Summer Writers 2026

Summer Writers is a self-directed residency that provides writers with the time and space to focus on their work away from the constraints of everyday life. During the residency, writers can take advantage of one-on-one mentorship opportunities with faculty as well as a community of artistic peers. 

Faculty include Dr. Jordan Abel, Dr. Adam Dickinson, Dodie Bellamy, and professional guest Lisa Pearson (Siglio Press). 

Description

This two-week self-directed residency offers time and space for writers to focus, reconnect, and re-energize their writing practice. In addition to a single room and a small private studio, writers will be able to engage with other writers on the program.

As a flexible self-guided program with optional elements, the Summer Writers residency allows participants to choose the amount of support they are looking for. 

Optional program elements include:

• talks from faculty members Dr. Jordan Abel, Dr. Adam Dickinson, Dodie Bellamy, and professional guest Lisa Pearson (Siglio Press).
• Q & A sessions.
• public readings.
• one-on-one mentoring with faculty to discuss ideas, experiences, and writing obstacles.

Requirements

The program is designed for established writers with a proven publication record seeking a period of dedicated time to work on a project in any genre. Participants will benefit most if they are comfortable working autonomously in an unstructured environment. 

This program is not open to:

• applicants who have taken part in a Banff Centre residency in the last year.
• current faculty members of any other Banff Centre programming.

This program is run in English and only accepts projects that are being written in English. English is the language of Banff Centre correspondence.