Thinking Through the Creative Hub in Peripheral Places: A Long-View of the Dartington Hall Experiment in Rural Reconstruction Through Creativity

Abstract

This chapter considers the creative infrastructure and social relationships that can be witnessed in peripheral locations, through the lens of a creative hub. The discussion historicises the apparent recent rise of hubs by locating the argument around the creative infrastructure of Dartington Hall, Devon, founded in 1926 and still in existence. Over its history Dartington has evolved into a dynamic creative and educational community that has (selectively) supported: primary, secondary and tertiary education; creative workshop spaces; commercial and charitable creative enterprises; community arts provision; an internationally recognised platform for the performing arts; and local consumption (arts venue and associated shopping/dining). This growth has not been without challenges. The Dartington Hall Trust dramatically repositioned its remit in recent years in response to financial pressures, with significant criticism from the creative community it evolved to support and work with. The current management team and Trustees of the Dartington Hall Trust are in the process of working through Dartington’s place in the current creative economy. This chapter addresses how the current management team are navigating a complex legacy.