Our Story So Far...
Making things, making connections
Dartmoor Makers began with a simple belief: that making things together can make life feel better.
Creativity can bring people together, build confidence, ease isolation, improve mental health and create a sense of belonging. We founded Dartmoor Makers in Chagford in 2023 to create a welcoming place where people of all ages could meet, learn, make, connect and belong.
As a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, our purpose is to make creative opportunities accessible to as many people as possible and to use art, craft and pottery to support wellbeing and strengthen our rural community.
From an idea to a community studio
Dartmoor Makers grew from the community that surrounds it.
In 2023–24, 93 people supported our Crowdfunder campaign, raising more than £5,000 to help us turn an idea into a working community studio. Their support helped us equip and transform two small units in Chagford into spaces for pottery, craft, learning and connection.
The Chagford Community Trust also played an important part in making Dartmoor Makers possible, providing our premises at a significantly reduced rent and helping us establish a permanent creative space in the heart of our community.
In April 2024, we opened our doors!
“Both my children love pottery and craft club, it’s the highlight of their week. As an adult I loved my morning pottery classes, time flew by & it was a wonderful experience & outlet.”