Indigenous Fashion Creation Residency: Embellishments and Accessories (Banff Centre)

Application Deadline: December 16, 2026
Program Dates: April 5 – May 7, 2027
Learn more and apply. 

This residency invites Indigenous designers and artists to advance personal design projects exploring contemporary and avant-garde approaches to garment and accessory design. The program welcomes artists working in areas such as jewelry, belts, handbags, headpieces, necklaces and bracelets, with an emphasis on new, unusual and experimental ideas that push beyond traditional forms and approaches.

This hybrid residency combines one week of online connection and learning with four weeks of in-person project development at Banff Centre, including studio access, workshops and faculty mentorship.

Faculty-led workshops will explore pattern development and creative techniques that will help designers achieve an avant-garde aesthetic. 

Description

During the in-person residency, participants will:

• Take part in faculty-led workshops to explore creative processes, pattern development and techniques for creating avant-garde garments and accessories.
• Participate in one-on-one consultations with faculty and guest artists.
• Have access to a dedicated studio for independent work. 
• Receive technical guidance and production facility overviews from Visual Arts Facilitators.
• Develop their personal projects through hands-on experimentation and dedicated studio time.
• Receive individual feedback and mentorship from faculty and guest artists.

The residency concludes with an Open Studios event, providing an opportunity for participants to share their works in progress with the Banff Centre community.

Requirements

This program is open to individual Indigenous artists, fashion makers, designers, and design companies, including those working with a collaborator from regional, national, and global locations. Participants should have:

• A background in fashion or garment design.
• Basic knowledge of sewing and embellishments.
• Experience in garment construction ideal, but not pre-requisite if working on accessories  and using a sewing machine.
• Ability to push past traditional and accepted boundaries.

Duos in collaboration are welcome to apply.