Homestead Experience Bootcamp program for the creative class

Overview

Homestead Experience Bootcamp is a residency program for creative professionals (artists, writers, performers, etc.) combining hands-on learning in sustainable living, animal care, and gardening with artist-to-artist mentorship. Participants will work directly with the property founder while pursuing their own creative projects and exploring rural life in Tennessee.

Program Dates & Duration

• 2027: May 2 – June 2 (one month) or July 1 – August 1 (one month)
• 2028: April 30 – May 14 (two weeks), May 21 – June 5 (two weeks), or July 8 – August 9 (one month)
• Two-week intensive options compress the curriculum for those with limited time; month-long sessions allow more hands-on experience and creative work time
• Additional two-week dates may be added in 2027 if interest is sufficient

What You'll Learn

• Identifying property type, location, and acquisition techniques for homesteading
• Adjusting to rural life as a creative entrepreneur and progressive in conservative areas
• Animal husbandry decisions, care requirements, and lessons from the mentor's experience
• Connecting to rural communities and building professional/social networks
• Agricultural planning, gardening (container vs. in-ground), and market-garden feasibility
• Balancing creative practice with daily land maintenance and rural living
• Hands-on demonstrations: fence installation, composting, basic carpentry, and other skill-based training based on participant interests

Living & Community

Participants live on the property with approximately 5 artists in residence at a time. The relationship between mentor and participant is framed as mentor and friend. Alumni are invited into an ongoing network and may return during future vacancies, creating a legacy community extending beyond the founder.

Eligibility & Application

Open to creative professionals of any age or career stage, including those who may apply as collaborative teams. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as received. Selected applicants will be invited for a video interview and must sign a formal commitment agreement before final acceptance.