Leighton Artist Studio Residency: Photography 27/28

Overview

Spend 2 to 6 weeks in The Crich Photography Studio — your own private studio with a black-and-white darkroom, digital photography setup, and mountain views. Designed for self-directed projects, this competitive program gives creative professionals the time, space, and focus to advance their work in analogue, digital, or select alternative processes. Whether pursuing research creation, exploration, or project development, participants can work in focused solitude or engage with Banff Centre’s vibrant artistic community, all within an inspiring mountain setting.

Description

This self-directed residency is unique in offering private use of The Crich Photography Studio which best supports projects involving: 

• Black and white analogue photography (Film development, processing, and printing)
• Digital photography
• Some alternative processes including cyanotype

The residency is designed for independent work and does not include production support, technical assistance, or access to additional specialized facilities (i.e, colour darkroom, or digital printing access is not available). Residents are responsible for bringing all materials, equipment, and supplies required for their project.

Please note: The Crich Photography Studio is located in the Jeanne and Peter Lougheed building, separate from the other Leighton Studios. The studio is wheelchair accessible, however the darkroom facilities are not. If you require wheelchair-accessible accommodation, please contact us to discuss available options.

Dates

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.

As part of the application, you will be asked to identify your preferred residency dates from within the available date ranges listed below. Please select dates that align with your availability and project timeline.

Available date ranges:

• April 5 – June 18, 2027
• July 5 – December 10, 2027
• February 14 – March 31, 2028

Residency dates and studio assignments will be determined based on studio availability, technical requirements, and Banff Centre’s ability to support the specific needs of each project.

Important: Residency dates are confirmed at the time of acceptance and are final. Once assigned, dates cannot be changed, deferred, or rescheduled. Please ensure that the date ranges you select in your application align with your availability and commitments. 

Requirements

This residency is open to individual creative professionals with:

• a demonstrated record of accomplishment
• a clearly defined project.
• proven knowledge and experience working in an analogue darkroom facility

Applicants will benefit most if they are comfortable working autonomously in an unstructured environment. The residency is best suited for those who:

• work independently without production support, equipment rentals, or access to specialized production facilities
• have a project that fits within the footprint of The Crich Photography Studio
• provide all materials, equipment, and supplies required for their project.

Eligibility

Artists who have participated in a Leighton Studio residency in the past three years are not eligible to apply. The three-year restriction applies to all artists who have attended a Leighton Studio residency in any capacity as a solo artist or as a member of a group or collective.

Applicants must be ages 18+ at the time of the program start date. 

Banff Centre welcomes applications from both domestic and international applicants for our program.

Visa Eligibility Information: Canadian Student Visa Not Eligible: Please note that Banff Centre programs do not meet the eligibility requirements for a Canadian Student Visa. If you are accepted into our program, you must obtain a Visitor Visa to enter Canada. Accepted participants are responsible for identifying and complying with the immigration requirements to enter Canada as a visitor from their country of origin. If you require a Visitor Visa please check the current expected processing times well in advance of applying.

Inclusivity Statement

We welcome artists of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities and expressions to apply. Artists from historically underrepresented and equity deserving groups are especially welcome.