people say the banff centre is someplace special. people from all over the world come to this secluded, elevated, mountain town to focus on art with little to no hassles of life. there is housing, their is food, there are gyms and hot tubs and clean air. experts in all fields come to teach, train, and inspire individuals in their craft and, as a result, the artistic community gets stronger. their is such a strength of collaboration, innovation, and creativity that the air feels electrified.

i revel in the idea that what we are doing here is afforded to us only by some miraculous chances and immeasurable efforts. the banff centre is an epicenter of art, aimed at inspiring creativity and this place has only come about from a variety of sources working together in incredible ways. from funders, to staff, to faculty to the government, the funding and operations and years of focus on one simple idea are what keep this place going.

this is all amazing. however, it is important to remember that this place isn’t real. its idealistic. you can get comfortable with the facilities available with an ease not normally accessible. this is a middle earth, a place where large companies fund artistic discovery, where governments recognize that expression and creation sustain and fuel the progression of society. i look to this place for inspiration of a world that could be. and, while it may be scary past the mountain ridges, i look forward to the day where i will take what this place has given me and share it with those who have yet to feel whatever it is i’m starting to discover out here.