Banff Centre - North of the Border: The Banff Centre Independent Residencies Program
By Lila Hurwitz

(published in Artist Trust's Journal, Spring 2004)

Looking to immerse yourself in a creative residency? Go north to dive deep. The Independent Residencies Program at The Banff Centre in Alberta, Canada—nestled in a forested valley in the lush Canadian Rockies—provides ample opportunities for concentrated focus in a retreat environment. The program offers year-round project-based residencies for artists engaged in the creation of new work, as well as date-specific thematic residencies.

Enjoying a distinguished 70-year history of arts programming, artists worldwide have retreated to The Banff Centre, including writers and playwrights, composers and singer-songwriters, visual, performance, theatre, dance, film and television artists, curators and arts theorists.

The Banff Centre offers several different residency programs. These include the “classic” Independent Residencies Program, in which you’re given space and time to work on whatever it is you’re working on. Additionally, Banff also offers thematic residencies, at which artists explore a specific theme. Participants in both programs are part of a diverse colony of peers where collaboration is encouraged, and peer advisors/artists are available for feedback, critiques, and discussions.
The Independent Residencies Program’s Leighton Studios are eight unique and gorgeous environments in which to work. Located in a secluded wooded area, the studios offer a setting conducive to focus and creating new work. The Henriquez studio for writers would certainly inspire you: it’s an old, refurbished fishing boat that includes a galley, a bunk area and washroom. Or perhaps the Cardinal Studio for composers would be more your style – thick cedar-log walls formed into the shape of a nautilus shell, with a deck providing an uninterrupted view of the mountains and forest. Every studio is equipped with a computer, printer, email/internet, stereo, kitchenette, washroom, and comfortable furnishings, and has a private view of the forest. Three of the studios have pianos, and two are designed with storage, lighting, and flexible space to accommodate visual artists.
However, in a unique shift from other residencies, visiting artists don’t live in the studios. Instead, you stay on-site in a lodging facility replete with private room and bath, telephone, TV and housekeeping. You also have full access to the library and archives, dining room, café, and fitness and recreation facilities. Technical support, equipment and additional production facilities may be available to rent.
The Leighton Studios provide an ideal solitary retreat environment, but when it’s time for a break, or, you just want to connect with others, there are hundreds of concerts, openings, exhibitions and performances offered at The Banff Centre throughout the year. Take full advantage of the spectacular Rocky Mountain surroundings by taking a day hike to the top of Tunnel or Sulphur Mountains, or tune your mind and treat your body at the recreation facilities where you can swim, work out, or just go straight for the hot-tub.
Michelle Forsyth, a painter, video artist, and 2003 Artist Trust Media Fellowship panelist, will be attending Banff this May through July for a three-month “Intra-nation” thematic residency. This residency will bring together a diverse group of artists who inhabit, discuss, critique, and articulate the nation-within-nation sensibility. Michelle has been collecting images of terror and will use these to explore how the Bush government has been using images to support a “war of terror.” Michelle says the application process was pretty seamless, and although the rates looks pricey, Banff is very generous with financial aid; you can receive funding for up to 50% of the cost of your residency. A British Columbia printmaker who just returned from the Independent Residencies Program told Michelle that she and her fellow artists in residence took fieldtrips to Calgary to get art supplies, and all agreed that the big hot tub was frosting on a very nice cake. She also noted that currently Banff is especially looking for printmakers, since not many apply.
BANFF Details: Studio fees (in Canadian dollars) are approximately $53/day; single room accommodations run $51/day (shared rooms may be available). Financial aid is available; include a request letter with your application. All studios are equipped with kitchenettes, so you can prepare your own meals; there’s also an optional flex meal plan, or you can buy individual meals in the dining room on a cash basis. If you want to venture out of your studio for some chow and some company, several options are available: there’s the main dining room, a juice bar and deli, a pub, and a café and general store.
The Leighton Studios operate year-round; thematic residencies have specific dates. Although Independent Residencies Program applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, applicants are encouraged to apply six months in advance (applications are accepted with shorter notice, but it’s a good idea to contact them for studio availability). The straightforward application is available on-line; acceptance is based on an adjudication process. The Banff Centre is in the process of improving their accessibility; unfortunately, those with limited mobility will find the location challenging.

For more information and an application, go to www.banffcentre.ca.