Leighton Artist Studio Residency: Solo 26/27

About the Open Call

Leighton Studios are purpose-built, 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. 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. Residencies can be a minimum of 2 weeks and a maximum of 6 weeks. Program Dates are available within April 6 - December 11, 2026 and January 4 - March 26, 2027. There will be no availability between December 14, 2026 and January 3, 2027.

What is Offered

The program includes a meal plan (equivalent to $68 credit per day), a single bedroom on the Banff Centre campus, and a private Leighton studio space. Participants also receive access to the Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives, campus facilities including the Sally Borden Fitness and Recreation Centre (swimming pool, climbing gym, fitness suite), and Box Office Discounts for ticketed performances. Scholarships covering 100% of tuition costs are awarded to all arts participants, with additional scholarships available for accommodation and meal plans. Canadian Indigenous scholarship covers 100% of tuition, meal plan, and accommodation costs.

Requirements

This residency is open to creative professionals with a demonstrated record of accomplishment and a clearly defined project, including those in Curatorial Practice, Design (architectural, environmental, interactive, visual, functional, fashion), Music (composition, songwriting), Theatre Arts (dramaturgy, playwriting, theatrical development), Visual Arts (drawing, painting, digital art, multimedia), Writing (literature, poetry, non-fiction, journalism, screenwriting), and Interdisciplinary Projects. Applicants must be comfortable working autonomously without production support, instrument rentals, or specialized facilities, and be able to provide all required materials and equipment. The project must fit within the footprint of a Leighton Studio. Applicants must be ages 18+ and can be domestic or international. Artists who have participated in a Leighton Studio residency in the past three years are not eligible to apply. Accepted international participants must obtain a Visitor Visa to enter Canada.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete an Online Form, pay an application fee ($65 for individuals, $35 for Indigenous applicants), and upload supporting materials via SlideRoom. Required materials include a two-page resume, a two-page project proposal, and a portfolio of 5-8 relevant examples of work (audio/video files, images, links, or written samples up to 25 pages). Applicants wishing to be considered for additional financial assistance must complete the Financial Aid section in SlideRoom. Applications are reviewed by a panel based on artistic merit, experience, clarity of goals, suitability for a self-directed environment, and feasibility.