Spring Writers 2027

Overview  

Spring Writers is a 12-day self-directed residency that provides dedicated time to write while immersed in Banff Centre's vibrant literary community. Participants are assigned a private studio in historic Vinci Hall, which serves as a lively gathering place for writers to work, exchange ideas and build community. Each participant is paired with an exceptional faculty mentor—Heather O'Neill, Stuart Ross, or Anakana Schofield—whose combined experience spans internationally celebrated fiction, innovative literary practice, small press publishing, and decades of mentorship. Writers also have the opportunity to meet guest speaker Katy Bohinc (Tender Buttons Press). 

In addition to exceptional weekly one-on-one consultations with faculty, participants will have access to optional faculty talks, Q&As, public reading opportunities, social receptions, and campus events. Designed for writers who value both independence and creative community, this residency invites participants to shape their own experience, whether through focused solo writing, peer-led workshops, informal feedback, lively conversation, or discovery.

Description

This 12-day self-directed open-genre residency offers writers dedicated time, space, and momentum to advance a writing project within an active literary community. Come together in Banff Centre’s historic Vinci Hall, the program’s lively home base: a clubhouse-style environment of assigned personal studios, shared lounge space, hallway conversations, spontaneous peer exchanges, and informal plans taking shape throughout the day. Expect the everyday energy of writers working, gathering, and moving through their creative process together.

Each participant is paired with an exceptional faculty mentor, Stuart Ross, Heather O’Neill, and Anakana Schofield, for weekly one-on-one consultations, with an additional opportunity to meet guest speaker Katy Bohinc (Tender Buttons Press). Optional programming includes faculty talks and Q&As, public reading opportunities, social receptions, and campus events.

Spring Writers is best suited to writers excited by community and comfortable shaping their own time, choosing the balance of solitude, mentorship, programming, and peer connection that best supports their practice.

Requirements

This program is designed for emerging and established writers with a proven publication record seeking a period of dedicated time to work on a project in any genre.

The residency suits those focused on:

• working on a specific project.
• creating new works.

This program is not open to applicants who have taken part in a Banff Centre residency in the last year, nor to current faculty members of any other Banff Centre programming.

This program is run in English and only accepts projects that are being written in English. English is the language of Banff Centre correspondence.

Eligibility

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

Domestic and international applications are welcome.

Visa Eligibility Information: 

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