WHO CAN APPLY
The Wayward retreat is open to all artists in all disciplines who:
The Wayward retreat is open to all artists in all disciplines who:
are actively pursuing their creative calling with focused, vocational intention
are women (cis or trans), genderqueer/non-binary, genderfluid, transmasc, or another marginalized gender
are over the age of 21
If you are wondering about your eligibility for Wayward, please contact us.
All retreaters must read and agree to our Code of Conduct.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications for the Wayward retreat that runs Sept 28 to Oct 5, 2025 are now open. All applications must be submitted by 11:59pm pacific on March 15st, 2024.
To apply, please complete the following steps:
1 // Submit your online application. In addition to contact information and other logistical questions, you will be asked to describe:
Describe your art to us. What do you make?
Why do you want to make this art on Quadra Island at this retreat? If you don't, what do you want to make there?
What does your creative practice look like currently? How much of your time does it occupy?
In an ideal world, if you could do any project without concern for time, money, or support, what would you make?
What is the weird beating juicy heart of your creativity?
Aside from making art, what are you hoping to get out of this experience? What are your goals in wanting to join the Wayward Retreat?
Tell us about a time you have felt a part of a community that was meaningful to you.
What made the group work well?
What were the challenges?
How did you like to contribute to the community?
Wayward takes place in an environment where 15 of us are in a shared home. Do you have any concerns or needs around living in a socially intimate community like this that you want to tell us about?
Wayward involves light physical activity. Please check any of the following activities that you have an issue with:
Stairs
Moderate Hiking
Swimming
Canoeing/kayaking
Sauna
Are you comfortable in a space that includes nudity? Many retreaters often choose to swim and sauna nude.
Do you have any allergies? Any physical limitations we should know about? Local medical facilities are limited, and the nearest hospital is over an hour away, so please let us know if you have any issues or conditions that might require our awareness.
Do you have any dietary needs or restrictions?
Would you like to be considered for the Room Share Discount? This is a $150 discount for sharing a room (but not a bed) with another retreater.
We offer scholarships that provide partial funding for one or more artists of color. Would you like to be considered for one of these scholarships?
If you are applying for a scholarship, please tell us the amount of the fee you are able to pay. If you are unsure, or a range is possible, let us know that as well. We encourage you to be honest and thoughtful about what is feasible for you. Acceptance is decided separately from scholarship distribution.
Describe the reason you make art in six words.
What does the word "wayward" evoke for you?
2 // Submit samples of your work. There is a spot to upload material and share links within the online applications. Your samples can take any form — writing, songs, photos of your art, scripts, videos, portfolios, your website. Whatever you think is best. Please don’t put together new samples for us; we’d like to see what you already have. If you have questions about how best to submit your work, contact us.
3 // If invited, complete a zoom interview with us. Applicants moving on to the second round will complete a 30-minute zoom interview with the Wayward organizers in March or April. These interviews are an additional chance for us to get to know you. The Wayward experience is intimate and immersive and not for everyone. We want to make sure your goals align with what the retreat is able to provide.
Have questions about any aspect of the application? Contact us.