Call for Submissions (Banff): Story Sharing Residency – Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Theater News

Application Deadline: January 28, 2026
Program Dates: May 11, 2026 – May 29, 2026

Overview
This three-week residency supports Indigenous storytellers in developing existing work through a balance of self-directed studio time, faculty-led workshops, peer sharing circles, and one-on-one feedback sessions designed to deepen the creative process.

The program offers space to focus on learning and expanding one’s storytelling practice. Guest artists—both in person and online—will share their approaches to storytelling across a variety of disciplines, with opportunities for dialogue and exchange.

Description
The residency encourages exploration of cultural knowledge, lived experience, and creative expression in shaping stories. Deepen your understanding of different protocols and practices of storytelling from Indigenous perspectives, whilst further developing an existing work within a supportive, land-based, and peer-informed environment. Program highlights include:

A private studio
Facilitated group sessions to support artistic growth
Faculty-led workshops, presentations, and one-on-one feedback sessions
Guest artists, both in person and online, will share storytelling practices across disciplines
Peer sharing circles and collaborative readings foster community, connection, and cross-inspiration
Optional evening gatherings such as fire nights and an open mic night offer space for informal storytelling and reflection
Participants are invited to present works in progress during a public event that includes Banff Centre staff, faculty, Elders, and guest artists

Requirements
This residency is open to Individual Indigenous storytellers and artists who are actively engaged in their practice and wish to deepen their understanding of diverse storytelling protocols, genres, and cultural perspectives. Applicants should:

Identify as artists and storytellers
Have demonstrable experience and knowledge in their artistic practice
Be committed to developing an existing work during the residency
Be open to learning, sharing, and engaging with faculty and peers
Post-secondary education in arts or culture is considered an asset but is not required. Applicants should be able to clearly demonstrate an active artistic practice.

Banff Centre Arts Scholarship: All Indigenous arts participants receive a Scholarship covering 100% of the Total fee, meal plan and accommodation costs, made possible through endowments and donations.

Apply Now: http://url.banffcentre.ca/bgKyZ7