Spoken Word | Literary Arts

Overview

Banff Centre’s Spoken Word program is the first of its kind, offering an unrivalled setting for artists to explore and develop their voices and career paths. 

This intensive residency provides space to write and time to develop strong performance dynamics. Participants will benefit from mentoring, performance opportunities, studio recording time, access to special events, and engagement with a vibrant network of international artists – all amidst the breathtaking Canadian Rockies.

World-class faculty present challenging workshops on topics from the spoken word tradition such as history, composition, performance, multimedia, production, business, musicality, orality, sound, spirit, language, body, and theatre. 

What does the program offer?

The two-week program offers dedicated time to develop a specific project with guidance from faculty mentors, as well as a place to connect with other artists in the field of spoken word. 

Daily workshops explore a vast array of topics from writing techniques and elocution to project funding and tours. One-on-one editorial assistance from experienced writers supports project development and long table discussions address current topics in spoken word. 

Each participant works from a private studio hut nestled in the forest and has access to writing and audio equipment. In addition, there is the option to work closely with an audio engineer on studio basics and individual recording leading to a takeaway demo. There are also opportunities for performance practice, peer feedback, open mic, and a final public performance at Banff Centre. 

The most powerful benefits of this residency are the networking and profound camaraderie that emerge among the artists, as well as the instilled confidence that can lead to a higher level of professionalism in the arts.

Who should apply? 

The program is open to emerging, mid-career, and established spoken word artists seeking a professional and artistic development opportunity to take their creation, production, and performance skills to the next level.  

We welcome applications from artists working in any form of performative writing including poetry, storytelling, theatre, hip hop, dub, or interdisciplinary work. Please submit your most accomplished print, audio, and video support material; it does not need to relate to your project proposal. Applications from artists working in English, French, or other languages are welcome.

Application Deadline: January 09, 2019

Date : April 01 - April 13, 2019