Summer Writers 2026

Summer Writers is a self-directed residency that provides writers with the time and space to focus on their work away from the constraints of everyday life. During the residency, writers can take advantage of one-on-one mentorship opportunities with faculty as well as a community of artistic peers. 

Faculty include Dr. Jordan Abel, Dr. Adam Dickinson, Dodie Bellamy, and professional guest Lisa Pearson (Siglio Press). 

This two-week self-directed residency offers time and space for writers to focus, reconnect, and re-energize their writing practice. In addition to a single room and a small private studio, writers will be able to engage with other writers on the program.

As a flexible self-guided program with optional elements, the Summer Writers residency allows participants to choose the amount of support they are looking for. 

Optional program elements include:

  • talks from faculty members Dr. Jordan Abel, Dr. Adam Dickinson, Dodie Bellamy, and professional guest Lisa Pearson (Siglio Press).
  • Q & A sessions.
  • public readings.
  • one-on-one mentoring with faculty to discuss ideas, experiences, and writing obstacles.

Financial aid is available.

Learn more and apply.

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
Poetry
Writing
Companions
Pets are not allowed
Country of Residence
Open to artists based anywhere in the world
Family Friendly
N/A
Stage of Career
Established
Additional Expectations/Opportunities
Participate in public programming
Give artist talk or presentation
Accessible Housing
ADA Compliant
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

The program is designed for established writers with a proven publication record seeking a period of dedicated time to work on a project in any genre. Participants will benefit most if they are comfortable working autonomously in an unstructured environment. 

This program is not open to:

  • applicants who have taken part in a Banff Centre residency in the last year.
  • 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.

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
3602
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Fee Details

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

$3 602.55

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

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

$1 323.00

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

$2 279.55

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