Eligibility

Memoir Writing is designed for writers seeking a professional development opportunity in a community of peers with the guidance of an experienced writer/editor, as each participant prepares a long form piece. Applicants should be experienced professionals, active in the field of creative non-fiction and/or journalism including print or electronic media. This program is open to non-fiction writers, journalists, freelance critics or curators, artists, and academics, with an emphasis on those who can write for a lay audience with passion, vigour, and charm—and those who have a portfolio to prove it. This program is run in English and only accepts projects that are being written in English. English is the language of Banff Centre correspondence.

Number of Participants

19

Deadline

June 03, 2026 06:00 UTC

Selection Results (Announcement Dates)

July 22, 2026 06:00 UTC

Duration

October 05, 2026 - October 16, 2026

Costs

• CA$65.00 application fee
• CA$3,602.00 program fee (one-time)

Facilities

Gallery, Individual Studio, Library

Housing

Hotel

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Public Programs

Discussion, Readings, Self-Directed, Visiting Professionals

Disciplines

Journalism, Literature, Nonfiction

Languages

English

Program Description

This two-week residency encourages the exploration of new ideas in the writing of Memoir. Designed to challenge and stimulate, the program aims to inspire creative pieces of non-fiction and to assist the writers in their completion. A preeminent space for long-form Creative Non-Fiction and journalism, this residency emphasizes the strengths of thorough and articulate reporting, distinctive storytelling, and literary devices. This 12-day self-directed residency provides teaching from faculty members Dionne Brand, Kyo Maclear, Ivan E. Coyote, and professional guest Simon Thibault (Goose Lane). This residency is a self-directed program that offers time and space for writers to focus and re-energize their writing practice while connecting with an artistic literary community. In addition to a single room and a small private studio, you will be surrounded by a community of artistic peers. You will have the opportunity to attend inspiring talks and performances and meet with guest faculty.