Organizer Information
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is a Canadian arts, cultural, and learning institution known for supporting artists, cultural leaders, and creative professionals through residencies, professional development programs, workshops, and interdisciplinary learning. Based in Banff, Alberta, within the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the Banff Centre has developed programs that connect artistic practice with leadership, cultural policy, Indigenous knowledge, and social change. This opportunity is part of its Cultural Leadership programming, under the Accountability and Stewardship area.
Title & Description
Reimagining Cultural Policy: Leading Change Across Governance Systems
Reimagining Cultural Policy: Leading Change Across Governance Systems is a six-day professional development program focused on examining how cultural policy influences access, equity, funding, representation, and decision-making. Participants will critically explore the historical and colonial foundations of Canadian cultural policy while placing these issues within an international context.
The program combines discussion, case studies, international comparisons, collaborative learning, and practical exercises. Participants will examine multi-level governance systems, cultural funding cycles, systemic inequities, human-centered and regenerative approaches to policy design, government relations, community engagement, and advocacy. The goal is to help participants develop practical tools for influencing cultural policy and creating more inclusive, accountable, and community-responsive systems.
Categories
- Cultural Policy
- Arts Management
- Cultural Leadership
- Creative Industries
- Visual Arts
- Film
- Theatre
- Dance
- Opera
- Music
- Literature
- Museums
- Galleries
- Heritage
- Community Arts
- Interdisciplinary Arts.
Eligibility
The program is open internationally to applicants aged 18 or older. It is designed primarily for arts, heritage, and creative-industry professionals, including administrators, managers, directors, creative producers, consultants, education and engagement specialists, community-based arts workers, and artists. Applicants may work across any artistic discipline.
Indigenous, Canadian, and international artists are welcome, and applicants from historically underrepresented and equity-deserving groups are particularly encouraged to apply. Applicants working outside the arts, heritage, or creative industries may also apply if they can demonstrate how the program would benefit their professional work.
Program Benefits & Awards
The program provides intensive group seminars and workshops with faculty, single-bedroom accommodation on the Banff Centre campus, and a meal plan. Participants also receive access to the Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives, campus participant resources, and recreational facilities.
The program requires approximately 40 hours of participation during the week. There is no specific cash prize; the primary benefits are professional development, policy-development tools, networking, collaborative learning, and strategic advocacy skills.
Application Fee
The total program fee is CAD $3,683 + GST, covering tuition, accommodation, and the meal plan.
The application fee is CAD $65, or CAD $35 for applicants who identify as Indigenous. The application fee is non-refundable.
Limited financial assistance is available for up to 18 arts-sector participants, with priority given to small Canadian nonprofit arts organizations. International applicants are not eligible for this funding and must cover the full program fee.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 22 September 2026
- Program Dates: December 6–11, 2026
- Arrival: December 6, 2026
- Departure: December 11, 2026
- Duration: 6 days
Location
Banff, Alberta, Canada
Additional Details
The program is primarily a professional cultural leadership and policy program rather than a conventional artistic residency or production opportunity. Participants should be prepared for intensive discussion, collaborative exercises, policy analysis, and approximately 40 hours of engagement during the week. Selection is competitive and considers applicants' relevant skills, experience, and the potential benefit of the program to their work.