Organizer Information
The Banff International Curatorial Institute (BICI), organized through the Walter Phillips Gallery at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, provides research-based programs for curators, theorists, and academics. BICI serves as a platform to explore curatorial pedagogy, visual art criticism, and contemporary practice.
Title & Description
Curating While Black: A Research-based Residency for Black Curators.
This hybrid program is designed for Black curators to advance individual research projects while participating in group dialogue and embedded symposia. The residency supports professional development through one-on-one faculty feedback, independent writing studios, and intentional connections with artists in concurrent residencies.
Categories
Curatorial Research & Visual Arts
Eligibility
- Identity: Intended for Black curators.
- Experience: Applicants must have demonstrated professional experience in visual arts or related fields.
- Affiliation: Open to both independent curators and those with institutional affiliations.
- Age: Must be 18+ at the time of the program start date.
- Location: Open to both domestic and international applicants.
- Groups: Collaborative groups of no more than two are welcome.
Program Benefits and Awards
- Financial Assistance: A Banff Centre Arts Scholarship is automatically applied to all participants, covering 100% of tuition and 25% of meal and accommodation costs.
- Indigenous Support: Canadian Indigenous applicants receive 100% coverage for tuition, meals, and accommodation.
- Resources: One-on-one faculty feedback, dedicated writing studios, and professional documentation through embedded symposia.
- Hybrid Structure: Includes one week of online orientation followed by two weeks of on-campus research.
Fees
- Total Cost (After Scholarship): $1,709.66 CAD (per person, including tuition, accommodation, and meals).
- Application Fee: $65 for individuals/groups; $35 for Indigenous applicants.
Application Requirements
- Resume/CV.
- Cover Letter.
- Project Proposal.
- Portfolio.
- Financial Aid Form: Must be completed during the application process for scholarship consideration.
How to Apply?
Applicants must complete the three-step online application process via the Banff Centre portal. International applicants are responsible for obtaining their own Visitor Visa for entry into Canada.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: May 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. MST.
- Online Program: January 25 – 29, 2027.
- On-Campus Program: February 1 – 12, 2027.
Location
Canada, Banff, Alberta (Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity).
Additional Details
The faculty includes Sally Frater, Michelle Jacques, and Crystal Mowry. Adjudication is based on artistic merit, originality, and the potential for the applicant to benefit from the program.