Early Career Writers of Poetry 2026
Banff CentreAbout This Opportunity
This 12-day writing residency supports new writers of poetry at varying levels of accomplishment — from not-yet-published writers to those with one published book. In this self-directed residency, authors will work closely with faculty Dr. Tyler Mills, Dr. Vik Shirley, and Joyelle McSweeney, and professional guest rob mclennan (above/ground press), to expand your practice and focus on improving writing skills.
The Early Career Writers of Poetry Residency is an energizing, transformative experience, designed to help you take your writing to a new level. This residency offers early career writers the opportunity to work directly with faculty and peers. With one-on-one mentorship sessions, faculty talks, and public events, this residency will help you build both your critical vocabulary and artistic community, making you better critics of your own and others' work. This flexible, self-directed program allows you to choose the amount of support and programming you are looking for as all literary program elements are optional.
This two-week residency has a flexible format that allows participants to choose the amount of programming and support they are looking for.
Optional elements include:
- thematic talks from specialist faculty and guests.
- one-on-one mentoring sessions with faculty to discuss ideas, experiences and obstacles.
- Q & A sessions.
- public reading opportunities.
All participants will have individual accommodation and a small private studio where they can focus on their writing practice.
Eligibility & Requirements
Career Stage
Geographic Eligibility
Disciplines
Applicant Type
Individual artists only
Additional Requirements
Application fee: CAD $65 for individuals, CAD $35 for applicants who identify as Indigenous. Application materials required (submitted via SlideRoom). Financial Aid section must be completed to be considered for Banff Centre scholarships.
Note
Open to new writers of poetry at varying levels: no publications, a few publications, or those with a first book of poetry. Program is run in English and only accepts projects being written in English. Must apply and be accepted individually.
Compensation & Benefits
Overview
Residency fee of CAD $3,602.55 (reduced to CAD $1,709.66 after scholarship). Banff Centre Arts Scholarship covers 100% of tuition and 25% of meal plan and accommodation costs. Canadian Indigenous applicants receive 100% coverage of tuition, meal plan and accommodation.
Amount
CA$1,710 - CA$3,603
Includes
Detailed Breakdown
Residency fee total is CAD $3,602.55 covering tuition, accommodation and meal plan. Most participants receive Banff Centre Arts Scholarship covering 100% of tuition and 25% of meal plan and accommodation costs (scholarship amount CAD $1,892.89). This brings the average out-of-pocket cost to CAD $1,709.66. Canadian Indigenous applicants receive 100% coverage of all costs.
What's Provided
Housing Provided
Studio Access
Small private studio
Accessibility
Partially Accessible (50% or more). ADA Compliant housing and facilities.
Selection Process
Open application. Program accepts new writers of poetry interested in mentorship, public reading opportunities, and feedback from faculty and fellow participants.
