What does the spirit of Dartmoor mean to you?

Over the past year, storytellers Sara Hurley and Lisa Schneidau have been journeying deep into Dartmoor’s folklore, uncovering what these tales mean to people today. Through storytelling workshops, conversations with elders, and explorations of the moor’s wild landscapes, they have gathered voices, memories, and new imaginings.

The Chasing Crockern exhibition at Field System Gallery, curated by Monica-Shanta, presents the story of the Chasing Crockern storytelling project through the real and imagined stories of the Dartmoor people who participated in it—all exploring, in their own ways, the question: What does the spirit of Dartmoor mean to you?

This exhibition invites you to share in the spirit of Dartmoor through:

Photography – Images of Dartmoor life taken by young photographers Louis West, Mahni Clear, and Daniel Dayment, mentored by photographer Fern Leigh Albert.

Film Installation – A visual exploration chasing Crockern, created by artist and exhibition curator, Monica-Shanta.

Words & Voices of Dartmoor – Quotes, poems, and sound stories collected from children and elders across the moor.

New & Old Folk Tales – Written and illustrated by Dartmoor schoolchildren, reimagining the moor’s legends.

Special Events

Exhibition Celebration – Join us on Tuesday, 11th March, 6–8pm at Field System Gallery to celebrate the project and meet the artists. Free, everyone welcome.

Artist’s Talk with Monica-Shanta – Friday, 14th March, 6–7pm, ahead of the Chasing Crockern performance at Ashburton Arts Centre. The artists talk is also free.