist lectures and collective study, reading, and writing to foster critical thought and cross-disciplinary dialogue/collaboration; peer-to-peer to engagement fostering a professional community that can help support and sustain an artistic career; 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. Facility access is based on availability of facilitators and priority goes to those requesting access in their initial applications.

What is Offered

The program offers an immersive residency with studio practice, creative exploration, critical feedback, and mentorship. Participants receive space, time, and support for project development, access to a community of emerging artists, faculty-led conversations, and opportunities for developing conceptual and technical skills. It includes faculty and guest artist lectures, collective study, peer-to-peer engagement, and one-on-one consultations. Artists are provided with a 24/7 personal studio space and targeted access to shared production facilities and staff technical assistance. The offer also includes a credit-based meal plan, a single bedroom accommodation on campus, opportunities to showcase work-in-progress, group seminars and workshops, access to the Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives, Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre, and Box Office discounts.

Requirements

Early Career refers to artists who are new to their professional practice as well as those just entering, or in the early stages of their career. This residency is for individual artists or duos (of no more than two collaborators) 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. Applications from applicants close to completing formal training, averaging up to five years of professional practice will be considered. The program is designed to cater to early career visual artists including, but not limited to, work in: ceramics, digital media, painting, drawing, printmaking, papermaking, photography, sculpture and installation. 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 not attended a Visual Arts residency at Banff Centre in the past three years. Applicants must be 18+ at the time of the program start date. Domestic and international applications are welcome. Visa Eligibility Information: Banff Centre programs do not meet the eligibility requirements for a Canadian Student Visa. If accepted, participants must obtain a Visitor Visa to enter Canada and are responsible for identifying and complying with immigration requirements. Check current expected processing times well in advance.

How to Apply

Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application. Step 1: Complete the Online Form. Step 2: Pay your application fee. Please login with the username and password emailed to you on completion of step 1. Step 3: Upload Your Materials: Resume (A one-page resume describing your academic, artistic, professional, and other relevant artistic experience. Group applications should submit all resumes in one document.). Letter of Intent (A 500 word description of why you wish to attend this program, what you hope to learn or achieve, and what impact it could have on your artistic practice.). Project Proposal (In 500 words, describe the conceptual framework of your proposed project, your weekly execution plan, details of the mediums you propose to use and your level of knowledge in the processes required, and outline any specific technical or support requirements. These summaries will be used as a narrative for administrative and public use.). Resource Requests (Outline all studio, equipment, software, facility, or staff support required for your project. Final resource allocation is at the discretion of the department. This form can be found in the SlideRoom portion of the application. Refer to the Visual Arts Facilities Booklet for a detailed list of equipment available.). Portfolio (Provide 10 samples of your artistic work. File sizes and specifications are available in our upload tool.). Financial Assistance (Be sure to complete the Financial Aid question in SlideRoom to be eligible for financial assistance.). Applications from Collaboratives: 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. Please submit only one SlideRoom application per duo. Note: An additional $35 registration fee will be added for each member upon acceptance to the program.