Self-Directed Residencies for Groups of Artists in the Leighton Studios
Application Deadline October 29, 2025
Program Dates Apr 06, 2026 - Mar 26, 2027
Program Duration: Minimum 1 week, maximum 3 weeks.
Overview
The Group Leighton Studio Residency offers creative teams and collaborators 1 to 3 weeks of focused, self-directed time in private, purpose-built studios set in the forested surroundings of Banff Centre. This competitive program supports collaborative research, creative exploration, and project development, with the flexibility to work in solitude or engage with Banff Centre’s broader artistic community.
Your group will benefit from independent management of your time in residence, choosing when to focus, collaborate, explore and create.
Description
Leighton Studios are purpose-built, private workspaces designed to support a range of creative disciplines. For collaborative residencies, three Leighton Studios can accommodate groups or duos working together. Each studio offers a distinct environment, allowing applicants to indicate a preferred space that best supports their practice:
- For groups of 2-8 people working collaboratively, the Painter House studio will accommodate your creative brainstorming and discussions. This large residence-style studio allows for collaboration and development of ideas in a comfortable environment.
- For duos, you may also consider the Thom or Gerin-Lajoie studios.
This residency is designed for independent group work and does not include production support, technical assistance, or access to specialized facilities. Groups are responsible for bringing all materials, equipment, and supplies required for their project.
Residency Eligibility
Residency Experience Summary
Application Information
Requirements
This residency is open to groups of 2 – 8 creative professionals with a demonstrated record of accomplishment and a clearly defined collaborative project. Including but not limited to:
- Curatorial Practice: research and writing
- Design: architectural, environmental, interactive, visual, functional, and fashion
- Music: composition and songwriting
- Theatre Arts: dramaturgy, playwriting, and theatrical development
- Visual Arts: drawing, painting, digital art, and multimedia
- Writing: literature, poetry, non-fiction, journalism, and screenwriting
- Interdisciplinary Projects: work integrating multiple creative disciplines
Applicants will benefit most if they are comfortable working autonomously in an unstructured environment. This residency is best suited for groups who:
- work independently without production support, instrument rentals, or access to specialized production facilities
- have a project that fits within the footprint of a Leighton Studio
- provide all materials, equipment, and supplies required for their project
If your project requires production support, please consider applying to one of our other artist in residence programs in Literary Arts, Music, Dance, Theatre, Indigenous Arts or Visual Arts.
Total fee per person, per week (includes tuition, accommodation, and meals): $1 888.95
*Financial aid of up to (applied per 1 week residency): $1 275.22
We are pleased to offer a limited amount of financial aid to support participants in our program.
To apply for financial aid please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials in Slideroom at Part 3 of the application process.
- Funding amounts vary and do not cover 100% of the total program fee.
- Participants should expect to pay a minimum of 25% of the total program fee.
We are pleased to offer financial aid for Canadian Indigenous participants, which covers up to 100% of the total program fee.