About Dartington

Who we are and what we do

The Dartington Hall Trust is a pioneering charity − a place of experiment, enterprise, and education where the arts, social justice and sustainability come together.

Based near Totnes in South Devon, The Trust occupies a 1200 acre estate which was bought in the 1920s by visionaries Dorothy and Leonard Elmhirst as the base for an experiment in rural regeneration. For further information on the Elmhirsts and the history of Dartington see the story so far.

The 21st Century Dartington remains true to the ethos of the Elmhirsts. We are committed, like them, to solving the problems of our time through experimentation, collaboration and new ideas.

Today, Dartington focuses on three charitable areas: the arts, social justice and sustainability. Our enterprise activities go to support our charitable programmes.

Dartington is a beautiful, inspiring place and we welcome over one million visitors to the estate every year. Whilst you’re here, explore our beautiful grounds and gardens, have a coffee in the Roundhouse Café, catch a film in the Barn Cinema or have lunch and a drink at the White Hart pub. Drop into the Shops at Dartington, on your way home. You’ll be helping to support our charitable programmes.

Arts

“Art is about taking part, experiencing and learning, as well as presenting and showing” David Francis, Director of Arts

Our year-round programme of live art and cinema is open to all. Pick up a brochure from the Welcome Centre or sign up online to receive email programme updates.

We’re now home to ‘Space’, a new creative enterprise centre encompassing performing arts studios, digital media facilities and space for creative ventures, with a busy artist-in-residence programme.

For more information on the arts programmes at Dartington see www.dartington.org/arts.

Social Justice

“Our work brings together those who can deliver social justice to our most marginalised and disadvantaged citizens” Celia Atherton OBE, Director of Social Justice

Our social justice programme provides education and research services to people working with vulnerable children, young people, families and adults.

We are home to the Devon School for Social Entrepreneurs which helps people start up successful businesses with a social purpose, and we’re planning an innovative new community for older people, The Abundant Life Project, where residents can remain active, confident that any health care needs will be met.

For more information on the Social Justice programme at Dartington see www.dartington.org/social-justice

Sustainability

“Schumacher College is at the forefront of new thinking and action on climate change, biodiversity and sustainable living” Charlie McConnell, Director of Sustainability

Sustainability is core to Dartington, guiding the way we live and work. The world renowned Schumacher College gives people from across the globe the opportunity to learn about environmental, economic and social sustainability.

For more information on the Sustainability programme at Dartington see www.dartington.org/sustainability

Keep in touch

There are several ways you can keep in touch with what’s happening at Dartington. To keep informed by email of news, events and developments across Dartington, sign up to our monthly e-newsletter. You can also look at our twice yearly magazine Scene online. Scene gives a snapshot of the work we’re creating, the programmes we’re developing, the people we’re working with and the debates we’re engaged in.

Our Dartington blog is regularly updated with news and views from Dartington staff including our CEO Vaughan Lindsay. We also have a Facebook page and you can follow us on Twitter

We also hold quarterly ‘community conversation’ events. These events are an opportunity to hear from Dartington’s CEO Vaughan Lindsay and the management team about the plans for Dartington and to ask questions about the future plans for Dartington. Details and dates of future meetings can be found on this page. We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions on the future plans for Dartington which have come up at the events so far and will keep adding to this over the coming months.