Toga da wôhnagabi: Music Creation Residency 2026

*Bobbi-Jo Starr, Wichoie Ahiya Singer Songwriter Fall 2023. Photo by Rita Taylor

Overview  

“Toga da wôhnagabi” (Stories for the future) is a four-week hybrid Indigenous music residency that brings worldviews together from all four corners of Mother Earth. Watched over by Buffalo Spirit, the residency provides musicians and songwriters a transformative space to actively listen and learn from each other in story and song.

Through workshops, studio recording and live performance, the residency gives participants space to create and share their stories using language and land teachings in their music creations and performance. Artists will listen to the land speak and use those sounds along with their own Indigenous language sounds to both express and celebrate life and their unique worldviews in a life-affirming and creative gathering space. 

Solo artists or duos are welcome to apply. 

Description

“Toga da wôhnagabi ” (Stories for the future) Residency explores the many facets of musical creation, songwriting, and performance through land-based and embodied methodologies. Participants will:

  • Expand their performance skills, active and deep listening, and understanding of music production.
  • Engage in faculty-led workshops, group gatherings, and one-on-one sessions with senior faculty.
  • Create new works and arrangements while refining their musical abilities.
  • Have 24hr access to studios and/or music huts to focus on songwriting and performance preparation.
  • Receive a ½-day recording session to capture their work.
  • Be part of a supportive community of up to 14 peers.
  • Participate in a final music showcase, with up to 10 minutes of stage time or three creative works.

Learn more about Indigenous Arts at Banff Centre.

Deadline
Residency Length
5 days - 6 months
Languages
English
Average Number of Artists in Residence at a Time
12
Collaborative Residency
May apply as a team
Discipline
Music
Performance Art
Sound Art
Storytelling
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
Participate in open studio with fellow residents
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
Performance/Presentation Facilities
Theater
Piano
Studios/Facilities Accessibility
Partially Accessible (50% or more)
Type of Housing
Private bedroom in a shared housing facility on campus
Additional Eligibility Information

Requirements

Open to Indigenous people from all regions - locally, nationally, and internationally.

  • Ideal for Indigenous musicians, singer-songwriters, composers, and creators across all music genres.
  • Applicants should have one or more completed projects and be working on a new project.
  • Designed for solo artists and duos.
Artist Stipend
Travel Stipend/Material Stipends
Residency Fees
Fee Details

Standard scholarship: covers 100% of tuition fees and of meals and accommodation costs

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

Banff Centre offers a range of scholarship and funding opportunities for each residency. If you would like to be considered, please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials through the application portal. 

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
35
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Application Type
Open application