CARM was started in 1973 by Canon Charles Shells and his wife, Ann, and the first painting and prayer retreat took place at Llangasty retreat house in the Brecon Beacons. At that time a themed retreat was a revolutionary idea. 

Today, CARM has more than five hundred members and uses more than twenty retreat houses in the UK and abroad. Eight different subjects are offered:  calligraphy, creative writing, drama, embroidery, music, painting, photography and poetry.

At each retreat there is a tutor and a chaplain who give their time and skills voluntarily.

CARM is Christian and ecumenical.   People of any religion or none are welcome to attend. Worship during retreats is open, inclusive and rooted in Christian traditions.

Half of each retreat day (from 9.30 in the morning to 9.30 at night) is spent in the excitement and challenge of specific creative activities and in worship. These can be times of co-operation, fellowship and shared laughter, or of solitude and reflection - the choice is yours.