Website: www.banffcentre.ca/aboriginal_arts/

Since its inception in 1993, the role of Aboriginal Arts programming at The Banff Centre has been to enhance opportunities for Aboriginal artists — writers, musicians, dancers and choreographers, visual and new media artists, and others — to research, conceive, and produce Aboriginal work with cultural integrity and artistic merit. Artistic expression is fundamental to the cultural expression of Aboriginal people, and we are committed to making meaningful and dynamic contributions to the growth and excellence of emerging and established artists. Our programming has included: performances, concerts, storytelling, residencies, presentations, summits, forums, workshops, publications, and exhibitions. Our goal is to contribute to the development of strong and vibrant Indigenous arts communities in Canada and around the world.

The Banff Centre

The Banff Centre is Canada’s creative leader in arts and culture. Our mission is Inspiring Creativity. In The Banff Centre’s powerful mountain setting in the heart of Banff National Park, exceptional artists and leaders from around the world create and perform new works of art; share skills and knowledge in an interdisciplinary environment; and explore ideas and develop solutions in the arts and leadership.

Arts programs are at the core of The Banff Centre. Programming supports the commissioning and creation of new work by individual artists and arts collectives, and provides resources for collaboration and applied research. Training and professional development at the post-graduate level in more than a dozen art forms including Aboriginal arts, music, theatre, dance, opera, literature, ceramics, print-making, painting, papermaking, photography, sculpture, audio engineering, digital film and video, and new media. Work is showcased in public performance, events, and exhibitions throughout the year, culminating in the annual Banff Summer Arts Festival.