Leighton Artist Studio Residency: Solo 2027-28 Self-Directed Residencies for individual artists in the Leighton Studios

Associated Residency Program

A Leighton Studio Residency offers creative professionals two to six weeks of focused, self-directed time in one of the Leighton Studios designed for solo practices. These private, purpose-built studios are set in the forested surroundings of Banff Centre. This competitive program supports research creation, exploration, and project development, with the flexibility to work in solitude.

You will benefit from management of your time in residence, choosing when to focus, collaborate, explore and create. 

Description

Leighton Studios are private workspaces designed to support a range of creative disciplines. Each studio offers a distinct environment, allowing applicants to indicate a preferred space that best supports their practice.

  • Writers and curators may prefer the Hemingway, Henriquez, or Evamy studios—quiet, contemplative spaces designed for literary or research-based projects.
  • Musicians, composers, and songwriters may select the Valentine, Davidson, or Cardinal studios, which accommodate solo composition or sound-based work.
  • Visual Artists, designers, animators, and filmmakers often choose the Thom or Gerin-Lajoie studios, which provide more space for physical creation and experimentation. 

Learn more about each studio’s features and find the best fit for your project.

This residency is designed for independent work and does not include production support, technical assistance, or access to specialized facilities. Applicants are responsible for bringing all materials, equipment, and supplies required for their project.

Deadline
Residency Length
2 weeks - 6 weeks
Languages
English
Average Number of Artists in Residence at a Time
8
Collaborative Residency
May apply as a team
Discipline
Criticism
Drawing
Fiction
Illustration
Literature
Playwriting
Screenwriting
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
Accessible Housing
Partially Accessible (50% or more)
Meals Provided
Some meals (at least 2 meals provided)
Residents have access to shared kitchen
Studios/Special Equipment
Private Studios
Type of Housing
Private housing on campus (individual apartment/cabin/house)
Additional Eligibility Information
Artist Stipend
Travel Stipend/Material Stipends
Residency Fees
1729
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Fee Details

Total Program Fee per 1 week residency

$1 729.35

Banff Centre Arts Scholarship applied per 1 week residency

$727.97

Participant Cost per 1 week residency*

$1 001.39

The above fees are for the minimum 1 week residency. Longer residencies are calculated upon acceptance. 

Grant/Scholarship/other Funding Support
727
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Grant/Scholarship/Other Funding Support Details

We are pleased to offer a range of scholarships to support participants in our programs.

  • Banff Centre Arts Scholarship
    Program participants receive a Banff Centre Arts Scholarship that covers the cost of tuition, plus a contribution towards accommodation and meals.

*Participant costs shown above reflect the cost after the scholarship has been applied. To be eligible for Banff Centre scholarship, please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials.

  • Canadian Indigenous Arts Scholarship 
    Canadian Indigenous Arts applicants receive a scholarship that covers the full cost of tuition, accommodation and meals.
Application Fee
65
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Application Type
Open application