Mâwacihitowinihk Nikamowak: Indigenous Music Residency

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Mâwacihitowinihk Nikamowak: Indigenous Music Residency

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Banff Centre

Banff Centre, Banff, AB, Canada

Deadline: Aug 13, 2026

CA$35 application fee

100% scholarship covering full program fee ($8,295 CAD), sin...

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About This Opportunity

Mâwacihitowinihk Nikamowak (Plains Cree for 'they sing at the gathering place,' referring to Sacred Guardian Buffalo Mountain) is a three-week music residency centring on collaboration, refinement, and presentation of work through audio production and live performance. The program invites Indigenous musicians of various genres to develop songs that are nearly completed or finished into their final stages, supported by faculty, peers, and Banff Centre's audio production team. Participants engage in faculty-led workshops, one-on-one sessions, 24hr studio and music hut access, professional recording sessions (non-commercial use), and public performance opportunities. Open to solo artists and duos. Full funding — a 100% scholarship — covers tuition, accommodation, and meals for all Indigenous participants.

Eligibility & Requirements

Geographic Eligibility

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Disciplines

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Age Requirements

18+ years old

Applicant Type

Individual artists and collectives

Additional Requirements

Resume/CV (2 pages); one-page cover letter explaining interest and goals; project proposal (500 words or 3-minute video) including theme, materials/facilities needed, and timeline; Resource Request Form outlining studio, equipment, software, facility, or staff support needed; portfolio of minimum 3 and maximum 5 examples of completed projects and works in progress (live or self recordings); 2–3 samples of completed songs or works in progress; Financial Aid section completion in SlideRoom for scholarship consideration. Duo applicants: all resumes in one document; lead applicant submits one application form and pays $35 fee; additional $35 registration fee added per member upon acceptance.

Note

Open to Indigenous people from all regions — locally, nationally, and internationally. Must be 18+ at program start date. Open to solo artists and duos. Banff Centre programs do not meet eligibility requirements for a Canadian Student Visa; international participants must obtain a Visitor Visa.

Before you apply, prepare these

• Music samples / portfolio 3–5 works
• Resume or CV (2 pages max)
• Cover letter (1 page)
• Project proposal Up to 500 words
• Resource Request Form Outline all studio, equipment, software, facility, or staff support needed. Indicate if you want support from a house band for recording.
• Financial Aid section Complete in SlideRoom to be considered for the 100% scholarship covering tuition, housing, and meals.
  
  

Overview

Compensation & Benefits

100% scholarship covering full program fee ($8,295 CAD), single-bedroom accommodation, and meal plan ($68/day credit). No out-of-pocket program cost for accepted Indigenous participants.

What's Provided

Housing Provided

Single bedroom on the Banff Centre campus for the duration of the program.

Studio Access

24hr access to studios and/or music huts for songwriting and performance preparation. Professional audio recording studio with Banff Centre's audio production team (non-commercial use included; commercial recording subject to availability and additional fees).

Selection Process

Participants chosen by an adjudication panel of internal and external assessors. Due to high volume, individual feedback is not provided.

Evaluation Criteria

• Quality, originality and artistic merit
• Required skills and experience
• The potential for the applicant's work to benefit from the program
• Banff Centre's ability to support the project
  
  

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Timeline

Deadline

August 13, 2026

Program Dates

November 16, 2026– December 4, 2026

Banff Centre

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