Literary Journalism 2026

This three-week residency encourages the exploration of new ideas in literary journalism (creative non-fiction) and experimentation in writing. Designed to challenge and stimulate, the program aims to inspire creative pieces of non-fiction and to assist the writers in their completion. 

A preeminent space for long-form journalism, this residency emphasizes the strengths of thorough and articulate reporting, distinctive storytelling, and literary devices. 

Work created in this program has been published in many outlets including The Globe and Mail, The Walrus, and The Atlantic, and pieces have gone on to win National Magazine and National Newspaper Awards.

Description

Writers will have time to:

  • work on their manuscripts in their individual studios.
  • consult with faculty members Manjula Matin, Dr. Cheryl Thompson, Shawn Micallef, and professional guest Dan Wells (Biblioasis).
  • participate in group discussions. 

Faculty will provide mentorship and one-on-one workshops to discuss:

  • story ideas.
  • craft concepts such as voice and structure.
  • challenges writers may be encountering with their literary journalism.

The faculty will offer mentorship for the first two weeks, with the last week for participants to focus on digging deep into their writing.

Learn more about Literary Journalism here.

Deadline
Residency Length
3 weeks - 3 weeks
Languages
English
Average Number of Artists in Residence at a Time
19
Collaborative Residency
Must apply and be accepted individually
Discipline
Journalism
Literary Nonfiction
Nonfiction
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
Additional Expectations/Opportunities
Participate in public programming
Participate in open studio with fellow residents
Accessible Housing
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

Literary Journalism is designed for writers seeking a professional development opportunity in a community of peers with the guidance of an experienced writer/editor, as each participant prepares a long form piece.

Applicants should be experienced professionals, active in the diversified fields of writing, including print or electronic media. This program is open to fiction and non-fiction writers, journalists, freelance critics or curators, artists, and academics, with an emphasis on those who can write for a lay audience with logic, vigour, and charm—and those who have a portfolio to prove it.

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

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

Domestic and international applications are welcome.

Artist Stipend
Travel Stipend/Material Stipends
Residency Fees
5601
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Fee Details

Total fee before scholarships per person (tuition, accommodation, and meal plan)

$5 601.75

Grant/Scholarship/other Funding Support
Grant/Scholarship/Other Funding Support Details

Tuition amount per person covered by 100% scholarship, made possible through endowments and donations

$2 094.75

Maximum cost per person of accommodation and meal plan (including GST) before any additional scholarship is applied (see scholarships section below)

$3 507.00

Scholarships

We are pleased to offer scholarships to support participants in our program. Below are details regarding the scholarship amounts and information on how to apply.

  • Scholarship covering 100% of tuition cost is awarded to all arts participants, made possible through endowments and donations.
  • To apply for additional scholarship towards accommodation and a meal plan, please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials. With additional scholarship applied, participants should still expect to pay a minimum of 50% towards their accommodation and a meal plan (refer to amount listed above).
  • Canadian Indigenous scholarship: covers 100% of tuition fees, a meal plan, and accommodation costs.

Please visit the Fees & Financial Aid section of the program page to learn more about individual program's specific fees and funding availabilities. 

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