Destination Dartmoor - Group Artist Residency (23 - 26 Jan 2023). A fantastic opportunity to spend time with like-minded people in the inspiring location of Bracken Tor nestled on the edge of Dartmoor National Park in walking distance from the newly reopened Okehampton Railway Station. This fascinating opportunity is curated to inspire art practitioners, researchers and thinkers alike.

About the Residency

This residency offers an opportunity to contribute to our exciting arts and heritage Destination Dartmoor project, which celebrates the return of a direct train route to Dartmoor - selected work from residency artists will be included in our final exhibition, see below.

We reside at Bracken Tor YHA, set on the edge of the highest part of Dartmoor National Park. This old manor house is located in its own woods above Okehampton, Devon, within 4 acres of the landscaped garden providing a beautiful venue, where you can walk straight out onto Dartmoor. There are lots of flora and fauna to explore. 

We welcome all art forms, with the residency providing an opportunity to immerse in the story of the Dartmoor Line, originally used to give access to Meldon Quarry and Glassworks, via the listed Meldon iron Viaduct, one of only two remaining in the UK. We celebrate the reopening of Okehampton Railway Station and the access it brings to Dartmoor National Park.

We encourage creatives, researchers and enthusiasts of all disciplines; if you know anyone you think would be interested in the residency, please encourage them to apply.

Our residencies have a relaxed environment with plenty of time to immerse yourselves in your practice or research. We encourage everyone to share enthusiasm and relevant research; our overview project theme ‘Destination Dartmoor' is connected to star stories, astronomy, winter wildlife, geology, and local heritage.

Outcomes

We invite you to showcase your work through our networking channels and contribute to our social media platforms. Additionally, if taken up, each artist will have a section on the Mayes Creative website dedicated to their work on this residency.

Participants will be invited to submit artwork created in response to the residency for inclusion in our Destination Dartmoor project exhibition at the Museum and/or at the Okehampton Station museum and shop later in 2023.

Practicalities

This hostel offers communal spaces, both indoor and outdoor. We will be adhering to all current Covid-19 regulations and government guidelines. Check out our FAQs and don't hesitate to get in touch using the enquiry form.

The hostel has a well-equipped self-catering kitchen. There are lots of facilities in the nearby Okehampton, including eateries, pubs and supermarkets.

Further Details:

Taking the theme of Destination Dartmoor we consider the stories of local heritage, stars, wildlife and winter on the edges of the Dartmoor National Park, looking at how people have lived and worked this special landscape since prehistory.

Planned Residency Schedule:

Monday - 10-10.30, arrival and welcome meeting at 10.30 followed by Hidden worlds of Dartmoor walk, exploring the fungus and lichen around Bracken Tor. Afternoon personal research time. Evening talk about the prehistory of Dartmoor.

Tuesday - 9-11. Visit to Okehampton Railway Station, Walk and Talk by Dartmoor Railway Association leader. 11.25 we will take the return Dartmoor Line train to Crediton - tea and cake at the cafe. Time to explore Okehampton in the afternoon (Okehampton Norman Castle/early electrical arcade etc.)

Wednesday - Morning visit to Meldon Viaduct and Quarry. Afternoon, personal research time.

Thursday - check out at 10 am. Car share then walk to Rough Tor and Yes Tor (weather dependent)

Schedule may change due to weather :)

All residency activities are optional to allow for flexible artist research time.

£249 - full price per person

1 x £99 concessionary rate place is available to an artist in need of support. These will be chosen by need, enthusiasm and artist portfolio and/or statement. There will be the opportunity to apply for this within the application form.

Prices include shared accommodation for three nights in this stunning location and full use of the hostel, which includes a dining/work room with a long table which can be shared as a temporary workspace. 

Please note that all accommodation is shared, but with only 1 person per bunk bed, allocated by gender. We will discuss details with you before your stay to make sure you are comfortable with the arrangements.

If there are spaces free at the end of round one, there will be a second call announced.

Useful links

Mayescreative.com

https://dartmoorline.com/