Aknumustiǂis: Ecological Engagement Through the Seasons 2025

Lara Felsing, Aknumustiǂis Ecological Engagement Through the Seasons, Banff Centre 2023. Photo by Rita Taylor.

Online September 02 - 06, 2025

In Person September 08 - October 03, 2025

Overview

The five-week hybrid residency will engage 12 visual artists whose artistic practice includes land-based themes, environmental sustainability, Indigenous narratives of the land, and/or use of natural materials.

Artists can apply with a personal project to explore, experiment and research, or complete their final project work. The online portion equips artists to arrive on campus ready to create in a supportive environment with access to a studio and Visual Arts facilities. The residency features workshops, on-the-land engagement, faculty guidance, knowledge exchange centered on integrating Indigenous ways of knowing into the artistic process and the opportunity to showcase works at Open Studios.

Description

This hybrid residency is a balance of self-directed studio time, workshops, presentations, and access to Visual Arts Studios. This residency is supported by a faculty team, who will offer insight into their creative processes, and visual arts facilitators. Successful applicants will benefit from:

  • Self-directed time to work on a personal project.
  • 24/7 access to their own studio in Glyde Hall.
  • Group workshops and presentations from faculty and artists, along with one-on-one sessions, and on-the-land engagement opportunities.
  • Visual Arts facilities which include production in analogue and digital photography, sculpture, printmaking, paper-making, ceramics, fibre, painting, drawing, digital media, video, and sound. 
  • Visual Arts team to support and facilitate their projects and provide technical assistance.
  • Opportunities to showcase works-in-progress at the Open Studios at the end of the program.

*Materials: Participants are expected to bring the necessary materials and embellishments for their personal design projects during the on-campus portion of the residency. All other workshop-related materials will be provided by the program.

Requirements

This program is geared towards established Indigenous visual artists from regional, national, and global locations. Participants should have:

  • a strong background in ecological engagement within their current practice. 
  • a keen interest in exploring themes of stewardship, land-based learning, and archival research as part of their practice.

Learn more about Indigenous Arts at Banff Centre.

Deadline
Residency Length
5 weeks - 5 weeks
Languages
English
Average Number of Artists in Residence at a Time
12
Collaborative Residency
Must apply and be accepted individually
May apply as a team
Discipline
Ceramics/Clay Arts/Pottery
Digital Fabrication
Digital Media
Drawing
Environmental Arts
Installation Arts
Interdisciplinary Arts
Mixed Media
Multimedia Arts
Painting
Paper Arts
Photography
Printmaking
Storytelling
Textile & Fiber Arts/Weaving
Visual Arts
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
Exhibition / Installation Space
Performance/Presentation Facilities
Theater
Dance Studio With Sprung Floor
Dance Studio Without Sprung Floor
Piano
Ceramics Workspace
Electric Wheels
Kick Wheels
Slab Roller
Clay Mixers
Plaster Room
Raku Kiln
Electric Kiln
Gas Kiln
Dedicated Metal Shop
Plasma Cutter
Anvils, Stakes + Hammers
Hydraulic Press
Soldering Workspace
Gas/Oxy Torches
Finishing Room
Buffing Machine
Casting Room
Electroforming + Etching Room
Darkroom (Black And White)
Darkroom (Color)
Lighting Studio/Green Screen
Large Format Printer / Plotter
Large Format Scanner
Film Scanner
Printers + Scanner
Photo + Video Editing Suite
Painting Workspace (Oil)
Easels
Drawing Benches
Printmaking Workspaces
Book Arts Facilities
Etching Press
Glass Inking Table
Drying Racks
Aquatint Box
Hot Plates
Paper Soaking Sinks
Paper Tearing Table
Acid Room
Silkscreen Studio
Lithography Studio
Light Tables
Large Sinks
Large Exposure Unit
Washout Room
Papermaking Studio
Textiles Workspace
Fiber Arts Workspace
Dye Area
Padded Screen Print Tables
Hooded Dye Mixing Station
Drying Room
Well-ventilated Spray Room
Washer And Dryer
Dedicated Wood Shop
Woodworking Tools
Tablesaw
Bandsaw
Router Table
Wood Bending Equipment
Jointer
Planer
Wood Vises And Wood Working Table
Studios/Facilities Accessibility
Partially Accessible (50% or more)
Type of Housing
Private bedroom in a shared housing facility on campus
Additional Eligibility Information

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

Domestic and international applications are welcome.

Number of Artists Accepted in Most Current Year
14
Artist Stipend
Travel Stipend/Material Stipends
Residency Fees
Fee Details

You pay (fee after scholarship applied): $0.00

Scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees, meals, and accommodation costs.

Grant/Scholarship/other Funding Support
Application Fee
35
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Application Type
Open application