Independent full-service creative ad agency Bray & Co continues to advocate for the importance of inspiration in effective marketing by launching two annual creative residencies in partnership with the globally acclaimed High Desert Test Sites.
The program is designed specifically for anyone who wants to inspire—both agency and client side—who are hungry for something deeper—space, time, and meaning—in a profession increasingly dominated by speed, scale, and technology.
“These residencies are our quiet rebellion,” says Peter Bray, founder and executive creative director of Bray & Co. “We believe that the ad industry has largely allowed the tech and platform agenda to crowd out the inspiration that makes great creative work. And the holding companies aren’t helping the situation, as they chase shareholder returns over the interests of their clients and their staff. Inspiration, reflection, emotion, human insight—those things take time. They take distance. They require being away from constant Slack notifications.”
Each residency consists of a stay for one week in the A-Z West House in Joshua Tree, the former home of internationally acclaimed artist Andrea Zittel. Each space, object, and detail of A-Z West House has been meticulously designed as part of a larger artistic exploration into intentional living, making this a rare and inspiring retreat. Nestled on an 80-acre compound, this home is part of an evolving experimental landscape featuring site-specific art installations and direct access to Joshua Tree National Park.
It’s all expenses paid and intentionally unstructured. Marketers are encouraged to bring their families or their creative partners if they choose. This isn’t about isolation; it’s about freedom to recharge, reflect, and create without interference.
“We have no expectations for what people will do during their residencies. This is about celebrating contemplation, inspiration, and creativity in general. There are no deliverables, no hashtags, no presentations, just the freedom to think, make, and wander.” remarks Bray. “We are thrilled that High Desert Test Sites wanted to make this happen; it is a meeting of like minds.”
The residencies will be held onsite at High Desert Test Sites in the Mojave Desert, offering selected marketers an immersive desert environment to disconnect from briefs and reconnect with inspiration.
There is only one requirement: Show up curious and leave more inspired.
