Banff Centre: Visual Arts - Nomadisms
Application Deadline: November 19, 2025
Program Dates: May 25 to June 26, 2026
Nomadism is conceived as a mode of existence and territorialization grounded in practices of regulated mobility. This residency invites participants to engage with the theme of nomadism as both a critical and aesthetic framework. Exploring experiences and relations such as itineraries of humans and non-humans, trajectories of circulation, spatial resistances, and alternative cartographies, nomadism will be approached as a site of inquiry and a form of sensitive and formal attentiveness to the earth. This approach will guide the intentions, conditions, and gestures of art making and artistic collaboration.
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.
This residency is for individual artists or duos (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
- painting and drawing
- printmaking
- papermaking
- performance art
- photography and video
- sculpture and installation
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.
Financial aid is available.
Engaging with ideas of nomadic movement and imaginaries, this visual arts residency supports the development of critical thought through material practice.
Engaging with ideas of nomadic movement and imaginaries, this visual arts residency supports the development of critical thought through material practice.
Engaging with ideas of nomadic movement and imaginaries, this visual arts residency supports the development of critical thought through material practice.
