Banff Centre Media and Visual Arts

Banff Centre Media and Visual Arts

Courses in painting began with the founding of the Centre in 1936, succeeding the landscape drawing program of the Provincial Institute of Technology and Art. In 1941 the Applied Arts Division was established with courses in ceramics, leathercraft, and weaving. A photography course was added in 1950, expanding to a six- week program in 1954. In 1973 the winter program was established, offering independent residencies for professional artists. Courses in film and television production were offered between 1972 and 1974 in conjunction with the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology before the Electronic and Film Media Program was established in 1981. After the construction of the Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Building in 1988, Media Arts residency and internship programs began in Audio Recording and Production, Television and Video, and Computer Media. In 1995 the Visual Arts and Media Arts departments merged into Media and Visual Arts, with a focus on thematic and self-directed residencies, television and new media co-production, research, and technical training through workshops and work/study programs. Managers of Visual Arts include Ken Madsen (1972-1976), Robert Alexander (1977- 1980), Ray Ouellet (1981-1986), and Daniel Thorburn (1987-1992). Managers of Media Arts include Daniel Thorburn (1992-1994). Visual Arts Artistic Directors include Daina Augaitis (1992-1994). Artistic Directors of Media and Visual Arts include Sara Diamond (1995-).

The Paul D. Fleck Library and Archives at The Banff Centre