Residencies

Applications are now open for the 2026 Artist in Residence Program and Suncor Indigenous Artist in Residence Program, offering two professional artists the opportunity to spend several dedicated weeks creating new work in the Wood Buffalo region.

The residencies will run 3–4 weeks in 2026, with exact dates confirmed in consultation with selected artists. Each residency supports a period of focused artistic development while encouraging meaningful community connection.

Resident artists will develop a new body of work to be presented at a final public showcase and will lead up to two workshops or engagement sessions with the community. Arts Council Wood Buffalo is particularly seeking applicants who demonstrate a strong community-centred approach and a clear workshop plan.

The programs are open to artists from across Canada, and artists living in the Wood Buffalo region are also encouraged to apply.  

Artists interested in applying can view the full guidelines and access the application portal at www.artscouncilwb.ca/artist-in-residence. The deadline to apply is Monday, January 19, 2026 at 11:59 PM.

Application Deadline: January 21, 2026
Program Dates: July 13, 2026 - August 21, 2026

Banff Artist in Residence (BAiR) - Summer 2026 is a six-week program for visual artists at all career stages. Participants in this program are encouraged to develop their work in a supportive learning environment. They will be mentored by leading faculty who, working across a range of media and approaches, demonstrate a concern for environmental responsibility and ecological sustainability. 

Participants will engage in a range of residency activities including: faculty lectures, studio visits, artist-led workshops, gallery tours and formal and informal peer dialogue. Participants will have the opportunity to share their work with the public during Open Studios. 

A defining feature of BAiR programs is the opportunity to create connections and expand one's peer community. This program is designed for participation over the entire six week program period. Variable dates will not be considered.

Description

Visual Arts residencies at Banff Centre are structured programs of faculty-led activity and mentorship, supporting project-based studio practice.

This program encourages: 

• the development of conceptual thought through faculty talks and studio visits
• the development of technical skills through studio-based experimentation and learning
• discussion-based programs and workshops to support professional development
• cross-cultural engagement with international faculty and participants
• peer-to-peer engagement to foster a professional community.

Studio-based work is further supported by faculty studio visits, lectures, and workshops, fostering a valuable community of learning. Artists are assigned individual studios with access to shared production facilities. Knowledgeable staff are available to provide technical assistance.

Please take note of the program itinerary when planning your project proposal. 

Facility access is based on availability of facilitators and priority goes to those requesting access in their initial applications. 

Requirements

This residency is for individual artists or duos (of no more than two collaborators) who have:

• completed formal training in visual arts at the post-secondary level, or
• equivalent experience and recognition from their peers acquired through traditional knowledge and practices.

Artists working in, but not limited to, practices in

• ceramics
• digital media, video, and photography
• painting, drawing, printmaking and papermaking
• sculpture and installation
• performance art

are invited to apply. 

Priority will be given to artists who have not attended a Visual Arts residency at Banff Centre in the past three years. 

Please note that children are not permitted in visual arts studios or production areas.

This program is designed for participation over the entire program period. Variable dates will not be considered.

For more information and to apply.