Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity- writing programs

Dec. 5, 2017 Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity: I was talking to my co-worker P at the restaurant.  She told me she went to this:

Writing Studio:

Overview

An ideal environment for artistic inspiration and growth, Writing Studio is structured to provide an extended period of uninterrupted writing time, one-on-one editorial assistance from experienced writers/editors, and an opportunity to engage with a community of working writers.

What does the program offer?

This program is designed to offer the freedom of unstructured time in accordance to each individual participant’s needs and desired outcomes, in addition the opportunity to work with our esteemed faculty mentors during the five-week program. 

Writing Studio also features a weekly reading series, as well as one-on-one sessions with a voice and relaxation instructor to help participants develop their public reading skills.

Who should apply?

Early and mid-stage career writers of fiction (or other narrative prose) and poetry who are seeking a period of dedicated time to develop a book-length manuscript, with the guidance of an experienced mentor. This program is designed for published poets, writers of fiction, and other narrative prose.

Applications will only be considered for one genre of writing, i.e. either narrative or poetry. 

Adjudication

Participants are selected by impartial adjudicators on the basis of their submitted material. In addition to artistic merit, consideration will be given to the likelihood that the artist's work will benefit from the program.

Applicants will be notified of their status as soon as adjudication is complete, approximately three to five weeks following the application deadline.

Eligibility

Applicants will normally, but not necessarily, have published a body of work (a book of poetry, fiction, or other narrative prose, or substantial publication in magazines and/or anthologies).

Applicants are accepted to Writing Studio to work on a book-length manuscript, which they will develop during their time in the program. The preferred situation is that the participant be already at work on the manuscript, so that material exists that can be discussed and edited.

Banff Centre is unable to offer editorial assistance to writers who have manuscripts already submitted and are in the editing process with a publisher.

Note: Past participants of Writing Studio must wait at least one year before applying again, and should be working on a different project. Those accepted as participants to the program who subsequently find themselves unable to attend for the full program schedule are asked to withdraw and re-apply another year.

All programs, faculty, dates, fees, and offers of financial assistance are subject to change. Program fee is subject to applicable taxes. Non-refundable fees and deposits will be retained upon cancellation. Any other fees are refunded at the discretion of the Banff Centre. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.

https://www.banffcentre.ca/programs/writing-studio/20180430

Literary Journalism:

Overview

This month-long residency in one of the Leighton Artists Studios enables writers to work on their manuscripts, receive individual consultations with faculty, and participate in round-table discussions. A preeminent space for long form journalism, this residency emphasizes the strengths of thorough and articulate reporting, distinctive storytelling, literary devices, and—as always—captivating writing. 

Work created in this program has been published in many outlets including The Globe and Mail, The Walrus, and The Atlantic, and pieces have gone on to win National Magazine and National Newspaper Awards.

What does the program offer?

This program encourages the exploration of new ideas in journalism and experimentation in writing. By placing participants in a setting designed to challenge and stimulate, this program aims to inspire creative pieces of writing, which might otherwise be difficult to complete. During this four-week residency, a series of outstanding guest writers and editors will be on-hand for public talks and informal discussions. 

Successful applicants will receive 100% scholarship to cover the program fee, a $2,000 commission award for work produced during the residency, and a travel allowance. 

Who should apply?

This program 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 (5,000-10,000+ words). 

Participants should be experienced professionals, active in the diversified fields of writing, including print or electronic media. This program is open to fiction and non-fiction writers, journalists, freelance critics or curators, artists, and academics, with an emphasis on those who can write for a lay audience with logic, vigour, and charm—and those who have a portfolio to prove it.

The Literary Journalism program is generously supported by: 

Rogers Communications Chair in Literary Journalism Endowment Fund

Commission

You are required to arrive with a fully reported and typed first draft of your project, and must complete a final, publishable draft of between 5,000 and 7,500 words by the time you leave in order to qualify for the $2,000 commission award.

The time between acceptance to the program and the draft deadline should be used for research and manuscript development in consultation with one of two faculty editors. For this first draft, writers are paid — shortly after their arrival in Banff — an advance on the commission award. In order to receive the full commission award writers must complete and submit their final manuscript by the end of the residency. 

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity buys and exercises second serial rights to the material in order to fulfill the program's aim of making the work produced during this intensive editorial process available to the public.

Publication 

The writers retain first serial rights to their essays, which means the author may publish the pieces wherever they like for whatever fee. A large number of articles that have come out of this program have appeared in national and international magazines, newspapers, and journals, as well as becoming sections of books and the basis for radio and television features. With the commission fee, Banff Centre acquires second serial rights to the essays written during the program.

Adjudication

Participants are selected by impartial adjudicators on the basis of their submitted material. The eight successful candidates will be selected from the field of applicants on the basis of writing skill, literary merit, and the relevance and originality of their project idea. Projects can be risk-taking endeavours both stylistically and intellectually. Consideration will also be given to the likelihood that the writer’s work will benefit from the program.

Applicants will be notified as soon as adjudication is complete, approximately three to five weeks following the application deadline.

Eligibility

Applicants are usually accomplished journalists and writers who have been published in national or international magazines, newspapers, anthologies, or literary journals. However, writers with less experience have also been accepted to the program based on merit, the proposed project and writing skill.

The essays published in the Banff Centre Press anthologies may help applicants determine whether their level of writing and area of interest are appropriate.

Note: Past participants of Literary Journalism must wait at least one year before applying again, and should be working on a different project. Those accepted as participants to the program who subsequently find themselves unable to attend for the full program schedule are asked to withdraw and re-apply another year.

All programs, faculty, dates, fees, and offers of financial assistance are subject to change. Program fee is subject to applicable taxes. Non-refundable fees and deposits will be retained upon cancellation. Any other fees are refunded at the discretion of the Banff Centre. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.

https://www.banffcentre.ca/programs/literary-journalism/20180702

Banff Playwrights:

https://www.banffcentre.ca/programs/banff-playwrights-lab/20180409

Winter Writers Retreat 2018:

Overview

The Winter Writers Retreat is a self-directed program that offers time and space for writers to retreat, reconnect, and re-energize their writing practice. In addition to a single room, which doubles as your 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 to consult on your work.

What does the program offer?

This self-directed residency offers the opportunity to work away from the constraints of everyday life. Delve deep into your creative project and take advantage of the artistic community around you.

Writing circles, formal and informal lectures, and opportunities to workshop your project will be provided. Take advantage of Banff National Park's natural environment and ignite your senses by taking part in trips to unique locations like Lake Louise, Yoho National Park, or Johnson Lake. This flexible program allows you to choose the length of your residency according to your needs. Participants can choose to stay for an additional program week (fees apply) from February 3-9. 2018. 

Who should apply? 

Writers in all creative genres are invited to apply. The program is designed for emerging and established writers with a proven publication record seeking a period of dedicated time to work on a project in any genre.

https://www.banffcentre.ca/programs/winter-writers-retreat-2018/20180122

Fables for the 21st Century:

Overview

Fable: A literary genre, a succinct fictional story, in prose or verse. A narration intended to enforce a useful truth.

The Fables for the 21st Century program invites emerging and established Canadian writers to explore and re-imagine our individual and collective identities, through the creation of an anthology of 10 stories.

The program will create an opportunity for talented writers to explore narrative and critical topics in an imaginative format, question the stories we currently tell ourselves, explore alternative histories, and leave a trail of wisdom for our future selves and society.

What does the program offer?

This program offers 10 emerging and established writers the opportunity to work with three of Canada’s most gifted writers to create an original fable published by Banff Centre Press.

Works will be developed and finalized during this intensive three-week program, and guided by the mentorship of Rawi Hage, Madeleine Thien, and Lisa Moore. The stories will be accompanied by two commissioned print illustrations by an award-winning Canadian artist, and incorporated in a limited edition anthology.

Story length is a maximum of 2,000 words. Writers should be prepared to submit an outline or partial draft two weeks prior to the program start date. During the residency, participants will engage with a cohort of their peers for workshops, discussion groups, and exercises, as well as have independent writing time. Participants will receive a commission fee of $2,000 for their contribution to the anthology.

Who should apply?

Emerging and established writers of any genre who wish to create an original short piece for inclusion in the anthology.

Generously supported by Barb and Walter McCormick.

https://www.banffcentre.ca/programs/fables-21st-century/20171120

Adult Distance Learning Centre: I learned about this ADLC from my co-worker B at the restaurant.  She says if you're under 20 yrs old, you can learn these courses for free.

There are all grades and all sorts of courses from languages to fun courses like "Creating Accessories 1".

There are also print and online.  It's affordable.  The courses can be like $110.

https://www.adlc.ca/courses/

May 23, 2018 Script to Screen Contest: I was going through my scrap paper and I had written this down at my Screenwriters Meetup.

American Black Film Festival : : : : JUNE 13-17, 2018, MIAMI BEACH

American Black Film Festival : : : : JUNE 13-17, 2018, MIAMI BEACH BET and ColorCreative Script to Screen ContestSubmissions are closed for 2018.ABFF is excited to announce the 1s...

http://www.umff.com/umff-script-to-screen.html

https://filmfreeway.com/APAFFS2S