Dartmoor Spring Residency – Past Opportunity
Creative Inspiration from an Ancient Landscape.
Sunday 16th March – Thursday 20th March 2025.
A fantastic opportunity to spend time with like-minded people in the inspiring location of Dartmoor (Postbridge) YHA nestled on the edge of Bellever Forest in the centre of Dartmoor National Park. This fascinating opportunity is curated to inspire art practitioners, researchers and thinkers alike.
About the Residency
Immerse yourself in creativity and discovery in the heart of Dartmoor National Park with this unique group artist residency.
Based at the charming Dartmoor (Postbridge) YHA, our location provides unparalleled access to the wild beauty of Dartmoor. Surrounded by open moorland and the ancient Bellever Forest, the hostel is the perfect springboard for exploring prehistoric sites and stunning landscapes.
The YHA Dartmoor offers a cosy retreat, complete with exposed stone walls and a welcoming wood burner. Its grounds include a wildlife garden and space for camping, making it an ideal setting for artistic inspiration. The area is teeming with flora, fauna, and the occasional visit from the iconic Dartmoor ponies.
This residency is open to all art forms and welcomes creatives, researchers, and enthusiasts eager to explore the story of Dartmoor's ancient landscape. Nearby, you’ll find a wealth of Bronze Age remains and enjoy some of the darkest skies in the UK—perfect for stargazing. Carolyn Kennett FRAS, our archaeo-astronomer, will be available to guide your celestial explorations and answer your questions.
We emphasise a relaxed environment with ample time to focus on your practice or research. Participants are encouraged to share their enthusiasm, insights, and creations with the group, fostering a collaborative and inspiring atmosphere.
Residency Highlights
Residency Leads
Dr. Joanna Mayes
Bringing her expertise in experimental film, Joanna offers:
An expert in ecology, astronomy, and prehistory, Carolyn will provide:
Practical Information
Schedule
All activities are optional, allowing you the flexibility to tailor the experience to your practice.
Sunday
Outcomes
Participants are invited to showcase their work on our networking channels and contribute to our social media.
Pricing
Join Us
Whether you’re an artist, researcher, or enthusiast, this residency is an opportunity to connect with Dartmoor’s rich heritage, explore your practice, and join a community of like-minded creatives.
Apply now to secure your place by emailing this application form to [email protected]
If you have any further queries, please email us or phone Carolyn on 07415 123156
Creative Inspiration from an Ancient Landscape.
Sunday 16th March – Thursday 20th March 2025.
A fantastic opportunity to spend time with like-minded people in the inspiring location of Dartmoor (Postbridge) YHA nestled on the edge of Bellever Forest in the centre of Dartmoor National Park. This fascinating opportunity is curated to inspire art practitioners, researchers and thinkers alike.
About the Residency
Immerse yourself in creativity and discovery in the heart of Dartmoor National Park with this unique group artist residency.
Based at the charming Dartmoor (Postbridge) YHA, our location provides unparalleled access to the wild beauty of Dartmoor. Surrounded by open moorland and the ancient Bellever Forest, the hostel is the perfect springboard for exploring prehistoric sites and stunning landscapes.
The YHA Dartmoor offers a cosy retreat, complete with exposed stone walls and a welcoming wood burner. Its grounds include a wildlife garden and space for camping, making it an ideal setting for artistic inspiration. The area is teeming with flora, fauna, and the occasional visit from the iconic Dartmoor ponies.
This residency is open to all art forms and welcomes creatives, researchers, and enthusiasts eager to explore the story of Dartmoor's ancient landscape. Nearby, you’ll find a wealth of Bronze Age remains and enjoy some of the darkest skies in the UK—perfect for stargazing. Carolyn Kennett FRAS, our archaeo-astronomer, will be available to guide your celestial explorations and answer your questions.
We emphasise a relaxed environment with ample time to focus on your practice or research. Participants are encouraged to share their enthusiasm, insights, and creations with the group, fostering a collaborative and inspiring atmosphere.
Residency Highlights
- Creative Spaces: Access an indoor classroom for desk-based work and indoor space for making, processing, and collaborating.
- Ancient Inspirations: Explore Dartmoor’s prehistoric landscapes, from Bronze Age remains to sacred forests.
- Star Stories: Join evening stargazing sessions and learn from Carolyn Kennett about Dartmoor’s connections to the stars.
- Flexible Schedule: Activities are optional, giving you the freedom to immerse yourself in your personal practice.
Residency Leads
Dr. Joanna Mayes
Bringing her expertise in experimental film, Joanna offers:
- 16mm & standard 8 cameras and film for hand-processing.
- Found footage and materials for drawing or writing on film.
- Techniques for eco-friendly film development using natural materials like coffee and plants.
An expert in ecology, astronomy, and prehistory, Carolyn will provide:
- Guided explorations of Dartmoor’s landscapes and ancient alignments.
- Evening star-watching with telescopes and naked-eye astronomy.
- Insights into the interplay of materials, cycles, and human connection with the natural world.
Practical Information
- Accommodation: Shared dormitory-style rooms with gender-based allocation. A well-equipped communal kitchen is available for self-catering.
- Nearby Amenities: A pub, cafes, and a village store in Princetown (5 miles away); larger supermarkets are in Tavistock (15 miles).
- Transport: Newton Abbot railway station is 16 miles away. A daily bus service stops within 100 meters of the hostel.
- Access: Details are available on the YHA website under "Hostel Facilities."
Schedule
All activities are optional, allowing you the flexibility to tailor the experience to your practice.
Sunday
- 5:00 PM: Arrival.
- 7:00 PM: Welcome meeting and introductions.
- Morning: Walk through Bellever Forest to explore nearby ancient sites.
- Afternoon: Personal research time.
- Evening: Prehistory talk and stargazing.
- Morning: Visit Wistman’s Wood (walk or carshare).
- Afternoon: Personal research time.
- Evening: Stargazing.
- Morning: Visit Merrivale’s historic sites.
- Afternoon: Personal research time.
- Evening: Group dinner at the hostel.
- 10:00 AM: Check-out.
Outcomes
Participants are invited to showcase their work on our networking channels and contribute to our social media.
Pricing
- £325: Full price, includes shared accommodation for four nights.
- £275: For participants arranging their own accommodation.
- £179: Subsidised local artist place (competitive, limited availability).
Join Us
Whether you’re an artist, researcher, or enthusiast, this residency is an opportunity to connect with Dartmoor’s rich heritage, explore your practice, and join a community of like-minded creatives.
Apply now to secure your place by emailing this application form to [email protected]
If you have any further queries, please email us or phone Carolyn on 07415 123156
| application_form.docx |
