Business
New Creative Residencies Launched to Inspire Marketers in California
A new initiative designed to inspire marketers was launched in collaboration with High Desert Test Sites. This innovative program offers a transformative experience for creative professionals seeking a break from the fast-paced demands of the advertising industry.
Bray & Co., an independent full-service creative ad agency, announced two annual creative residencies aimed at anyone involved in marketing, from agencies to clients. The residencies provide space and time for participants to reconnect with their creativity in a world often dominated by speed and technology.
Peter Bray, founder and executive creative director of Bray & Co., expressed his vision for the program, stating, “These residencies are our quiet rebellion… Inspiration, reflection, emotion, human insight—those things take time.” He criticized the current state of the industry, where shareholder returns often overshadow the needs of clients and staff.
The residencies will be held at the A-Z West House, the former home of artist Andrea Zittel. Located on an 80-acre compound, the residence is designed to foster intentional living, featuring site-specific art installations and proximity to Joshua Tree National Park. Each selected marketer will enjoy a week-long, all-expenses-paid stay in this inspiring environment.
Participants are encouraged to bring family or creative partners. “This isn’t about isolation; it’s about freedom to recharge, reflect, and create without interference,” said Bray. The residencies aim to cultivate a sense of contemplation and creativity, free from the pressures of meetings and deliverables.
Bray added, “We have no expectations for what people will do during their residencies… just the freedom to think, make, and wander.” The residencies invite marketers to come with curiosity and leave feeling invigorated and inspired.
