"I’ve never worked so well in my entire life as I have here in the Leighton Artists' Colony."

- Timothy Findley, on completing his final work, the play Shadows, at The Banff Centre

A Catalyst for New Work

In August of 1985, The Banff Centre’s Leighton Artists' Colony were formally opened by His Royal Highness Prince Philip. The Studios quickly became the place for senior Canadian and international artists to create new work. Almost 1,000 artists have used the Studios to create novels, poetry, plays, songs, chamber works, and operas. They have choreographed dance and music theatre, curated exhibitions and shows, and have created important visual art, films, new media, and television programming. Leighton artists contribute significantly to culture and the arts in Alberta, throughout Canada, and around the world.

Inspirational Environment

Located in a beautiful, secluded, wooded area on The Banff Centre campus, the Leighton Artists' Colony inspire and accommodate creative practice. The eight Studios were each designed by a distinguished Canadian architect including Douglas Cardinal, Ian Davidson, Michael Evamy, Peter Hemingway, Richard Henriquez, Guy Gerin-Lajoie, Ron Thom, and Fred Valentine.The Studios provide gifted senior artists with an opportunity for concentrated work in a retreat setting. They offer an environment that is intense and stimulating; a location free of daily pressure and distraction.

Leighton Artists' Colony Renewal Endowment

After two decades of use by thousands of artists to create new work, The Banff Centre is committed to the revitalization of the Leighton Artists' Colony as part of our five year business plan.

With a generous lead donation of $120,000 from David and Peggy Leighton, The Banff Centre is seeking to raise more than $320,000 for an endowment to help renew the Studios beyond the general ongoing maintenance conducted by The Banff Centre.

The Leighton Artists' Colony Renewal Endowment, with the help of friends and alumni of The Banff Centre, will ensure a well-maintained and inspirational space for artists in the years and generations to come. And, it will give audiences around the world access to exciting new work in galleries, on stages, in print, and on screen.

We hope you will join David and Peggy Leighton in contributing to the Studios. A tax receipt will be issued for all donations.

I am ready to donate to the Leighton Artists' Colony Renewal Endowment.

donate online
donate by fax
Charitable registration numbers:
Canada 11921 4955 RR0001 US 98-0078729