Leighton Artist Studio Residency: Solo 26/27

About the Open Call

Leighton Studios are purpose-built, private workspaces designed to support a range of creative disciplines. Each studio offers a distinct environment, allowing applicants to indicate a preferred space that best supports their practice. This residency is designed for independent work and does not include production support, technical assistance, or access to specialized facilities. Applicants are responsible for bringing all materials, equipment, and supplies required for their project. Residencies can be a minimum of 2 weeks and a maximum of 6 weeks, with proposed dates starting on a Monday and ending on a Friday, and arrival on the Sunday before and departure on the Saturday after. Program Dates are available between April 6 - December 11, 2026, and January 4 - March 26, 2027.

What is Offered

The program fee includes a credit-based meal plan (equivalent to $68 per day), a single bedroom on the Banff Centre campus, private Leighton Studio space, access to the Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives, and campus facilities including the Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre (swimming pool, climbing gym, fitness suite) and Box Office Discounts for ticketed performances.

Requirements

This residency is open to creative professionals with a demonstrated record of accomplishment and a clearly defined project, including but not limited to Curatorial Practice, Design, Music, Theatre Arts, Visual Arts (drawing, painting, digital art, multimedia), Writing (literature, poetry, non-fiction, journalism, screenwriting), and Interdisciplinary Projects. Applicants will benefit most if they are comfortable working autonomously in an unstructured environment without production support, instrument rentals, or access to specialized production facilities, and can provide all necessary materials and equipment. Artists who have participated in a Leighton Studio residency in the past three years are not eligible. Applicants must be ages 18+ at the time of the program start date. Both domestic and international applicants are welcome; however, Banff Centre programs do not meet Canadian Student Visa requirements, so accepted international participants must obtain a Visitor Visa.

How to Apply

To apply: Step 1: Complete the Online Form. Step 2: Pay your application fee. Step 3: Upload your materials (Resume, Project Proposal, Portfolio). Be sure to complete the Financial Aid question in SlideRoom to be eligible for financial assistance. Applications are reviewed by a panel of internal and external adjudicators.