We’re introducing you to some of our favourite places and people as we count down the days to ShowCanada…
Chris Lorway is the President & CEO of Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. Originally from Cape Breton, his extensive arts background includes leadership roles at Stanford (Executive and Artistic Director, Stanford Live), Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall (Director of Programming and Marketing), and as the founding Artistic Director of Toronto’s Luminato Festival.
How long have you lived in Banff/Alberta, and what brought you to the area?
I moved to Banff in April 2023 after living in Northern California for 7 years. There are not many jobs that would have lured me back to Canada, but when I saw the posting for Banff Centre, I knew I had to throw my hat into the ring.
What do you like best about working/living in Banff/Alberta?
After decades in big cities, it has been wonderful to live in a smaller community where you really get to know people. And what an amazing opportunity to live in a National Park. There is so much to do outdoors year-round. And every week there are amazing artists and thinkers onsite, creating a very nourishing environment.
A friend lands in Banff with exactly 24 hours and zero agenda. Where are you taking them (i.e. hidden gems, fave attractions, fave local restaurants, etc.)?
My favourite restaurant in town is Bison, which features regionally sourced food and wine. I also love taking people to the Hoodoo trail on the other side of Tunnel Mountain where you get a wonderful view of the valley. You also clearly see why the indigenous refer to the mountain as Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain.
Where’s your favourite view that doesn’t make it onto postcards?
One of the best views in the valley is the view of the Bourgeau Range from the entrance to Vistas dining hall. On a bluebird day, you feel embraced by the mountains.
Which celebrity do you think would fit best in Banff, and why?
Last winter, Melissa McCarthy was in town for Skijoring, an annual event where skiers are pulled by horses over jumps on Banff Avenue. She embodied the spirit of the day, sporting a dramatic winter coat and cowboy hat.
What film best captures the spirit of Banff for you, and why?
So many great movies and TV series have been made in the Bow Valley. We screened a documentary entitled Stories We Have Earned at the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival last year that celebrated the role the Stoney Nakoda had in bringing films like Little Big Man, Buffalo Bill and the Indians and The Revenant to life.
What makes artistic development at the Banff Centre different from anywhere else?
When artists arrive on our campus, they quickly realize the impact the power of place will have on their work. They become part of a community of individuals who share a collective goal to learn, develop, and grow as artists.
What role does filmmaking play at the Banff Centre?
Banff Centre has a long history in digital arts and media. The Banff World Media Festival had its origins at the Banff Centre in the late 70s. Our department of Mountain culture offers intensive programs for the development of female film makers and emerging adventure film makers. We routinely host multi-disciplinary residencies where our artists are integrating film and media into the creation process.
What program/performance are you most excited about in 2026?
The Banff Centre really comes alive each year during our Summer Arts Festival. There are so many programs happening simultaneously – you can watch an outdoor show in the amphitheater, take in an opera performance, attend a literary reading or get a glimpse into the creative process at one of our open studios. There is literally something for everyone.
Any exciting future plans you can share?
There are a number of exciting initiatives brewing. We’re in the process of developing new programs in virtual reality storytelling and spatial audio design as part of the relaunch of our digital arts division. We’re also exploring the idea of a film scoring program, a collaboration between our music team and digital arts team.
As ShowCanada marks 40 years, what role do you see the Banff Centre playing in the next chapter of Canada’s creative future?
For nearly a century, we have provided artists with the space and time to experiment and create. As we approach our own centenary in 2033, we’re focused on investing in our facilities and developing programs that will meet the needs of artists for the next 100 years.
The countdown to ShowCanada’s 40th anniversary edition is on… see you at the Banff Centre!