Sports Writing 2026

This two-week residency encourages the exploration of new ideas in sports writing. Designed to challenge and stimulate, the program aims to inspire creative pieces of sports-focused 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. 

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, participants will be able to engage with other writers on the program. As a flexible self-guided program with optional elements, the Sports Writing residency allows participants to choose the amount of support they are looking for. 

Optional program elements include: 

  • talks from faculty members Dave Bidini, Morgan Campbell, Mirin Fader, and professional guest Jamie Ross (The Globe & Mail)
  • Q & A sessions
  • public readings
  • one-on-one mentoring with faculty to discuss ideas, experiences, and writing obstacles.

Financial aid is available.

Learn more here.

Deadline
Residency Length
2 weeks - 2 weeks
Languages
English
Spanish
Average Number of Artists in Residence at a Time
19
Collaborative Residency
Must apply and be accepted individually
Discipline
Journalism
Nonfiction
Companions
N/A
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
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
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

Sports Writing 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 sports 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.

While this program is run in English, it will accept projects that are being written in either English or Spanish and can offer mentorship in both languages. English is the language of Banff Centre correspondence.

Number of Artists Accepted in Most Current Year
19
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

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

Application Fee

$65 for individuals, $35 for applicants who identify as Indigenous.

This non-refundable fee covers the full cost of processing your application, including the SlideRoom fee.

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

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