Mâwacihitowinihk Nikamowak: Indigenous Music Residency

Overview

Mâwacihitowinihk Nikamowak (Plains Cree for "they sing at the gathering place") is a three-week Indigenous music residency at Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity. The program centres on collaboration, refinement, and presentation of work through audio production and live performance, inviting musicians of various genres to develop nearly completed or finished songs with support from faculty, peers, and the Centre's audio production team.

Program Dates & Deadline

• Program: November 16–December 4, 2026
• Submission deadline: August 12, 2026

Eligibility

Open to Indigenous musicians, vocalists, rappers, singer-songwriters, DJs, and instrumentalists from all regions (locally, nationally, internationally). Applicants must be 18+ at program start. Open to solo artists and duos. Applicants must submit 2–3 samples of completed songs or works in progress.

What You'll Get

• Enhance performance skills and deepen understanding of music production
• Participate in faculty-led workshops, group gatherings, and one-on-one sessions with faculty
• Develop existing works and arrangements while collaborating with peers
• 24-hour access to studios and music huts for songwriting and performance preparation
• Professional recording session with the audio production team to capture work for non-commercial use (commercial recording subject to availability; additional fees may apply)
• Part of a supportive community of 16 peers
• Public performance opportunities

Residency Details

• Length: 3 weeks
• Average artists in residence: 16
• Housing: Private bedroom in shared facility on campus
• Meals: Food stipend provided
• Average artists in residence: 16
• Accessibility: Partially accessible (50% or more)

Fees & Scholarships

Application fee: $35 CAD (non-refundable) for applicants who identify as Indigenous. Residency fee: $8,295 CAD. However, all Indigenous arts participants receive the Banff Centre Arts Scholarship covering 100% of total fees, meal plan, and accommodation costs through endowments and donations.

How to Apply

Submit your application through SlideRoom at http://url.banffcentre.ca/bgoC73. Complete the Financial Aid section when uploading supporting materials to be considered for scholarships.

Accessibility

Accessible housing and partially accessible studios/facilities (50% or more). Medical information and accessibility details available at https://www.banffcentre.ca/medical-information.