Banff International Curatorial Institute: Curating While Black

Curating While Black is a residency and embedded symposia intended for Black curators interested in moving forward an individual research project in tandem with participation in group discussions and learning opportunities amongst the cohort and with program faculty.

This hybrid program begins with one week online followed by two weeks in person at Banff Centre, presented through the Banff International Curatorial Institute (BICI). Organized though Walter Phillips Gallery, BICI provides research-based programs for curators, arts writers, theorists, artists, and academics to explore curatorial research, pedagogy and practice, visual art criticism, and writing.

Co-led by faculty Sally Frater, Michelle Jacques, and Crystal Mowry, this residency supports curators in developing individual projects while engaging in dialogue and exchange through:

  • One-on-one feedback on your curatorial research.
  • Opportunities for learning and discussion through faculty talks and peer gatherings.
  • Conversations throughout the program and in the embedded symposia on contemporary curatorial practice with faculty and peers.
  • Independent writing studios and dedicated space for focused research and reflection.
  • Cross-program connections with intentional opportunities to connect with artists in concurrent residencies on campus.
Deadline
Residency Length
3 weeks - 3 weeks
Languages
English
Average Number of Artists in Residence at a Time
15
Collaborative Residency
Must apply and be accepted individually
May apply as a team
Discipline
Visual Arts
Writing
Companions
Pets are not allowed
Country of Residence
Open to artists based anywhere in the world
Family Friendly
N/A
Stage of Career
Mid-career
Established
Accessible Housing
ADA Compliant
Partially Accessible (50% or more)
Meals Provided
Food stipend provided
Studios/Special Equipment
Private Studios
Studios/Facilities Accessibility
Partially Accessible (50% or more)
Type of Housing
Private bedroom in a shared housing facility on campus
Additional Eligibility Information

The program is intended for Black curators with demonstrated professional experience within the field of visual arts and material culture, performance, film and video, and public programming.

The program is open to curators with institutional affiliations or independent curatorial practices. 

Collaborative groups of no more than two are welcome to apply.

Applicants must be 18+ at the time of the program start date. 

Domestic and international applications are welcome.

Number of Artists Accepted in Most Current Year
15
Artist Stipend
Travel Stipend/Material Stipends
Residency Fees
4153
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Fee Details

Total Fee Before Scholarships for tuition, accommodation and a meal plan (per person)

$4 153.80

Scholarship Amount Applied (per person)

$2 444.14

Total You Pay After Scholarship (per person)

$1 709.66

Application Fee

$65 for individuals or groups, $35 for applicants who identify as Indigenous.

This non-refundable fee covers the full cost of processing your application, including the SlideRoom fee.

Scholarships

We are pleased to offer a range of scholarships to support participants in our programs. Details are outlined below:

  • Banff Centre Arts Scholarship: All arts participants receive a scholarship covering 100% of tuition and 25% of meal plan and accommodation costs, made possible through generous endowments and donations.
  • Canadian Indigenous Scholarship: Canadian Indigenous applicants receive support covering 100% of tuition, meal plan and accommodation costs. 

To be considered for Banff Centre scholarships, please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials.

Explore additional ways to fund your experience by reviewing our curated list of national and international opportunities here.

Grant/Scholarship/other Funding Support
2444
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Grant/Scholarship/Other Funding Support Details

Scholarships

We are pleased to offer a range of scholarships to support participants in our programs. Details are outlined below:

  • Banff Centre Arts Scholarship: All arts participants receive a scholarship covering 100% of tuition and 25% of meal plan and accommodation costs, made possible through generous endowments and donations.
  • Canadian Indigenous Scholarship: Canadian Indigenous applicants receive support covering 100% of tuition, meal plan and accommodation costs. 

To be considered for Banff Centre scholarships, please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials.

Explore additional ways to fund your experience by reviewing our curated list of national and international opportunities here.

Application Fee
65
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Application Type
Open application