Hide Tanning Residency 2026
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
Application Deadline: May 6, 2026
Program Dates: September 14 – October 2, 2026
Overview
This three-week introductory hide tanning residency immerses participants in the tools, techniques and hands-on processes of hide scraping and tanning. Working alongside faculty and peers, participants will learn and practice each stage of the hide-tanning process, from removing flesh to scraping and tanning the hides.
The residency includes an Open Studios event, where participants and faculty will have the chance to share works-in-progress with the public.
Description
This residency weaves together practical skill-building with cultural learning, offering participants the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of traditional hide tanning practices through:
- Cultural learning circles led by guest faculty to further develop knowledge on traditional practices.
- Time to engage with faculty and artists and have access to a Glyde Hall for self-directed time to build on workshop teachings.
- Sharing of different approaches and techniques through faculty led workshops, peer-to-peer circles and artist workshops.
- Convening and conversation of artistic and cultural practices connected to their art forms.
- Participation and experimentation.
- Connection to place – strengthening connection to territory through program framework: program welcome and closing circles.
Requirements
This program welcomes Indigenous visual artists with traditional and/or contemporary arts practices interested in hide-tanning processes.
Groups of two collaborators are welcome to apply.
Banff Centre Arts Scholarship: All Indigenous arts participants receive a Scholarship covering 100% of the Total fee, meal plan and accommodation costs, made possible through endowments and donations.
For more information and to apply online visit banffcentre.ca.
