Call for Applications: Barbara Spohr Memorial Award for Photography 2026

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity

Barbara Spohr, Untitled (Long Island), 1979, Collection of Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, P79 0162 P.

Now Seeking Applications

Created by the friends and family of the late artist Barbara Spohr, the Barbara Spohr Memorial Award for Photography encourages the development of Canadian contemporary photography by providing financial and creative assistance to a mid-career artist making a compelling contribution to the field.

This annual award supports one mid-career Canadian artist (Canadian citizen or permanent resident) working in photography to undertake a fully funded residency at the Banff Centre.

Barbara Spohr Memorial Award for Photography 2026
Program Dates: January 19 – February 13, 2026
Application Deadline: June 18, 2025

During this month-long, self-directed residency, the award winner will have 24/7 access to the Crich Studio, a Leighton Artist Studio featuring private analogue darkroom facilities; access to digital photographic production; production support from the Photography Facilitator at Banff Centre; and the option of giving a public talk, with an associated fee paid at CARFAC-based rates.

Applications are open to Canadian mid-career photo-based artists with a strong exhibition record. For the purposes of this program, this is defined as a minimum of ten exhibitions in a professional context—such as artist-run centres, public art galleries, or recognized photo festivals; 8 to 15 years of professional arts experience; and demonstrated commitment to professional practice.

Applicants must be Canadian, a Permanent Resident or eligible under the terms of the Jay Treaty. Banff Centre invites applicants and artists of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities, and expressions.

Scholarship of 100% is available and will be applied to cover tuition, meal and accommodation costs. A travel bursary is also included. Regional maximums apply. The recipient must book their own travel.

Please visit the program page for more information and to apply.

About Visual Arts Programs at Banff Centre

Visual Arts at Banff Centre offers exceptional programs for professional artists, curators, art critics, and researchers. Visual Arts also supports, develops, and presents contemporary art through the Walter Phillips Gallery.

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For more information, contact:
Admissions
Email: Admissions@banffcentre.ca

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
107 Tunnel Mountain Drive
Banff, AB T1L 1H5 Canada
Phone: 403.762.6100
banffcentre.ca/visual-arts