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Akunumustiǂis (Natural Law) - Ecological Engagement Through the Seasons - 2023
Program Information
Joely BigEagle Kequahtooway, Banff Artist in Residence Open Studios 2021. Photo by Rita Taylor
Overview
This four week residency engages eight visual artist participants in a land-based, observational learning that will support the artist to develop and create a project drawing from their artistic practice that will inform the cultural narratives of this region. The artists will have access to a studio to support the creation of their project.
The project is reconciliation-based through the empowerment of Indigenous artists, working with institutions through a process that allows for meaningful engagement with the land; including Banff National Park, Parks Canada and local Knowledge Keepers. Working together, the process encourages knowledge exchange and centres Indigenous ways of knowing.
What Does the Program Offer?
This residency will explore questions around the narratives and histories that Indigenous people hold for themselves; that have been handed down from generation to generation, and from nation to nation through knowledge sharing.
Participants will share stories drawing from artifacts, plants, landmarks, and animals of the region, as well as connecting to the cultural land-based residency with opportunity for material harvesting and hands-on fabrication.
They will also take part in seasonal cultural activities and archival research sessions through on-the-land engagement in Banff National Park and surrounding areas, in collaboration with Parks Canada.
Who Should Apply?
This program is geared towards established Indigenous visual artists who have a strong background in ecological engagement within their current practice. Applicants should have a strong interest in exploring themes of stewardship, land-based learning, and archival research as part of their practice.
We welcome artists who wish to explore experimental elements, or accomplish finished productions of their work to the best of their capacity in a fully supported environment.
Faculty
What's Included
Your program fee includes a single bedroom on the Banff Centre campus for the duration of your program.
Get connected with other artists on campus and focus on your projects in a creative environment while we take care of the day-to-day essentials.
Using a credit-based system to dine on campus, our flexible meal plans allow you to select meals according to your own needs during your stay. Banff Centre can respond to most dietary requests.
The Full Flex meal plan is equivalent to $61.95 credit per day, equivalent to breakfast, lunch and dinner at our Buffet service.
This program offers opportunities to showcase your work-in-progress.
Group Seminars/ Workshops
Create in one of our specialized studios and utilize shared production facilities in printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, photography, digital media and more (subject to additional fees)
The Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives - Current Services
The Library is delighted to support Banff Centre Participants, Artists, and Faculty with the following services:
- Open hours: 9:30 am to 1 pm, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
- Access to collections, including program relevant books, scores, artists’ books, recordings, periodicals, and object library.
- Library accounts for borrowing materials.
- Digital Library, on campus and remote access.
- Library research assistance, by appointment.
- Archives research, by appointment only.
Please email library@banffcentre.ca or archives@banffcentre.ca for more information or assistance.
Your program fee includes free access to the swimming pool, climbing gym and fitness suite as well as discounted rates for classes at the Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre.
Enrich your experience and get to know other artists on campus by taking advantage of the activities and support provided by our Participant Resources team.
Enjoy special artist rates for ticketed performances or complimentary access to events.
Fees & Financial Assistance
Application fee: $35
*Financial Aid of 100% is available for this program.
If you would like to be considered, please complete the Financial Aid question when uploading your supporting materials to SlideRoom.
Please note: 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.
Adjudication
Adjudication is based on artistic merit, the potential impact of the program on artists’ practice and careers, project feasibility and the capacity of Banff Centre to help realize the project, and the project’s fit with Banff Centre’s values and strategic directions as described in its strategic plan. Banff Centre respects the need for artists to plan ahead for their visit; applicants will be notified as soon as adjudication is complete.
International Applicants
Banff Centre welcomes domestic and international applicants for this program. Please note, Banff Centre programs do not meet Canadian Student Visa eligibility requirements, you must obtain a Visitor Visa to enter Canada. Accepted individuals are responsible for identifying and complying with the immigration requirements to enter Canada as a visitor from their country of origin. Current wait times to receive a visa are much longer than normal, so applicants who require a Visitor Visa should check the current expected processing times prior to applying.
Eligibility
Applicants must be ages 18+ at the time of the program start date.
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:
