Futurisms Intensive Writing Residency 2027

Banff Centre’s Futurisms Intensive Writing Residency provides writers space for the creative exploration of the future, from the fantastical, to the scientific, to the decolonial. This self-directed residency offers the opportunity to work away from the constraints of everyday life, delve deep into your creative project, and take advantage of the community of artistic peers around you. 

During this intensive program, you'll have optional opportunities for consultations and group sessions with mentors Dr. Joshua Whitehead, Sheree Renee Thomas, and Nalo Hopkinson, and professional guest Dr. Jenna Butler (Barbour Books) to explore techniques, aspects, and devices that you may find useful in your practice. You'll also have the opportunity to showcase your work in public readings at Banff Centre's CLVB '33.

Futurisms Intensive Writing Residency runs concurrently with programs in Indigenous Arts and Visual Arts exploring related concepts. Cross-disciplinary learning and exchange is encouraged.

This two-week self-directed residency provides participants with individual accommodation and a small private studio for writers to focus, reconnect, and re-energize their writing practice. In addition, participants will be able to engage with other writers on the program.

As a flexible, self-directed program with optional elements, this residency allows you to choose the amount of support you are looking for. 

Optional program elements include:

  • thematic teachings from Dr. Joshua Whitehead, Sheree Renee Thomas, Nalo Hopkinson, and professional guest Dr. Jenna Butler.
  • one-on-one mentoring sessions with faculty to discuss ideas, experiences and obstacles.
  • Q & A sessions.
  • public readings.
  • sessions and events with other program areas on campus.
Deadline
Residency Length
2 weeks - 2 weeks
Languages
English
Average Number of Artists in Residence at a Time
19
Collaborative Residency
Must apply and be accepted individually
Discipline
Fiction
Literary Nonfiction
Literature
New Genres
Nonfiction
Writing
Companions
N/A
Country of Residence
Open to artists based anywhere in the world
Family Friendly
N/A
Stage of Career
Any stage of career
Additional Expectations/Opportunities
Participate in public programming
Give artist talk or presentation
Accessible Housing
ADA Compliant
Partially Accessible (50% or more)
Meals Provided
Some meals (at least 2 meals 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 residency is designed to cater to emerging and established writers with a proven publication record seeking a period of dedicated time to work on a project.

Participants will benefit most if they are comfortable working autonomously in an unstructured environment. The residency suits those focused on:

  • working on a specific project.
  • creating new works.

This program is not open to applicants who have taken part in a Banff Centre residency in the last year, nor to current faculty members of any other Banff Centre programming.

This program is run in English and only accepts projects that are being written in English. English is the language of Banff Centre correspondence.

Number of Artists Accepted in Most Current Year
19
Artist Stipend
Travel Stipend/Material Stipends
Residency Fees
3602
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Fee Details

$3 602.55

Scholarship Amount Applied*

$1 892.89

Total You Pay After Scholarship

$1 709.66

Application Fee

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

The application fee is non-refundable. 100% of this fee goes towards the cost of administering the application in SlideRoom. 

Grant/Scholarship/other Funding Support
1892
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Grant/Scholarship/Other Funding Support Details

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.

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