Literary Journalism: Memoir 2026 (Banff Centre)

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Arts opportunity Literary arts Southern Alberta Residencies

DEADLINE: June 3, 2026 - 5:00 pm

This 12-day self-directed residency provides teaching from faculty members Dionne Brand, Kyo Maclear, Ivan E. Coyote, and professional guest Simon Thibault (Goose Lane). This residency is a self-directed program that offers time and space for writers to focus and re-energize their writing practice while connecting with an artistic literary community. In addition to a single room and a small private studio, you will be surrounded by a community of artistic peers. You will have the opportunity to attend inspiring talks and performances and meet with guest faculty to consult on your work.

Optional elements include:

  • one-on-one mentoring sessions with faculty to discuss ideas, experiences and obstacles that participants may be encountering with their writing.
  • Q&A sessions
  • Public events

As a flexible self-guided program, Memoir Writing allows you to choose the amount of support you are looking for. All program elements are optional.

Memoir Writing is designed for writers seeking a professional development opportunity in a community of peers with the guidance of an experienced writer/editor, as each participant prepares a long form piece.

Applicants should be experienced professionals, active in the field of creative non-fiction and/or journalism including print or electronic media. This program is open to non-fiction writers, journalists, freelance critics or curators, artists, and academics, with an emphasis on those who can write for a lay audience with passion, vigour, and charm—and those who have a portfolio to prove it.

Scholarships available.
For more information and to apply.

Application Deadline: June 3, 2026
Program Dates October 5 - 16, 2026