Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall structure of the program?
While each day can look a little different, the general rhythm includes a provided breakfast in the morning consisting of pastries, yogurt, granola, fruit, juice, and coffee, followed by a fresh lunch prepared by our chefs, typically featuring pasta, salad, and a protein. In the evenings, a handful of residents volunteer throughout the program to prepare dinner, supported by the organizers.
During the day, residents can participate in a variety of farm activities such as breadmaking, cheesemaking, milking cows, and working in the gardens. Throughout the program, we also host two or three special guest lectures as part of our Human Library series, introducing residents to artists, artisans, and thinkers who share values with the residency and have relevance to the residents’ work. We also organize excursions around Cremona to visit local gems related to residents’ interests.
Outside of these structured activities, residents have ample time to be self-directed in the work they are exploring.
Is there an expectation around what I will work on, or accomplish, during the residency?
The residency is open to how you choose to spend your time. There is no expectation to have a ‘finished’ project by the end of the experience, but we do require that wherever you end up you’ll submit some form of shareable documentation of what you worked on and that you leave something of your project on the farm. Keep in mind that we will be having an open-house on the final day of the residency where we’ll invite locals from town to see what’s been created and learn about the residency. Even if you just have ‘works in progress’ this is a great opportunity to share your work and your experience with the local community.
Do I need to have an arts background or formal training TO APPLY?
Absolutely not. We very intentionally call this a ‘creative’ residency over an ‘artist’ residency. We are looking for practitioners across all disciplines to apply: chefs, scientists, cultural organizers, visual artists, designers, researchers, musicians, writers, engineers, policy makers, educators, and more.
Our focus for the residency experience is not on creative output alone, but on values alignment, curiosity, and shared exchange.
How will I know If I’m accepted?
We won’t leave you hanging. Review of applications will take 2-3 weeks and we will notify everyone who applied if they were accepted or not. If for whatever reason applications reviews take longer, we will be sure to notify everyone so that they can plan accordingly.
Do I need to speak Italian?
It is not required but it would certainly help to brush up on some simple phrases. The organizers of the residency are english speaking but some of the staff and family on the farm are not. If you are accepted you will be sent a welcome packet that explains more about the farm and some phrases that would be good to know. “Ciao” is a good place to start.
Can I apply as a duo or collaborative group?
Because we have limited availability for each cohort, we don’t allow applicants to apply as a group. We also genuinely love hearing each individual’s perspective on why they personally want to attend the residency.
If you would like to apply alongside people you know, that’s great! Each person will need to submit a separate application and indicate whether they would still be willing to attend if not everyone from the group is accepted. Mentioning this won’t help or hurt your application — final decisions are made based on a variety of factors, which we explain in more detail below.
How will applications be reviewed?
Applications will be reviewed by the organizers of the residency along with family members and staff of the farm. Our goal for selection is simple - we want to curate a diverse group across backgrounds, disciplines, and experiences who have a particular interest in exploring their work in the context of this farm. We are looking for people who are curious, open, and motivated to contribute something meaningful to the farm and one another.
What is the scholarship for regenerative creativity?
This will be the second year that we will have partnered with Ilegal Mezcal to award “The Scholarship for Regenerative Creativity” to all eleven residents of our selected cohort. At its core, this scholarship supports creatives working at the intersection of culture, education, research, art, food, agriculture, and sustainability, and it is a material gesture that believes in the importance of offering time, space, and nourishment for residents to explore their practices in a place rooted in land, legacy, and communal life.
Our unexpected partnership is an example of the value of different minds, but like-hearts coming together to show that slowness, intentionality, and diverse collaboration aren’t just ideas - they’re ways of living that are worth standing up for and investing in.
The scholarship pays for most of the material operational expenses incurred by hosting 11 people for two weeks - this includes room & board, materials, offsite activities, and farm support.
WHY IS THERE AN APPLICATION FEE?
We have added a small application fee that contributes directly to supplement the part of our operating budget that is not covered by the scholarship, as well as to ensure thoughtful participation and intention of applicants during the open call process. Once an application is submitted we are unable to offer refunds.