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Program Information
Molly MacKinnon, Nadeem Phillip, and Christine Quintana, Playwrights Lab 2016. Photo by Rita Taylor.
Overview
This is your time for uninterrupted space to start or advance your project in our music studios. Ideal for solo creators or small to medium sized ensembles, it provides the time and freedom to make noise, and focus deeply on your work.
Open to musicians, performers, composers and interdisciplinary collaborators - these residencies welcome you to explore, experiment, and create new work. With access to rehearsal spaces and large instruments that cannot travel, you’ll have the freedom to shape your work independently, designing your own creative process without structured programming or mentorship, in the solitude of Banff Centre’s inspiring mountain setting.
Description
Ideal for bold, self-directed artists and collectives whose projects need space or sound in a traditional rehearsal studio. Perfect for:
- Music: composition, research
- Opera: composition, research
- Interdisciplinary: hybrid or genre-defying work
Residencies include a private rehearsal studio equipped for music-based practices and will be allocated according to need. Studios features may include:
- Small PA system
- Tables, chairs
- Piano and instruments to large to travel (based on availability)
- Self-recording equipment upon request (based on availability)
Professional recording may be available in our recording studio or performance spaces, pending availability. This would incur a separate fee. If interested, please indicate as such in your application, your preferred recording date, and a brief outline of the project scope.
Dates
Residencies are minimum of 1 week and up to 2 weeks in length, running Monday through Friday. Longer residencies may be considered on a case-by-case basis subject to availability. Participants arrive on the Sunday before the residency begins and depart 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 – April 16, 2027
- May 10 – May 21, 2027
- July 26 – August 6, 2027
- September 6 – November 26, 2027
- March 6 – March 31, 2028
Residency dates and studio assignments are 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 only select date windows and start dates for which you are fully available to attend.
Requirements
We welcome applications from creative professionals and collectives at all career stages who:
- Have a demonstrated record of accomplishment
- Have a clearly articulated project ready for focused development which fits within the footprint of a Banff Centre music studio
- Can work independently without mentorship, production or tech support
- Bring their own equipment and materials
- Collaborative groups of up to 6 people can apply
If your project requires production facilities, technical support, or mentorship, please consider applying to one of our faculty-led artist in residence programs in Music. If you are looking for a non-traditional rehearsal studio please consider the Leighton Artist Studio.
Eligibility
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.
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Fees & Financial Assistance
The above fees are for the minimum 1 week residency per person. Longer residencies are calculated upon acceptance.
Application Fee
$65 for individuals or groups, $35 for applicants who identify as Indigenous.
This non-refundable fee covers the full cost of processing your application, including the SlideRoom fee.
Scholarships
We are pleased to offer a range of scholarships to support participants in our programs.
- Banff Centre Arts Scholarship
Program participants receive a Banff Centre Arts Scholarship that covers the cost of tuition, plus a contribution towards accommodation and meals.
*Participant costs shown above reflect the cost after the scholarship has been applied. To be eligible for Banff Centre scholarship, please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials.
- Canadian Indigenous Arts Scholarship
Canadian Indigenous Arts applicants receive a scholarship that covers the full cost of tuition, accommodation and meals.
Additional Funding
There are a limited number of additional Banff Centre Named Scholarships for eligible Canadian and International participants. No separate application is required; all eligible applications are automatically considered.
Explore these and additional external ways to fund your experience by reviewing our curated list of national and international opportunities here.
Cancellations
Information on our cancellation policy can be found here.
Tax Information
Banff Centre will issue official tax receipts for eligible tuition fees and financial assistance and awards as required by the Income Tax Act. You will receive a T2202 (Tuition and Enrolment Certificate) for eligible tuition fees paid and a T4A (Statement of Pension, Retirement, Annuity, and Other Income) for applicable financial assistance and awards.
How to Apply
Learn more about the steps to Complete Your Application.
Step 1:
Complete the Online FormStep 2:
Please login with the username and password emailed to you on completion of step 1.
Step 3:
Upload Your MaterialsResume
A two-page resume describing academic, professional, and other relevant artistic experience.
For collaborative submissions, a resume for each member of the group should be uploaded within the Group Leader's application.
Project Proposal
Provide a two-page description of your proposed project, including the theme, and relevance to the program.
Studio Request Form
Please complete the studio request form in SlideRoom, selecting from the following limited features:
- Tables, chairs, mirror wall, or rolling mirrors
- Pianos and other large instruments not transportable
- Basic self-recording equipment
Portfolio
Share a selection of work that highlights your creative practice and supports your proposed project. Submit 5–8 recent examples in these acceptable formats:
- Audio or video files
- Images or performance documentation (Max 10 minutes)
- Digital links (websites, portfolios, media)
- Scripts, plays, or relevant written materials (up to 25 pages)
- Non-English submissions must include a sample in English translation (max 25 pages)
Residency Dates
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.
- April 5 – April 16, 2027
- May 10 – May 21, 2027
- July 26 – August 6, 2027
- September 6 – November 26, 2027
- March 6 – March 31, 2028
Program Duration: Residencies are minimum of 1 week and up to 2 weeks in length. Longer residencies may be considered on a case-by-case basis subject to availability. Proposed dates must start on a Monday and end on a Friday, with arrival on the Sunday before and departure on the Saturday after.
Financial Assistance
Be sure to complete the Financial Aid question in SlideRoom to be eligible for financial assistance.
Group Applications
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
Note: An additional $35 registration fee and program fees will be added for each member upon acceptance to the program.
Adjudication
Applications are reviewed by a panel of internal and external adjudicators. Selections are based on:
- Artistic merit and originality of the proposed project
- Demonstrated skills and experience of the applicant(s)
- Clarity of goals and how the residency will benefit the applicant’s creative development
- Suitability of the project for a self-directed environment without technical or production support
- Feasibility of the proposed work within the facilities and timeframe
Our programs are highly competitive with a limited number of places available. Applicants will be notified of their selection status as soon as the adjudication process is complete. Due to the high volume of applications individual feedback will not be provided.
Disclaimer
All programs, faculty, dates, fees, and offers of financial assistance are subject to change. Program fee is subject to applicable taxes. Non-refundable fees and deposits will be retained upon cancellation. Any other fees are refunded at the discretion of the Banff Centre. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.
Contact Admissions
For questions on preparing your application, please contact Admissions:
Toll Free Number (Canada + USA)
1.800.565.9989
Phone
403.762.6180
