The Creative Voice Strategic Plan 2016 – 2021 Strengthening Canada’s Creative Voices A message to our community, artists and partners
A home for arts and creativity. UNESCO’s first worldwide study on the At Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, This strategic plan, The Creative Voice, will economic contribution of the creative we have been welcoming extraordinary help us write the next chapter of this story In a world that is forever moving and industries in 2015 identified several of artists and leaders here on Treaty 7 land for together. To our supporters, audiences, changing, art can act as a vehicle for Canada’s creative industries as benchmarks. generations. The breadth, and substance, partners, participants, clients, visitors, and understanding. We are facing a broad range In 2016, the Government of Canada of our offerings as a post-secondary Banff Centre team, we thank you for your of disruptive innovations and reinvention pledged an unprecedented $1.9 billion to institution that specializes in arts and culture continued support and dedication. None of in the world today that are changing foster the creation of Canadian content is unequalled anywhere in the world. Banff this would be possible without you. markets, sectors, countries, and the lives of and arts exports to increase international Centre was born during the Great Depression individuals everywhere. Closer to home and audiences for Canadian creative artists and with an extraordinary vision, inspired by also tied to the national landscape, there is professionals. This support is a clear and Alberta’s entrepreneurial spirit, to develop an Alberta economy that has witnessed a welcome message that creative expression is artistic and creative potential in talented number of challenges in the face of declining not ornamental – it is fundamental to who we artists from Alberta, Canada and around the prices for natural resources. Provincially, are, and how we see and express ourselves. world, and we stay true to that mission today. Janice Price It helps us define, celebrate, and share President & CEO the importance and role of high-quality This is a special place indeed; for performing our cultures. Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity education, and access to this, has been artists, visual artists, writers, film and new emphasized as key in shaping the success This is the backdrop for Banff Centre’s media practitioners, Indigenous artists, and of Alberta’s future, and there is no reason 80 year commitment to arts and creativity. leaders from across Canada and around the to doubt that this also rings true on a much Artists help us make sense of our world globe, as well as our many audiences who larger scale when applied to Canada, – they tell our stories, offer different engage with these artists and leaders. Our and the world. perspectives and show us new and powerful story matters because it is also your story These dramatic shifts are also providing ways to see and understand the world. and the story of everyone who wants to an extraordinary and uniquely Canadian They help us define, celebrate and share strengthen the creative voices of Alberta moment. More than ever, the world is our cultures the world over. Creativity is and Canada. recognizing Canada’s strength and leadership now globally recognized as an essential in taking creative approaches to change, 21st Century skill. Creativity enables us diversity, reconciliation, immigration, to contribute to our communities, set environmental issues, and arts and culture. expectations for our leaders, and find Cover image: Luri Lee from the Rolston String meaning for ourselves. Creativity is in all of Quartet performing at Music for a Summer us, it is for everyone. Evening at Banff Centre as part of summer training programs in 2015. Photo by Rita Taylor.
2 < The Creative Voice Strategic Plan 2016 – 2021 > 3 The Creative Voice Strategic Plan 2016 – 2021
Canada’s home for arts learning and creation. As Canada’s leading post graduate arts institution, Banff The practice of all Centre for Arts and Creativity offers intensive training and career development programs for emerging and the arts is acrobatic, established artists across all artistic disciplines. As not much different champions of arts and creativity, Banff Centre also has an extensive leadership offering in the cultural, from being a high wire Indigenous, corporate, and environmental sectors. “walker, a trapeze artist. Banff Centre offers more than one hundred programs annually that are open for application to artists No guarantee each time and arts practitioners at the post-graduate and that you won’t lose your professional level. Adjudicated by international faculty, Banff Centre participants engage in balance and fall. educational programs designed to help them advance And like most artists their careers and create new artistic works. Banff Centre’s five year strategic plan is called I have had spotters. The Creative Voice because training, supporting, Several. and developing creative voices is what we do on a daily basis. Arts and creativity is core to our mission — W.O. Mitchell, author of Who Has Seen and it is what connects us across our arts and The Wind and alumnus and faculty of leadership training, and conference experiences, Banff Centre’s Literary Arts program, enabling Banff Centre to deliver distinct public value which he directed in its formative years. to Albertans and Canadians. Over the next five years Banff Centre will strengthen its support for new creative voices by offering training programs in arts and leadership and will further focus its resources Phillip Blanchett, musical group Pamyua, and experience to be a catalyst for Canadian culture Banff Centre, 2016. Photo by Rita Taylor. and a global organization in arts and creativity.
4 < The Creative Voice Strategic Plan 2016 – 2021 > 5 Contributing to Canada’s Contributing to Canada’s cultural landscape cultural sector Integral to Banff Centre Banff Centre has been helping training programs are festivals, launch, sustain, and grow the performances and world class careers of artists, practitioners and events that showcase the artists and cultural leaders for over 80 years. work created here to over 80,000 audience members every year. The impact of these alumni is clear: Works are presented from all artistic disciplines: opera, music, dance, film and media, mountain culture, visual and Indigenous arts, and more. % Across these disciplines Banff Centre is proud to showcase to audiences 90 commissions, behind the scenes, of alumni work premieres, and co-productions with professionally in their field. some of the world’s finest cultural organizations and companies. These works go on to be showcased around the world, extending the % impact and reach of our programs. Every year in Banff there are: 81 secured a position, role or exhibition within a year of taking a Banff Centre + program. 150 % Premieres 78 earn their living from artistic practice, and serve + as mentors and teachers 50 within their communities. Commissioned Artistic Works % + 70 of participants in arts 400 training programs are Canadian. Performances and Events David Thor Jonsson and Ragnar Kjartansson during the development of the five channel video installation, The End by Ragnar Kjartansson. Created at Banff Centre for the 53rd Venice Biennale. Photo by Laura Vanags.
6 < The Creative Voice Strategic Plan 2016 – 2021 > 7 1970: Laszlo Funtek 2000s: The Banff Centre formalizes and develops has evolved into one of Banff Centre for 1949–1968: Dr. Ernesto Vinci, Banff’s Theatre program. the world’s leading arts- renowned German-born training organizations, 1942: World-renowned opera instructor, initiates enabling artists from pianist Max Pirani, 1970: In recognition of the Arts and Creativity Banff’s opera program. Canada and across the of the Royal College broadening educational role globe from all disciplines of Music in London, of the school, it is renamed The Banff Centre for to learn from each joins the arts faculty Music: Classes Continuing Education other and practice at in classical music. 1936–1945: The Banff School’s for children in the 1992: Banff alumni (The Banff Centre for short). the highest level of formative years occur during Suzuki method are account for half of the excellence; Banff Centre 1944: Banff Centre the latter half of the Great introduced in the Canadian Opera Company. now welcomes 3,000 Building 1972: Banff Centre offers its hosts the Alberta Depression and the Second mid-1960s by Thomas artists a year, presenting Writers’ Conference, World War; under the directorship Rolston who was first program in Indigenous 1996: Sheila Jordan over 400 events annually which includes the of Donald Cameron (he remained then teaching at the Leadership Training. co-leads the Jazz including Songs inaugural Creative director until 1969) the Centre University of Alberta. Vocal program with Jay Above the Treeline, on a Cultural Writing Competition attracts high calibre instructors In 1965 Rolston was 1974: Legendary jazz Clayton. In 2012, Jordan 2008 with Indigenous for Alberta Schools, from across Canada and appointed head of composer Oscar received the National Women, including Tanya initiating the first the world, including faculty the strings program Peterson co-founds the Endowment for the Arts Tagaq. These events writing programs from renowned institutions in Banff— brass jazz program at Banff Jazz Masters Award—the attract audiences at Banff unrelated The Juilliard School, Cornell, and woodwinds with composer and jazz most prestigious U.S. of over 80,000 from Legacy to theatre arts. and New York University. classes followed. clarinetist Phil Nimmons. award for jazz music. Alberta and beyond.
1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020s Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity has an extraordinary legacy spanning over 80 years of support and inspiration to thousands of Early 1930s: New Canadian 1974–1986: W.O. Mitchell, 1997: Jim Prentice joins 2016: The Banff Centre 2003: Banff Centre 2021: Banff Centre families who have settled in author of Who Has Seen 1983: Banff Banff Centre as faculty becomes Banff Centre for artists from across all disciplines. launches the has completed it’s Alberta express a desire to 1946: The inaugural 1954: There are The Wind, leads Banff’s Centre celebrates for its Indigenous Arts and Creativity. Banff The history of Banff Centre is the Banff International five year strategy, share their cultural legacies celebration of Banff now over 500 literary arts program. its 50th Leadership program. alumni continue to occupy story of some of the most iconic Translation Centre to The Creative Voice. with the next generation; Centre’s official home in participants anniversary. key positions at, and and outstanding artists from across Banff National Park, at annually attending The first Banff help connect authors the University of Alberta 1975: The first Mountain 1999: The Banff Centre contribute to, every major Canada and around the world who which Group of Seven programs at Banff International to the best translators Extension Program applies Film and Book Festival is declared a National arts centre, festival, and have helped forge our Canadian members A.Y. Jackson and School of Fine Arts. String Quartet from around the world. cultural organization in the for a grant from the US- Dance: In 1967, with is hosted celebrating Arts Training Institution cultural identity. Eighty years of Lawren Harris are present, Competition Alumni from this country, including Toronto based Carnegie Foundation the arrival of a new mountain culture from by the Department of along with other faculty is held. First place program now include International Film Festival, artists learning, teaching, and to fund an experimental theatre complex that around the world. Canadian Heritage. and hundreds of students. laureates since Ann-Marie Macdonald, Stratford Festival, National creating work that inspires others. training program for included facilities for then include the Margaret Atwood, Arts Centre, National community theatre. costume, wig and It is with great admiration and 1976: Banff Centre opens its St Lawrence String Joseph Boyden, Yann Theatre School, Shaw 1948: Betty Farrally and set construction, respect that The Creative Voice 1933: The Banff School contemporary art gallery, Quartet, Dover, Martel, Madeleine Thien, Festival, Canadian Stage Gweneth Lloyd, founders a more for mal holds a single summer Walter Phillips Gallery. Cecelia String and Lawrence Hill. Company, Citadel Theatre, builds on this legacy. of the Royal Winnipeg production-focused course in theatre arts — 130 Quartet, Rolston L’Opera de Montreal, Ballet, established training program was students attend; seventeen 1978: The Province of String Quartet The Winnipeg Symphony the dance program. offered in addition to 2006: Some impressive plays were rehearsed. Alberta declares the and more. Orchestra, The Walrus, The the existing training statistics reveal the Banff Centre a formal Globe and Mail, Random 1935: Painting classes program. During depth of alumni impact post-secondary arts House Canada, CBC, The are added to the theatre this era, dance on the arts in Canada: training institution, Canadian Opera Company, program, and the productions were over 75 percent of cementing its role as a University of Toronto, Royal summer school officially fully designed and Alberta Ballet are Banff vital cultural institution Conservatory of Canada, becomes the Banff realized at The Centre alumni; one-quarter of and an indispensable Art Gallery of Ontario, School of Fine Arts. and performed with the National Ballet of resource in the education the National Gallery of full orchestra. Canada are alumni; over 1937: The writing program system for passing a third of the musicians Canada, and more. is introduced, beginning creative wisdom and in the Toronto with playwriting, instructed skills from one generation Symphony Orchestra by Dr. Frederick H. Koch, of artists to the next. have attended or head of the Department taught in programs of Dramatic Art at the at Banff Centre. 8 < The Creative Voice University of North Carolina. Strategic Plan 2016 – 2021 > 10 The Plan
In the next five years Banff Centre for Mission Arts and Creativity is proud to support the Albertan, Canadian, and global creative Banff Centre exists to inspire artists and landscape through six priority initiatives. leaders to make their unique contribution to society. We aspire to be the global leader in arts, culture, and creativity. 1. A commitment to advancing artistic learning Vision 2. Banff Centre as a cultural destination Human potential is realized at Banff Centre. As a unique creative and learning experience, 3. A centre of excellence for Indigenous we curate innovative programs that develop programs artists and leaders, inspiring them to conceive and create powerful works and ideas that are shared with the world. 4. A destination for creativity in leadership and conferences Banff Centre is a catalyst for knowledge and creativity through the power of our unique 5. A creative home on sacred and environment and facilities in the Canadian protected land Rocky Mountains, our rich learning opportunities, cross-disciplinary and cross- sectoral interactions, outreach activities, and 6. An adaptive and resilient organization This spot on the earth performances for the public. has its own little bit of As part of The Creative Voice, Banff Centre magic and we are all has developed a distinctive graphic identity to best represent its mission and vision as a “trying to tap into it in leading arts and cultural organization. some way.
— Jonathan Butterell, choreographer/director
Shary Boyle and Christine Fellows’ Spell to Bring Lost Creatures Home from Banff Centre Children’s Festival. Photo by Rita Taylor.
Strategic Plan 2016 – 2021 > 11 12 < The Creative Voice Strategic Plan 2016 – 2021 > 13 Strategic Priority 1:
Banff Centre’s Commitment It has been a great pleasure to work with program to Advancing Artistic Learning participants after having myself been on the receiving “end of that mentorship. I hope I’ve been able to Banff Centre’s arts learning Stemming from many of our educational guide them in the same programs are the creation of new works, wonderful way. and creation programs co-productions, and commissions which play a critical role in supporting artists, and are foundational to the — Alison Pick, Author, contributing to the cultural fabric of Canada. Banff Centre faculty and alumna. Centre’s creative soul. As we look forward to the next five years, Banff Centre programs make a unique we will focus the arts agenda on our role as contribution to the value, importance, and Canada’s home for arts learning and creation vitality of cultural life in Alberta, Canada, with the core commitment being to train both and the world. By developing the next emerging and established artists at every generation of artists for 21st Century careers, stage in their careers. and supporting the creation of new work, Banff Centre programs contribute to the To achieve distinctiveness in our artistic diversification of Alberta’s and Canada’s programming in the next five years we will: economy, and to the health and well-being Optimize impact, excellence and access of our country. 1. by balancing the arts programming mix. The strength and impact of Banff Centre’s educational programs lies not only in the 2. Provide 2-3 co-production residencies exceptional calibre of our Canadian and per year through an application and international faculty who mentor, train, and adjudication process. develop the artists in residence but also in the unique diversity of our artistic offerings. Establish an enhanced fund to further This wealth of artistic opportunity allows 3. support development of new work with Banff Centre to support Canada’s creative commitment to 1-2 new large scale artistic voices, and advance careers and artistic creations annually, most in partnership with practice, regardless of discipline. a wide range of artistic organizations from across Canada and the world.
4. A focused community outreach strategy that shares arts and creativity with new audiences in the Alberta community.
Renata Minoldo, in her studio as part of the thematic residency, Food Water Life in 2015. Photo by Rita Taylor.
14 < The Creative Voice Strategic Plan 2016 – 2021 > 15 Supporting all artistic disciplines
Banff Centre supports post-graduate level Performing Arts Music program highlights include: artists through learning, training, and creation • Classical Piano Banff Centre’s performing arts programs programs that offer the time and space • Chamber Music support artists in theatre, music, dance, needed, in a holistic learning environment, • Classical Improvisation and opera. where artists can develop their skills and • Strings and Winds practice across all arts disciplines. In all • Composition programs, artists engage with mentors, Theatre • 21st Century Ensemble peers, technical and technological experts, Theatre programs support performance • Jazz and audiences through workshops, and technical training as well as the creation • Brass residencies, masterclasses, performances, of new works. • Independent singer songwriter one-on-one mentoring, and more. Artists at • Self-directed Residencies Banff Centre become members of a peer Theatre program highlights include: to peer community that fundamentally • Playwriting Opera • Lighting and Sound Design influences their work and their lives. Opera programs explore new approaches to • Stage Management As this plan is implemented, Banff Centre the art form in collaboration with national and • Prop Building anticipates that the programs offered will international partners, and the best creative • Wardrobe, Wigs, and Make-up evolve to deliver on our goals outlined but minds in the field. Banff Centre’s opera • Scenic Carpentry also will increasingly serve today’s artists. programs, in partnership with the Canadian This programmatic evolution is something Opera Company and Against the Grain that has been taking place since Banff Centre Music Theatre, are designed to truly challenge the opened in 1933, and will continue as we Music programs will continue to be a conventions of opera design, production, and work with innovative new learning models cornerstone of Banff Centre’s artistic performance and train today’s artists with the and programs that support more artists. offerings, the vast majority of which focus skills the need to respond these challenges. Building on the legacy of outstanding on training classical musicians. Building on Opera program highlights include: the legacy of our renowned international jazz teachers who have made Banff Centre’s • Opera in the 21st Century workshop, founded by the legendary Oscar training programs a rite of passage for • Self-directed Residencies Banff Centre is a national Peterson in 1974, the jazz and creative music artists, this evolution will both honour our treasure. I know of no other program will continue to evolve alongside legacy and ensure the relevant training Dance place in the world that is this opportunities for today’s artists. many other genre-based residencies. Music programs at Banff Centre welcome Banff Centre’s Dance programs explore new beautiful and this well set up, directions in choreography, design, dance, “ over 500 musicians from all over the world with its doors always so wide each year, and present more than 200 and performance, while bringing world-class open to so many different types talent to Banff Centre through learning, concerts to audiences on campus and in of creatives from an extremely the community. presenting, creation, and workshop-based The world of opera is evolving residency model. diverse variety of backgrounds. and I’m proud that through Banff Dance program highlights include: I am extremely thankful to have Centre programs we are able to help • Dance for Emerging Artists spent time at the centre, both as provide today’s artists with the skills • Dance for Established Artists a participant and as faculty, and “ • Choreography intend to keep doing so for the they need to have the successful • Choreography Across Disciplines rest of my life. careers they deserve. Richard Reed Parry performing Music for Heart and • Designing for the Moving Body Breath at the thematic residency Stillness in 2016. • Self-directed Residencies — Richard Reed Parry, Arcade Fire, — Joel Ivany, Against the Grain Theatre, Music for Heart and Breath was also created at Banff Centre faculty and alumnus. and Artistic Director of Banff Centre’s Banff Centre. Photo by Rita Taylor. Opera program.
16 < The Creative Voice Strategic Plan 2016 – 2021 > 17 Visual, Digital, and Media Arts Banff Centre’s Visual, Digital, and Media Arts programs focus on professional artistic development, research, and creative production. Being at Banff Centre and being able to curate an Banff Centre provides access to rich facilities in exhibition is a really wonderful opportunity as an emerging photography, sculpture, printmaking, papermaking, ceramics, textiles, painting, performance, video, curator, because it does give you the opportunity to and digital media, as well as curatorial and critical studies. Residencies are designed for professional produce something concrete from its inception and artists, curators, and arts researchers with an “conceptualization all the way to its installation. exhibition/publication record who have had formal training in visual arts, or equivalent experience and — Natasha Chaykowski, on the recognition from their peers. Curatorial Research Practicum at Banff Centre. Visual Digital and Media program highlights include: • Sculpture • Ceramics • Curatorial Research through Walter Phillips Gallery • Photography • Painting • Print Making • Video Editing • Post Production • Audio Engineering • Animation • Preparatory • Thematic Residencies • Self-directed Residencies
Literary Arts Literary Arts offers flexible residency models that include short workshops and intensives as well as longer-form programs for a range of participants at different stages in their careers, and led by the highest-calibre Canadian and international writers and translators. Literary program highlights include: • Literary Journalism • Emerging Writers Intensive • Literary Translation • Mountain Wilderness writing • Thematic Residencies • Self-directed Residencies
Indigenous Arts
James Kirkpatrick in his studio during A key priority of this strategy is the creation of a the thematic residency Convergence, Centre of Excellence for Indigenous Programs, Banff Centre, 2016. Photo by Rita Taylor. encompassing both arts disciplines and leadership. See page 24 for full details.
18 < The Creative Voice Strategic Plan 2016 – 2021 > 19 Leighton Artists’ Colony
Located within the heart of Banff Centre’s campus is the truly outstanding Leighton Artists’ Colony. The Leighton Artists’ Colony is a collection of nine studios made available to established, senior artists and participants from select programs. Studios provide all the amenities and support needed for artists to advance and fully immerse themselves in their craft. Each studio is custom-designed for specific artistic disciplines, and all were designed by Canadian architects including Douglas Cardinal, Ian Davidson, Michael Evamy, Peter Hemingway, Richard Henriquez, Walter Painter, Guy Gerin-Lajoie, Ron Thom, and Fred Valentine. The Leighton Artists’ Colony has long been a creative haven for artists including Joni Mitchell, Daniel MacIvor, John Adams, Jonathan Young, Joseph Boyden, Ken Lum, Jonathan Dove, Yann Martel, Crystal Pite, and k.d. lang. Information about all our arts programs and how to apply is available at banffcentre.ca
The Henriquez Studio in the Leighton Artists’ Colony. Photo by Donald Lee.
20 < The Creative Voice Strategic Plan 2016 – 2021 > 21 Strategic Priority 2:
Banff Centre as a The Centre is a special place and the closest we have to a Cultural Destination national arts hub. “— Macleans Magazine
Over the decades Banff has become more To become known as a leading Canadian than an exceptional centre for artists — it’s cultural destination we will be focused on: A Mountain now a vital Alberta-based platform for 1. Delivering an audience-focused, world performers, artists, leaders, and thinkers class festival series with specific festivals Gallery connecting to audiences in Alberta and including: around the world to share their ideas and works. This is a crucial part of the artistic • Reintroduce the Summer Arts Banff Centre is a living art gallery, cycle — the presentation of artistic works Festival as a 10 day festival of with 14 public works of art, for audiences. arts and creativity in 2018 including: Rebecca Belmore’s iconic Our commitment to sharing new work — • Expand BISQC to mount a summer megaphone, Ayum-ee-aawach whether created here in Banff, or from across chamber music festival in the years Oomama-mowan: Speaking to the world — with our audiences means we in between BISQC competitions Their Mother (1991, 1992, 1996); offer year-round public events: concerts, starting in 2017 Peter von Tiesenhausen’s decaying film screenings, readings, dance, opera • Banff Children’s festival each spring canoe; Brian Jungen’s contemporary and theatre performances, talks, and interpretation of benches using • Banff Mountain Film and art exhibitions. antler forms as his inspiration. This Book festival each fall In addition Banff hosts iconic festivals is in addition to the entire campus such as the Banff Mountain Film and Book which acts as an immense, multi- 2. Developing a world class public event Festival that sees 20,000 guests experience venue gallery of Banff Centre’s series featuring main stage performances permanent collection and Walter the world’s best in mountain culture films, and exhibitions from international artists, panel talks, exhibitions, and books. The Phillips Gallery, dedicated to the and an open studios series providing a exhibition of contemporary art. triennial Banff International String Quartet behind the scenes of the work created in Competition (BISQC), which celebrates the programs. With your support and through art of the string quartet in a competition with Banff Centre programs we have 10 of the world’s finest emerging quartets. laid the groundwork for a truly Over 7 days of competition quartets compete 3. An enhanced focus on public art by world class cultural destination for the prize of First Place Laureate and an commissioning new temporary and for artists and audiences here international Concert Tour. permanent works for exhibition on campus. This will begin in 2017. in Banff National Park.
Concert attendees during Banff Centre alumni Tribe Called Red concert in the Shaw Amphitheatre. Photo by Rita Taylor.
22 < The Creative Voice Strategic Plan 2016 – 2021 > 23 Strategic Priority 3: A Centre of Excellence Truth and for Indigenous Programs Reconciliation Banff Centre was honoured to host a Truth and Reconciliation Summit in 2016. The summit allowed over 300 participants — both Indigenous and non-Indigenous — to explore their roles in the reconciliation Indigenous Arts and Leadership programs have Over the next five years Banff Centre will: process and develop an approach for a vital role to play in the future of Canada. 1. Become a leader in implementing the repairing Canada’s relationship with Banff Centre campus is located on sacred Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Aboriginal Peoples. Treaty 7 land, and its history is connected Calls to Action and training others The Truth and Reconciliation Summit brought with First Nations communities and cultures who will do so as well. together members of local government, — both here in Alberta and across the country. education, business, heritage and culture, Banff Centre is thankful for the wisdom 2. Expand Indigenous arts programming to offer justice, health, and social services providers and relationships we have with Canada’s more year round training and creation for this full day event featuring keynote talks Indigenous Peoples. The Centre continues to opportunities. from TRC commissioner Dr. Marie Wilson, offer a diverse range of programs, conferences, and other notable speakers, including seminars, and platforms that support 3. Develop a more holistic approach to Phil Fontaine, former National Chief of the Indigenous culture, leaders, and artists. Indigenous culture and art forms and build Assembly of First Nations. Over the decades, Banff Centre has a centre of excellence across Arts and These talks, breakout sessions, workshops, supported and hosted hundreds of innovative Leadership Indigenous programming. and facilitated discussions led by Banff Indigenous creative voices; from across Centre faculty equipped our participants with Canada, and around the globe, who come Program highlights include: new knowledge and tools to take action and here to learn as we in turn learn from them. • Indigenous Negotiation Skills Training incorporate reconciliation into their own lives, Informed by Indigenous cultures and • Good Governance for Indigenous families, organizations, and communities. worldviews, we offer programs in all disciplines Councils and Board. Findings from the summit will also inform for emerging, mid-career, and established Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity’s • Inherent Right to Indigenous Governance Indigenous artists and leaders. Programs are approach to reconciliation. transformative and inspired by the power of • Indigenous Women in Leadership Long term, Banff Centre will build on its place here in Treaty 7 land. Banff Centre’s • Indigenous Strategic Planning strong legacy of celebrating and learning new strategy renews and expands Indigenous from Indigenous cultures and leaders, and programming in both arts and leadership. • Indigenous Leadership and Management Development renew our Indigenous programs as a core area of our strategic plan and an important • Indigenous Dance part of building Canada’s future as a • Indigenous Visual Arts resilient and diverse nation.
Thomas Fanua in a performance of Backbone, created at Banff Centre in co-production with Red Sky in 2015. Photo by Rita Taylor.
24 < The Creative Voice Strategic Plan 2016 – 2021 > 25 Strategic Priority 4: A Destination for Vision for Leadership Creativity in Leadership Programming and Conferences Integrating the power of the arts, the wisdom of Indigenous practice, and the extraordinary beauty of Banff National Park, Banff Centre Leadership programs will empower and prepare the next generation of Canadian leaders. Programs Almost as soon as Banff Centre’s campus Three core initiatives for leadership will help participants bring creative and had permanent buildings, it began hosting programming in this plan include: reflective approaches to a rapidly changing conferences and management courses. world, and connect them with others 1. Introduce a world class cultural who share their commitment to positive These courses were quickly followed by a leadership program. change in Canadian businesses, nonprofit cultural leadership program — established organizations, cultural institutions, and in 1971 by David Leighton, the President Grow and enhance the Indigenous government. Programs are supported by of the Banff Centre. Cultural leadership 2. leadership and management offer. the Peter Lougheed Leadership Program at Banff Centre has always been naturally partnership with the University of Alberta. congruent with artists’ training; it’s an essential contribution to strengthening our 3. Establish a conference offering for the arts ecosystem in Canada. Banff Centre business community based in arts and Program highlights include: leadership practices. will launch, in autumn of 2017, a cultural • Indigenous Leadership Programs leadership program for mid-career leaders, • Indigenous Arts and Leadership cultural governing bodies and board volunteers. Banff Centre will also partner • Cultural Leadership Programs with leading cultural organizations across • Environmental Leadership Canada to provide the greatest public • Systems Change Programs value and impact in cultural leadership. ...for seeking leadership the ordinary The work in cultural leadership will won’t cut it. You have to strive for • Community Leadership Program continue a proud Banff Centre tradition the extraordinary. • A suite of Peter Lougheed Leadership here, built on the founding principles for Programs made available to the public these programs from so long ago: giving — The Honourable Peter Lougheed “(1928 - 2012), Banff Centre alumnus. • Custom Programs for corporations, cultural leaders the tools they need to government and nonprofits create outstanding organizations and to position Canada as world leader in arts • K-12 educational support program culture creation and management. • Global convening on important leadership topics
Participant on the ropes course as part of the Indigenous Women in Leadership program, 2015. Photo by Rita Taylor.
26 < The Creative Voice Strategic Plan 2016 – 2021 > 27 Conferences at Banff Centre
Conferences have been a longstanding offering that supports the financial sustainability of our brand and mission. Over the course of its evolution, conferences has also become a programming initiative that not only supports Banff Centre financially but as a priority of this plan will align with our mission, culture and strategic objectives.
Sunshine Chen participating in the Hope Decoded leadership summit. Photo by Donald Lee.
28 < The Creative Voice Strategic Plan 2016 – 2021 > 29 Strategic Priority 5: Stewarding Our Creative Home on Sacred and Protected Land
Careful consideration has gone into a Over the next five years Banff Centre will long term plan that delivers a connected, focus on stewarding, maintaining, and cohesive campus demonstrating our creative updating the buildings on its campus. potential and identity, celebrating shared space, and improving opportunities for 1. Renovate Lloyd Hall residence to provide access and outreach to our communities. quality accommodations that will increase The focus of this priority will be exclusively Banff’s capacity to house participants on the facilities and buildings on our campus. while reducing operating costs and This will be achieved through respectful environmental impact, and contributing and attentive work with Parks Canada, First to financial sustainability. Nations and community partners that steward our home in the Canadian Rockies with us. 2. A vision for a revitalized Performing Arts and Learning Complex will ensure Banff’s continued prominence for world class arts learning. • Create flexible learning spaces for performing arts disciplines. • Creation of an innovative digital lab. • An reimagined audience experience in the theatres.
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity campus from above. Photo by Paul Zizka.
30 < The Creative Voice Strategic Plan 2016 – 2021 > 31 Strategic Priority 6:
An Adaptive Our ability to train artists and leaders needs to always be and Resilient at the forefront of our minds. It’s a promise we have made “to all Canadians and it’s our Organization job to structure and manage the operations to continually deliver on this commitment.
Banff Centre will become more resilient — Janice Price, President and CEO, and adaptive in order to meet the needs Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. of all our Creative Voices — the emerging artists and leaders we train, and the high calibre staff, faculty and performance artists we welcome to our campus every year.
As part of this priority we will:
1. Banff Centre will renew and refit its business to build our strengths as a post-secondary institution with a sustainable operating model and a strong balance sheet.
2. Banff Centre will improve and invest in our existing facilities and information technology systems, many of which require significant financial support to adhere to the standards required by this plan’s aspirations.
3. Create efficiencies by avoiding duplication of roles and centralizing shared services to better serve all our artists, leaders, clients, and audiences.
Dancers in rehearsals during The Creative Gesture residency in 2016. Photo by Donald Lee.
32 < The Creative Voice Strategic Plan 2016 – 2021 > 33 Thank Banff doesn’t belong to Alberta alone, or to Canada; it belongs You to the world . . . A place where people’s souls are stirred and “their minds inspired by Nature’s As we look five years ahead to the completion of this beauty and grandeur. strategic plan it will not be — Donald Cameron without the dedication of Campus in the Clouds 1956 our outstanding supporters. Without you none of this will be possible.
Dancers Brighton Collins, Julie Pham, Valentin Chou, Saeka Shirai, Mark Dennis in rehearsals during the 2015 Dance Masters program. Photo by Donald Lee.
34 < The Creative Voice Strategic Plan 2016 – 2021 > 35 Banff Centre Executive Team Banff Centre Foundation Board Banff Centre Janice Price, President & CEO Larry Fichtner (Ex-Officio) Dan Buchner, Vice President J. Mark Macdonald Leadership (until March 2016) Team Andrew MacNiven , Vice President, Bruce Byford Janice Price (Ex-Officio) Administration & CFO Beth Reimer-Heck Michael Code, Vice President, Operations Jackson Von Der Ohe Lisa Cooke, Vice President, Marketing & Communications David Weyant, Q.C. (Ex-Officio) Banff Centre Board of Governors Banff Centre Board of Governors - Strategic Planning Team Neil Johnston, Vice President, Development As of October 2016 Strategic Plan Facilitators Valerie Kapay, Vice President, Larry Fichtner Larry Fichtner Human Resources Adrian Ellis, Director, AEA Consulting Gay Mitchell, ICD.D Eric Harvie Luke Sunderland, Vice President Daniel Payne, Senior Consultant, Evaleen Jaager Roy Elmer Hildebrand, O.C. & COO (until July 2016) AEA Consulting Andrew Molson Evaleen Jaager Roy Carolyn Warren, Vice President, Arts Robert D. Walker, Acting Chair Board Andy Kenins, ICD.D Russell Willis Taylor, Interim Vice President, of Governors (until April 2016) Leadership (from June 2016) Judith LaRocque, ICD.D David Weyant, Q.C., Chair Board of Governors (from April 2016) Leroy Little Bear Ralston E. Macdonnell Letha Maclachlan Gay Mitchell, ICD.D Janice Price Andrew Molson Patricia Ruby John Snow David Weyant, Q.C.
Sleeping Buffalo Mountain in the winter. Photo by Donald Lee. Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is generously supported by many passionate individuals, corporations and foundations.
Banff Centre is also grateful for the funding from the Government of Alberta, through Alberta Advanced Education, Alberta Infrastructure, and the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. Arts programs are also supported by funding from the Government of Canada through the Canada Council for the Arts, the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Canada Arts Training Fund and the Canada Arts Presentation Fund.