Welcome to the Cultural Residency Program
Come to Learn and Connect.
Leave Forever Changed.
The Cultural Residency Program is more than learning new skills — it’s about stepping fully into a way of being. Here, you’ll gather, create, cook, and connect — not just through what you do with your hands, but through deep immersion in a rhythm of life that feels right. The kind of pace, connection, and meaning we all crave — between ourselves, our food, our surroundings, and each other. And once you’ve felt it, you’ll carry it with you, wherever life takes you.
At Food Culture Place, we offer Cultural Residencies and seasonal workshops that invite you to slow down, immerse yourself in place, and experience the deep connection between food, craft, and land.
We are based in Mobile, Newfoundland, a coastal community shaped by generations of gathering, preserving, and sharing. Here, you’ll step into the rhythm of a way of life that has always been rooted in resourcefulness, tradition, and the simple act of coming together around food.
This isn’t just about learning — it’s about stepping into a way of life. We invite you to explore the Cultural Residency details below.
What do we do here at Food Culture Place?
The Cultural Residency Program
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Live by the Land, Guided by the Seasons
Hands-on experiences that shift with the seasons — foraging, cooking, preserving, wildcrafting, and much more.
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Learn from Those Who Keep the Traditions Alive
Time spent with skilled craftspeople, cooks, and culture-bearers — learning from those who live by the rhythm of this place.
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Carry the Rhythm of This Place with You
A deeper understanding of food, tradition, and what it means to be truly connected to place — a way of seeing, gathering, and creating that stays with you long after you leave.
Shelby, 2024 Cultural Residency
If you wanted to learn a new language, the best way would be to go where it’s spoken. This residency is the same — it’s full immersion into this way of life. You don’t just learn the skills, you absorb them. You feel them. And when you leave, they’re part of you.
Wendy, 2024 Cultural Residency
Every session is a full-on, culinary, gastronomic adventure. From the forest and the sea, to the kitchen to the plate — you experience it all.
What is a Cultural Residency?
This isn’t just about learning — it’s about stepping into the rhythm of life here. Feeling the heat of the fire as you cook, smelling the ocean in your ingredients, creating something meaningful with your own hands. It’s about experiencing our island’s food, craft, and culture the way it was meant to be — through all of your senses.
Newfoundland and Labrador culture is born of necessity and ingenuity, it’s centuries old. It’s built upon the time shared in gathering and preparing nature’s bounty and the stories told when we pass along the skills and crafts of our culture. It’s all wrapped in a proud and grounded aural history.
We have brought together skilled people dedicated to this way of life; those who are bound to the land and what it offers, those who treasure the traditions while making them relevant today, those who respectfully harvest to sustain for the future. We will introduce you to these people and their craft of food, traditional skills and a culture deeply rooted in place.
This residency isn’t just about learning — it’s about stepping into a way of being. A place where food, craft, and tradition are woven into everyday life. Where you’re not just observing, but taking part — immersing yourself in the rhythm of this place, in the skills that have sustained it, and in the connection that gives it meaning.
We welcome you to our community and our way of life.
Residency spots are limited. If this speaks to you, we invite you to apply and begin your journey with us.
Cultural Residency Application Process
Our Cultural Residency is open to anyone interested in a deep understanding of a place and how food, culture, art and craft relates to it. It’s an exploration of wild foods, preservation, foraging, culture and craft while creating time together that nourishes our souls.
Who Can Apply?
Anyone interested in learning through immersion — experiencing a slower, more intentional way of living.
People looking to connect with food, land, and tradition in a hands-on, deeply meaningful way.
Local residents & visitors who want to experience a residency built around Newfoundland’s seasonal rhythms.
Residency Options
6-Month Residency (Local Residents)
Runs April – September 2025 (6 sessions, one weekend per month).
Applications open February 2025.
Designed for Newfoundlanders looking for long-term immersion in food, craft, and seasonal traditions.
3-Day Residency (Local Residents, Visitors & Private Groups)
Available year-round, based on open dates.
Perfect for corporate retreats, small groups, and individuals.
Reach out anytime to customize a private residency experience.
How the Application Process Works
We use an application process to ensure we understand what you’re looking for — and to make sure we can deliver an experience that’s truly meaningful to you.
Step 1: Submit Your Application → Share a little about yourself and what you’re hoping to experience.
Step 2: Virtual Connection Call → Once we receive your application, we’ll set up a chat to say “hi”, answer questions, and ensure a great fit.
Step 3: Begin Your Residency → Once confirmed, you’ll receive all the details to prepare for your experience.
Key Dates & Availability
2025 Cultural Residency Cohort (6-Month Program):
Applications Open: February 2025
Residency Dates: April – September 2025 (One session per month)
3-Day Residency Availability:
Year-round upon request (subject to availability)
Have Questions? Let’s Chat!
If you’re unsure whether the residency is right for you or need more details, we’d love to chat. Email us at team@foodcultureplace.ca and we’ll be happy to connect. We are also hosting 2 Live Residency Q&A Sessions where you can have your questions answered and hear from past residency participants! Register for those events below.
Your time here matters — to us, to the land, and to the people who will share this experience with you. We welcome you into the seasons, the stories, and the hands-on learning that make this residency unlike anything else. Whether guided by foragers, chefs, or artisans who hold their craft close to their hearts, you’ll step into something rare and meaningful. We look forward to having you here at Food Culture Place.
Session 1:
Sunday, March 9th
10:30am - 11:30am NST
Session 2:
Wednesday, March 12th
6:30pm - 7:30pm NST
Cultural Residency Application Form
We are delighted that you’re interested in exploring the deep connections between food, craft, and culture in Newfoundland and Labrador. This form will help us learn more about you and design a residency experience that’s meaningful and tailored to your interests.
Important Notes
Our Cultural Residency is open to anyone interested in a deep understanding of a place and how food, culture, art and craft relates to it. It’s an exploration of wild foods, preservation, foraging, culture and craft while creating time together that nourishes our souls.
Residency Pricing & Booking Details
6-Month Residency (Local Residents)
$2,400 CAD + tax (6 sessions, one weekend per month)
Payment plans available upon request
3-Day Private Residency (Local Residents, Visitors & Groups)
$1,800 CAD + tax for one person (additional participants can be added)
Available year-round based on open dates
Ideal for corporate retreats, private groups, and individuals
Custom Residencies & Family Bookings
We offer tailored residency experiences—simply reach out to discuss your needs at team@foodcultureplace.ca or indicate preferences on your application.
What’s Included & Logistics
Location: Your residency is based in Mobile, NL—45 minutes south of the St. John’s airport.
Transportation:
Not included — Uber & taxis are available, and many accommodations are within walking distance.
No public transit available, but we can assist with arrangements.
Accommodations:
Not included — however, tent & trailer-style camping will be available on-site in 2025.
We are happy to recommend the wonderful places to stay within walking distance (or a short drive if you have a vehicle) of Food Culture Place headquarters.
Meals & Beverages:
5–6 hours per day of immersive learning
Your meal is included, plus homemade snacks, wild teas, and, of course, endless coffee
Flexible start times available for those exploring other activities along The Irish Loop
Dietary Considerations:
This program is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians.
Some dietary restrictions may be accommodated — please reach out to discuss.
Weather & Gear:
Be prepared for all weather conditions—we prefer to spend a portion of the day outside.
A full packing list will be provided before your residency begins.
What You’ll Experience
Your time will be a mix of fieldwork and hands-on workshops in the yurt. While every residency is different, you may take part in:
Foraging & Wildcrafting:
Daily identification & harvesting of wild plants
Harvesting seawater & smoking seaweed for salt making
Wild Game & Open Fire Cooking:
Field dressing, butchery, and wild game cookery
Smoking & preserving fish & game meat
Traditional meals shared by local community members
Traditional Food & Preservation:
Fresh traditional bread making
Bottling & preserving game, fish, and vegetables
Immersive Learning with Local Experts:
Visits with local chefs, hunters, fishermen, and elders
Storytelling & skill-sharing with Newfoundland’s food & craft culture bearers
