Dartington is doomed again
NewsThe idyllic music school and summer festival in Devon has been told by it governing trust that its 2024 plans are financially non-viable.
Artistic Director Sara Mohr-Pietsch will leave her position.
She says: ‘It has been a huge honour and privilege to hold the post since 2020, and I’m so proud of all we achieved. Thank you to everyone who made it so special! And I really hope the Summer School survives – it is an amazing thing, 75 years old and still utter magic.’
Stability and consistency have eluded Dartington for more than a decade. It can only be a matter of time before it is shuttered.
UPDATE: Here’s the official statement:
As Dartington Trust is undergoing a Financial Review, planning for the 2024 Music Summer School & Festival has been put on hold. We will not be taking priority bookings at this time, or announcing programmes, while we continue our review.
As it will not be possible to commit the planned 4-week programme for 2024, Artistic Director Sara Mohr-Pietsch and the rest of the team have decided to step down from their roles. Dartington Trust is grateful to them for their hard work over the years, and for the success of their 2023 programme, which celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Summer School with an incredible programme of 86 courses, 85 public events and 96 bursary places for emerging talent.
Dartington Hall is unique and has such history. I remember attending summer schools in the ’70s and the huge impact the experience, place,, peopl and atmosphere had and continues to have on me. Take care of Darrington and all who visit, stay and work there. We will never have another Dartington and must look after all that it is and represents.
Its run like some secret charity no emwonder its failing
Maybe not a surprise but still a pity…
Why is this happening surely it is Well subscribed to where else is there anyway
Am I mistaken or are these various “cancellations” becoming more numerous and commonplace of late? Seems like a “musical disease” is spreading world-wide!
…thus spake Zarathustra, indeed.
The Dartington Trust’s approach to decision-making, as evidenced by the college’s closure and the recent postponement of courses at Schumacher College and now the cancellation of next year’s Summer School, appears to be characterised by a lack of transparency and consultation. Such actions undermine the trust’s reputation and erode the confidence of students, staff, and the community.
In light of these developments, it becomes increasingly clear that the Dartington Trust needs a thorough reassessment of its decision-making processes and communication strategy. The trust’s actions not only impact the immediate stakeholders but also have far-reaching implications for the cultural and economic fabric of the region. It is imperative for the Dartington Trust to adopt a more inclusive, transparent, and strategic approach to ensure the well-being of its students, staff, and the broader community, otherwise it will risk damaging the Elmhirst legacy, in which it is privileged to be a custodian of, for ever.
I think the problem is that there is now very little of the Elmhirst legacy left (financially at least)
This place in unique if its not working then the people running it should stand down as there is no other place that does what Dartington does
They haven’t a clue how to run it as a business Its run like a best kept secret i have bern staying there for 20 years do i ever get an email about events NO
The Dartington summer school is a unique combination of amateur and professional music making, opportunities for students, teaching and performance, all in a magical setting. I have attended almost every year of my adult life, and being part of that community means the world to me. I wonder if the Trust has any idea what a precious tradition is at stake?
It all looks to me that whoever is running this place doesn’t have mu h idea how to market it . An aggressive sales and marketing campaign is required . The hotel services are just as bad. You can’t run a business in a best kept secret basis
New management with a progressive marketing approach is necessary. If you don’t have enough customers then you need to quadrupple the sales and marketing drive or die. Its just like any other business no customers no business.
Fully attended every year, with early bookings strongly advised. Why did you imagine there were no customers for such a success?
Here’s a petition:
https://www.change.org/p/save-dartington-summer-school-a-beacon-of-music-education?utm_content=cl_sharecopy_37712966_en-GB%3Acv_516044&recruited_by_id=4aa50ac0-74ef-11ee-8c58-c9c3ccb7bcc8&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_initial&utm_term=psf_combo_share_initial&share_bandit_exp=initial-37712966-en-GB
Sadly Dartington seems to be managed by inexperienced people lacking commercial acumen. Many of the activities lack commercial viability, however, with a strong retail and hospitality arm, these could be funded adequately. Shinners Bridge could be a vibrant, popular destination hub with thriving retail outlets and cafes offering a different shopping experience rivalling anything in South Devon. When I visited the other day I saw only a few people.
I reckon with a viable plan, social media awareness, Christmas markets, Summer events, I could increase turnover by 60% without undermining the original aims of the Trust.
If the future of Dartington is to be secured, it will have to be commercially viable.
I completely agree. It shouldn’t take a huge amount of well directed energy and commercial know-how to turn it around without jeopardising the character of this unique place or its charitable aims.
So sad. Needs a good businessman behind them