About the Open Call

This three-week residency supports Indigenous storytellers in developing existing work through a balance of self-directed studio time, faculty-led workshops, peer sharing circles, and one-on-one feedback sessions designed to deepen the creative process. The program offers space to focus on learning and expanding one’s storytelling practice. Guest artists—both in person and online—will share their approaches to storytelling across a variety of disciplines, with opportunities for dialogue and exchange. The residency encourages exploration of cultural knowledge, lived experience, and creative expression in shaping stories. Deepen your understanding of different protocols and practices of storytelling from Indigenous perspectives, whilst further developing an existing work within a supportive, land-based, and peer-informed environment. Program highlights include: A private studio, Facilitated group sessions to support artistic growth, Faculty-led workshops, presentations, and one-on-one feedback sessions, Guest artists, both in person and online, will share storytelling practices across disciplines, Peer sharing circles and collaborative readings foster community, connection, and cross-inspiration, Optional evening gatherings such as fire nights and an open mic night offer space for informal storytelling and reflection, Participants are invited to present works in progress during a public event that includes Banff Centre staff, faculty, Elders, and guest artists.

What is Offered

This program offers a private studio, facilitated group sessions, faculty-led workshops, presentations, and one-on-one feedback sessions. It includes guest artist presentations (in-person and online), peer sharing circles, collaborative readings, and optional evening gatherings like fire nights and open mic nights. Participants can present works in progress during a public event. The program fee includes a $68 credit per day for a meal plan, a single bedroom accommodation on the Banff Centre campus, studio space, opportunities to showcase work, group seminars, access to the Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives, Participant Resources, Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre (including swimming pool, climbing gym, and fitness suite), and Box Office Discounts. A scholarship covering 100% of the total program fee (tuition, accommodation, and meal plan) is awarded to all Indigenous arts participants.

Requirements

This residency is open to Individual Indigenous storytellers and artists who are actively engaged in their practice and wish to deepen their understanding of diverse storytelling protocols, genres, and cultural perspectives. Applicants should: identify as artists and storytellers, have demonstrable experience and knowledge in their artistic practice, be committed to developing an existing work during the residency, and be open to learning, sharing, and engaging with faculty and peers. Post-secondary education in arts or culture is considered an asset but is not required. Applicants must be able to clearly demonstrate an active artistic practice. Applicants must be 18+ at the time of the program start date. Domestic and international applications are welcome. Accepted participants are responsible for identifying and complying with Canadian immigration requirements to enter Canada as a visitor.

How to Apply

Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application. Step 1: Complete the Online Form. Step 2: Pay your application fee. Step 3: Upload Your Materials (Resume, Project Proposal, Artistic Statement, Portfolio, Financial Assistance section in SlideRoom).