Organizer Information:
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. The Barbara Spohr Memorial Award encourages the development of Canadian contemporary photography by providing financial and creative assistance to an artist making a compelling contribution to the field.
Title & Description:
Applications are open for the Barbara Spohr Memorial Award for Photography 2027.
This annual award supports one mid-career artist working in photography to undertake a fully funded, self-directed residency in the Banff Centre Crich Studio. This competitive program supports independent research, creative exploration, and project development. It is best suited for artists working in black and white analogue processes, digital photo techniques, or alternative photographic processes (such as cyanotype).
Category:
Photography.
Eligibility:
- Who: Applicants MUST be a Canadian citizen, a Permanent Resident, or eligible under the terms of the Jay Treaty.
- Career Stage: This award is strictly for mid-career artists. Banff defines this as having:
- 8 to 15 years of professional arts experience.
- A strong body of work with a minimum of ten (10) exhibitions in a professional context.
- Age Limit: Applicants MUST be 18+ at the time of the program start date.
- Attendance: The residency is designed for participation over the entire program period. Variable/partial dates will NOT be considered.
- Exclusions: Previous recipients of the Barbara Spohr Award are not eligible to apply.
Program Benefits & Awards:
- Workspace: 24/7 access to the Crich Studio (a Leighton Artist Studio featuring private black and white analogue darkroom facilities) and facilitated access to digital print production.
- Funding: The program is 100% scholarship-funded (a $7,600.95 value).
- Accommodation & Meals: Single accommodation and a full meal plan are provided.
- Travel: A travel bursary is included (regional maximums apply).
- Materials: An allowance of $1,000 CAD in supplies is included.
- Public Talk: The option of giving a public talk with an associated fee at CARFAC-based rates.
Application Fee & Program Costs:
- Application Fee: $35 CAD for individuals (Non-refundable).
- Materials Logistics: The artist must anticipate bringing all supplies needed for their project. You are also strictly responsible for the proper disposal of used/exhausted chemistry.
Application Requirements:
- Submission Portal: Applications are processed via SlideRoom.
- Required Documents:
- Resume/CV (2 pages max).
- Artistic Summary/Statement (1-2 paragraphs / approx. 500 words).
- Project Proposal (approx. 500 words).
- Technical Questionnaire (detailing all required facility/staff support).
- Portfolio (A single PDF file with up to 10 samples of your artistic work, with captions).
How to Apply?
Log in and submit your materials and application fee via the Banff Centre's official portal.
Key Dates:
- Application Deadline: June 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.
- Residency Dates: January 18 – February 12, 2027 (Arrival: Jan 17 / Departure: Feb 13).
Location:
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Banff, Alberta, Canada.