Mâwacihitowinihk Nikamowak: Indigenous Music Residency
Mâwacihitowinihk Nikamowak: Indigenous Music Residency supports Indigenous musicians in refining songs through collaboration, recording, and live performance to strengthen musical practice and production skills.
Funder: Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
Due Dates: Application deadline passed | November 15, 2026 (Arrival) | November 16–December 4, 2026 (Residency) | December 5, 2026 (Departure)
Funding Amounts: 100% scholarship covering the $8,295 per-person program fee for the three-week residency
Summary: Supports Indigenous musicians in refining nearly completed songs through collaboration, professional recording, and live performance.
Key Information: Open to Indigenous solo artists and duos aged 18+ who can attend the entire program.
Description
Run by Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, this three-week Indigenous music residency centres on collaboration, refinement, and presentation through audio production and live performance. Its Plains Cree name means “they sing at the gathering (place),” referring to Sacred Guardian Buffalo Mountain. Musicians across genres bring nearly completed or finished songs into their final stages of development with support from faculty, peers, and Banff Centre’s audio production team.
Participants develop existing works and arrangements through specialized workshops, group gatherings, and one-on-one faculty sessions. The residency offers 24-hour access to studios or music huts, professional recording sessions for non-commercial use, and public performance opportunities. Its goals include strengthening performance skills, deepening understanding of music production, and refining musical practice within a supportive community.
