the college and the trustLatest News
Much has been written about the potential relocation of the College of Arts that does a grave disservice to the Trust. We want the College to survive and flourish. But faced with its present difficulties and the high levels of investment needed to address them, in excess of £20m, we have supported the decision of the College’s governors to seek alliances outside Dartington rather than face an uncertain future, and possible closure, here.
The Trust currently supports the College through the lease of land and buildings, and the provision of services. But there has never been a question of the Trust providing for the capital or revenue requirements since the College became independent and part of the Higher Education system in 1989. The Trust could not do it then and we cannot do it now. £20m is beyond the reach of the Trust and our limited resources.
Much has also been written that suggests the College is the arts at Dartington. This is not the case either. The Trust has initiated and supported many other outstanding and diverse activities in the arts on the Dartington estate and will continue to do so.
Dartington has always been a place of experiment. Experiment involves continual change, something well understood by our founders, Leonard and Dorothy Elmhirst. Change often involves painful decisions, which may affect the activities for which the Trust is directly responsible as well as for those it is not, such as the College. Wishing it otherwise will not make it so.
James Cornford
Chairman
The Dartington Hall Trust.
The Dartington Hall Trust is a registered charity no. 279756. Company no. 1485560
Registered Office: The Elmhirst Centre, Dartington Hall, Totnes, Devon TQ9 6EL United Kingdom.
Telephone 01803 847000; Fax 01803 847007;