Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is accepting applications for Visual Arts - Sounding Like a Mountain, a five week, in person residency taking place from May 17 to June 18, 2027 in Banff, Alberta.
About the Residency
Sounding Like a Mountain invites visual artists to develop projects that explore relationships between sound, place, memory, land, ecology, and listening. Drawing on ideas connected to acoustic ecology and the mountain environment of Banff, participants are encouraged to consider how sound can reflect histories of land use, migration, ecological disruption, colonial infrastructure, and other social and environmental processes.
The residency combines independent studio practice with a structured program of faculty-led activities, workshops, one-on-one mentorship, technical support, and peer learning. Participants will receive individual studio space and access to shared production facilities, with opportunities to develop both artistic ideas and technical skills.
Who Can Apply
The residency is open to individual artists or duos of no more than two collaborators at any stage of their career. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and should have either:
- Completed post-secondary training in visual arts; or
- Equivalent experience and recognition from peers acquired through traditional knowledge and practices.
Domestic and international applications are welcome.
The program is designed for artists working in practices including:
- Ceramics
- Digital media
- Painting
- Drawing
- Printmaking and papermaking
- Performance art
- Photography
- Sculpture
- Installation
Program Dates
May 17 - June 18, 2027
Arrival: May 16, 2027
Departure: June 19, 2027
Fees & Financial AssistanceÂ
The total program fee is $10,033.70. With the standard Banff Centre Arts Scholarship applied, The listed participant cost is $4,476.78. Additional scholarships may also be available.
Eligible Canadian Indigenous Arts applicants receive a scholarship covering the full cost of tuition, accommodation, and meals.
The application fee is $65 for individual or groups, or $35 for applicants who identify as Indigenous.Â
Application RequirementsÂ
Applicants are required to submit:
- A two-page résumé or CV
- A 200-word artist statement
- A one-page project proposal explaining the proposed project, theme, and relevance to the program
- Information about the required studio, equipment, software, facility, or staff-support
- 6-10 samples of artistic work
- Financial assistance information, if applicable.
Application DeadlineÂ
November 18, 2026 at 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)
Learn More
To learn more about Visual Arts - Sounding Like a Mountain, visit the Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity website.
Applications are completed through Banff Centre's online application process, followed by submission of supporting materials through SlideRoom.
