Literary Residency Grant in Canada 2027 Worth $1,947 for Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers

The Fantastic and Futuristic Writers Residency at Banff Centre is a 12-day, in-person residency for emerging and established writers developing fantasy or science fiction projects. It takes place in Banff, Alberta, from September 13 to 24, 2027; applications are due by April 14, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.

About the Fantastic and Futuristic Writers Residency

This self-directed residency provides dedicated writing time and a personal studio in historic Vinci Hall. The setting includes shared lounge space and opportunities for informal conversations and peer exchanges. Participants shape their own days, balancing independent work with mentorship, optional programming, and contact with other writers.

The residency is intended for projects involving fantasy, science fiction, speculative storytelling, imagined futures, strange or uncanny worlds, epic quests, and romance. Each writer is paired with one faculty mentor: Amal El-Mohtar, Anuja Varghese, or Alaya Dawn Johnson. Weekly one-on-one consultations are scheduled during the program dates. Participants also have an opportunity to meet guest speaker DongWon Song.

Optional activities include faculty talks, question-and-answer sessions, public reading opportunities, social receptions, and campus events. The published itinerary starts with participant and faculty arrivals on September 12, followed by orientation, studio assignments, and welcome sessions on September 13. Faculty talks are scheduled for September 15 and 20; public-facing events for September 16, 21, and 23; and a guest speaker talk for September 17. A closing session is planned for September 24, with departures on September 25. All dates are subject to change, and participants may use unprogrammed time to write, meet mentors, or support their own practice.

The total program fee is $3,820.95. The Banff Centre Arts Scholarship is listed as $1,947.49, leaving a participant cost of $1,873.46 after the scholarship is applied. Participants must complete the Financial Aid section when uploading their supporting materials to be eligible for Banff Centre scholarship assistance. Canadian Indigenous Arts applicants receive a scholarship covering tuition, accommodation, and meals. A limited number of additional Banff Centre Named Scholarships are available to eligible Canadian and international participants; eligible applications are automatically considered, with no separate application required.

The program fee includes a single bedroom on campus, a meal plan covering all meals at Vistas Dining Room, and a personal studio. The program also offers group seminars and workshops with faculty, opportunities to showcase work in progress, and access to the Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives. The fee includes free access to the swimming pool, climbing gym, and fitness suite, as well as special artist rates or complimentary access to ticketed performances. Dietary requests can be accommodated in most cases; participants with special dietary needs should contact Participant Resources in advance. A medical report is required before arrival for a medical condition that warrants opting out of the meal plan.

Who Should Apply

This residency suits writers with a publication record who want focused time to advance a fantasy or science fiction project, create new work, or develop a specific project alongside a creative community. Applicants must be at least 18 when the program begins and must be writing their project in English. Domestic and international applications are welcome. The program does not accept applicants who attended a Banff Centre residency in the previous year or current faculty members of other Banff Centre programming.

Key Highlights

• In-person, self-directed residency in Banff, Alberta, Canada.
• Program dates: September 13–24, 2027; arrivals September 12 and departures September 25.
• Weekly individual mentor consultations and optional talks, readings, and campus events.
• English is the program, project, and correspondence language.
• Application deadline: April 14, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.

Writers can explore other residencies and exchange programs or browse opportunities open to Arab applicants to compare relevant options.