Literary Journalism 2026

About the Open Call

This three-week residency encourages the exploration of new ideas in literary journalism (creative non-fiction) and experimentation in writing. Designed to challenge and stimulate, the program aims to inspire creative pieces of non-fiction and to assist the writers in their completion. A preeminent space for long-form journalism, this residency emphasizes the strengths of thorough and articulate reporting, distinctive storytelling, and literary devices. Work created in this program has been published in many outlets including The Globe and Mail , The Walrus , and The Atlantic , and pieces have gone on to win National Magazine and National Newspaper Awards. Writers will have time to: work on their manuscripts in their individual studios. consult with faculty members Manjula Martin, Dr. Cheryl Thompson, Shawn Micallef, and professional guest Dan Wells (Biblioasis). participate in group discussions. Faculty will provide mentorship and one-on-one workshops to discuss: story ideas. craft concepts such as voice and structure. challenges writers may be encountering with their literary journalism. The faculty will offer mentorship for the first two weeks, with the last week for participants to focus on digging deep into their writing.

What is Offered

The program includes a flexible meal plan using a credit-based system (equivalent to $68 credit per day), a single bedroom on the Banff Centre campus, individual studio space, opportunities to showcase work-in-progress, group seminars and workshops with faculty, access to the Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives, and campus facilities including participant resources, the Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre (swimming pool, climbing gym, fitness centre), and Box Office Discounts for ticketed performances.

Requirements

Literary Journalism is designed for writers seeking a professional development opportunity in a community of peers with the guidance of an experienced writer/editor, as each participant prepares a long form piece. Applicants should be experienced professionals, active in the diversified fields of writing, including print or electronic media. This program is open to fiction and non-fiction writers, journalists, freelance critics or curators, artists, and academics, with an emphasis on those who can write for a lay audience with logic, vigour, and charm—and those who have a portfolio to prove it. This program is run in English and only accepts projects that are being written in English. English is the language of Banff Centre correspondence. Applicants must be ages 18+ at the time of the program start date. Domestic and international applications are welcome.

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 Cover Letter Project Proposal Portfolio Financial Assistance