do i need to be an artist to apply?

Nope!

when is payment due?

There is no cost to apply. Upon acceptance, a 25% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your stay. The remaining balance is due when you arrive.

is financial aid available?

Yes. Scholarships are available on a sliding scale to those who need. We rely on your generosity to make this retreat accessible to a variety of people and encourage you to pay at the at-cost level or above if your income allows.

do i have to sign anything?

All guests must sign a liability waiver upon acceptance, in case of any personal injury or loss that occurs on our property.

However, you won’t sign any rights away to us for the work you create during your stay. You retain total ownership. We would love to help sell your work with a revenue split partnership, if that is something you’re interested in! But no pressure. We just want to help you thrive.

do i need to take time off of work?

Ideally, this retreat is for people who have set aside time to work on a specific goal or project, or to get away from their everyday routine. If you can’t take time off work and have the option to work remotely during your stay, let’s talk about what that might look like and how we can design a retreat that fulfills your needs and dreams.

how do i get there?

We are located 17 minutes from the Oakland Airport and within 45 minutes of the San Francisco and San Jose International Airports. You are responsible for your own transportation, but we may be able to arrange a pickup from Oakland if availability allows. You are also welcome to drive here.

how fancy is this place?

This is a working farm, not a luxury resort. Expect to walk through some mud and hang around some animals. (But we do have running water, electricity and internet, if that’s what you’re asking.)

what should i bring?

Bring the necessities (toiletries, etc.). We also recommend bringing a pair of hiking boots and waterproof shoes. Weather is mild here, but it can get cold at night and muddy during the rainy season. Plan accordingly. Towels and bedding are provided and guests are responsible for helping re-setting their room when they leave.

am i responsible for my own food?

Yes. Food is not provided, but you can eat anything that’s growing in our garden and will have access to fridge space and simple kitchen appliances.

is there wifi?

Yep.

can i bring my children or partner?

This retreat is designed for solo artists or creative partners. If you’re looking for a family vacation, this may not be the right fit for you. Check out heirloomeastbay.com for different ways to visit the farm!

can i bring pets?

Unfortunately, no. We have lots of animals here already and need to ensure that this is a safe and comfortable space for them, as well as our permanent community members and other guests. If this is an issue for you, please talk to us and we will see if anything can be arranged.

who will be on the farm?

Our base community consists of 12 long-term residents who live on the property (including Jared and his family). They will be around, doing their thing...

do i need to be social during my stay?

Your level of social engagement is completely up to you! We use a color coded name tag system for our guests to indicate if they are on a silent retreat, eager for conversation, or somewhere in between. We know that productivity and rest look different for everyone, and there is space for whatever you need.

wait, this place is cool. can i stay forever?

Well, kinda. We partner with Heirloom East Bay to host artists. Check them out! On a rolling basis, they accept applications for long-term residents to join the community.