Banff International Curatorial Institute Fellowship Winter 2020
Program Overview
The Banff International Curatorial Institute (BICI) Fellowship program supports established curators, arts writers, cultural critics, researchers, and artists in focusing deeply on the development of their work. The program allows for self-directed research over an extended period of 12 weeks, within the creative and intellectually stimulating environment of Visual Arts at Banff Centre. Up to four participants will be selected by an international jury for this unique, fully scholarshipped program.
In addition to focusing on their own practice, participants will engage with other artists-in-residence in Visual Arts programs to grow their networks and expand their research. They will visit studios, join reading groups, share knowledge through presenting research in progress, as well as engage with each other and Banff Centre’s curatorial and artistic staff.
What does the program offer?
The BICI Fellowship allows visual arts professionals to develop work and pursue critical research. Scheduled programming is light to allow for self-directed project development as well as opportunities to connect and collaborate.
Participants may work on the continuation of an existing project, the early development of a substantial new project, create work towards a confirmed external publication or exhibition, or conduct research involving BICI publications and Banff Centre’s permanent collection and archives. Projects and research that are timely, socially relevant, and of high artistic merit will be considered.
Participants can attend talks and presentations by faculty and guests of Visual Arts programs and Walter Phillips Gallery, and expand networks by connecting with artists from around the world. Participants will also have a private office or studio space, accessible 24 hours a day. In addition, the program offers funding to cover tuition, accommodation, and an on-campus meal plan.
Who should apply?
The BICI Fellowship is open to mid- to- senior-level curators, arts writers, cultural critics, researchers, and artists exploring original topics within visual arts. Artists working in practice/material-based studio research are welcome to apply.
Applicants should have an established exhibition/publication record, have completed formal training in visual arts at the post-secondary level, or have equivalent experience and recognition from their peers.
Open to emerging and established visual artists in ceramic or overlapping interdisciplinary practices. Applications are accepted on-line only.
The program provides ceramic artists the ability to work in a supportive community environment of like-minded individuals, to share their expertise and vision, to inspire excellence and create work at the highest level in a nurturing and creative environment.
The residency is a multi-faceted experience that will include opportunities for teaching, community outreach, interaction with other artists, and studio care, and will culminate in an exhibition of new work.
Professional Development, Opportunities & Obligations
The Resident Artist Program offers individuals the opportunity to further develop their work, and to establish professional practices and standards. Both Centers offer the support of their staff and facilities to help Resident Artists reach the next stage of development in their careers.
The Caetani Centre, ACNO & VCAC will facilitate workshops, receptions, and public programming based around the participating artist’s work. All organizations work together to provide additional opportunities for public educational programs, artist presentations, and feedback from other artists and mentors. The artist may propose additional events and community programming if they choose.
As a relatively new program, the Caetani Centre is interested in feedback and constructive criticism, and requests that the participant submit an exit survey upon completion of their project.
Artists-in-Residence are requested to leave a piece of art in the community, if possible.
Exhibition Opportunity
Residents will have the opportunity to exhibit their work in the Vernon Community Arts Centre’s Lobby Gallery, with technical support from the VCAC. Curatorial support is provided by the Caetani Center, and the artist will contribute to and receive a small publication about their residency and exhibition.
Selection of Applicants
The program is open to both emerging and established artists. The ideal candidate should have a minimum of post-secondary training completed or in progress with a major in ceramics, be self-directed and able to work independently. Preference is given to candidates who have demonstrated artistic excellence as well as interest in experimentation and innovative techniques.
The successful CeramAIR Resident has a genuine commitment to working with clay, a willingness to work with the local community, and a desire to grow in the development of their own work. They bring a high level of professionalism and competency to the studio that enriches the quality of our programs and facility.
A selection committee composed of arts professionals will review and select candidates for the program. Selection is based on the body of work presented, cv and project proposal.
The Canadian Clay Symposium offers a unique glimpse into how ceramic artists handle their mud with a 20/20 focus on Canadian perspectives. Symposium participants experience an entire day of in depth conversation with peers and presenters and watch exceptional demos ranging from hand-building, wheel-throwing, slip-casting to atmospheric firing, all with an eye to investigate how Canadian identity is shaped through clay.
The presenters are Carole Epp, Mary Fox, Jeremy Hatch, Steven Heinemann, Cathi Jefferson, Julie Moon, Sarah Pike and Linda Sikora.
Full details HERE about registration, the event, exhibitions and a few extra bonus workshops!
The MacKenzie Art Gallery was pleased to host, as part of the weekend opening events for Victor Cicansky: The Gardener’s Universe, a panel discussion on Regina artist Victor Cicansky. Cicansky’s artistic universe is firmly rooted in place and in his garden. For over fifty years, ideas for sculptures in ceramics and bronze have grown out of his intimate relationship with gardens, plants and trees. His approach embraces both the immigrant knowledge of his Romanian-Canadian family and more contemporary concerns around urban ecology and environmental sustainability. Rooted in local realities, his work speaks to the wider world of the joys and trials of supporting life in an urban prairie space. Each panelist was invited to present a 15 minute version of their essay to be included in the forthcoming exhibition catalogue. The presentations cover Cicansky’s early days as a student of Jack Sures (University of Saskatchewan, Regina Campus) and Robert Arneson (University of California, Davis), his Funk and Nut-inspired sculptural ceramics, his monumental ceramic murals, his later bronze furniture and his garden. The panel presentations are now available on the gallery’s YouTube channel. Below is the order of the presentations.
VICTOR CICANSKY AND THE GARDENER’S UNIVERSE: A PANEL DISCUSSION
Saturday, June 8, 2019 – 1:00–3:30 pm
Shumiatcher Theatre, MacKenzie Art Gallery, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Welcome – John Hampton, Director of Programs, MacKenzie Art Gallery
Introduction – Timothy Long and Julia Krueger
PART 1 – “Entering the Garden Universe”
An exploration of how Victor Cicansky’s garden imagery engages art, history, community, and environment.
Trevor Herriot – Writer, Regina
“This Garden Universe”
Timothy Long – Head Curator, MacKenzie Art Gallery
“The Whole Earth Romanian Icon”
RESPONSE – a conversation with Victor Cicansky, Trevor Herriot and Timothy Long + questions from the audience
PART 2 – “Troubling Paradise”
An appraisal of how Victor Cicansky has challenged and expanded the definitions of “folk,” “craft,” and “prairie” through his murals, furniture and sculpture.
Susan Surette – Art Historian, Concordia University, Montreal
“Victor Cicansky’s Fine Folk”
Julia Krueger – Craft Historian, University of Western Ontario, London
“Radioactive Fossils and Virtual Gardens: Victor Cicansky’s Craft Redux”
Alison Calder – Poet and Professor, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg
“Victor Cicansky’s Post-Prairie Imaginings”
RESPONSE – a conversation with Victor Cicansky, Susan Surette, Julia Krueger and Alison Calder + questions from the audience
