Overview

The Winter Writers Residency is a self-directed program that offers time and space for writers to retreat, reconnect, and re-energize their writing practice. In addition to a single room, and a small private studio, you will be surrounded by a community of artistic peers with the opportunity to attend inspiring talks, performances, and meet with guest faculty to consult on your work.

What does the program offer?

The three-week Winter Writers Residency will provide writers space for the creative exploration of their writing practice. This self-directed residency offers the opportunity to work away from the constraints of everyday life. Delve deep into your creative project and take advantage of the artistic community of your peers around you.

The program provides optional teaching from faculty members and professional guests, Q&A sessions, public events, and one-on-one consultations with mentors. Public readings, and group sessions led by guest mentors will explore techniques, aspects, and devices that writers may find useful in their practice.

The first two weeks focus on mentorship and consultations with faculty, the third week allows self-directed time for further work on manuscripts and peer community.

The Winter Writers Residency allows you to choose the amount of support you are looking for. All program elements are optional.

Who should apply?

We welcome writers of all ages, backgrounds, and all gender identities and expressions. Writers in all creative genres are invited to apply. The program is designed for emerging and established writers with a proven publication record seeking a period of dedicated time to work on a project in any genre.

Winter Writers Residency 2024 only accepts projects that are being written in English.

This program is not open to applicants who have taken part in a Banff Centre residency in the last year, nor to current faculty members of any other Banff Centre programming.

Faculty

Featured Writers Include:

Casey Plett

Waubgeshig Rice

Kwame Fraser

Location

107 Tunnel Mountain Drive
PO Box 1020
Banff
Alberta, Canada
T1L 1H5

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity

Founded in 1933, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is a learning organization built upon an extraordinary legacy of excellence in artistic and creative development. What started as a single course in drama has grown to become the global organization leading in arts, culture, and creativity across dozens of disciplines.

Banff Centre’s Literary Arts programs provide an inspiring space and focused time for emerging and established writers to push the boundaries of their talent and realize their potential. Our programs prepare writers in all genres for literary success on a national and international scale.Since the first summer playwriting program was offered in 1937, Banff Centre has provided writers with exceptional opportunities for artistic development within a community of supportive peers. Today, our year-round roster of intensive thematic residencies involves many of Canada’s most celebrated writers.

From our home in the stunning Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity aims to inspire everyone who attends our campus – artists, leaders, and thinkers – to unleash their creative potential.