Statement
Foreword from our patron
The Most Reverend & Right Honourable Dr. John Sentamu, Archbishop of York
"I was very pleased to be asked to be Patron of the Art in the Churches project and may I welcome you to your journey of discovery. What a wonderful idea to invite artists to create works that are accessible to all, whilst also showcasing the sacred spaces that are symbols of the witness to the love of Jesus Christ and God the Father that has been present for generations.
As you travel around some of our beautiful Yorkshire countryside, and visit some hidden gems of church architecture, my hope is that you will be surprised, inspired and moved by what you see and encounter. Art can touch us in unexpected ways, drawing out different and often deep emotions. Be prepared to expect the unexpected, take time to ponder the sculpture and the building in which it is placed. Be touched by the work and be open to the power of the God who loves each one of us. Enjoy!"
Our Objective
Art in the Churches is a local voluntary group with the aim of bringing major contemporary art to the countryside, providing commissions and exhibition space for inspirational artists and to help address the under utilisation of churches.
Our Statement
'More like how churches were used in the past'
In medieval times, the church was the hub of the village, used as the village hall, meeting place and market space. It was generally the only building in the village large enough for this function, and this secular use was normal. We wish to encourage a return to this status in order that these wonderful buildings can retain their relevance and function at the centre of village life for years to come.
There is a natural synergie between the church and art going back millennia, which makes these fantastic buildings the perfect location for artists to use as exhibition space. We have a rich seam of creativity in the UK, attracting artists from all over the world, enriching that seam further. This event taps into that seam, and we hope, over time, could support the art community with more significant commissions.
Everyone agrees that a village needs a church, and the thought of them being converted into carpet warehouses or strange residential conversions is as unappealing to non-church goers as it is to the faithful. This event is for everyone.
This is a new and unique event, and the Church of England are following what we are doing with the objective of encouraging England’s other 16,000 churches to try something similar.
We hope that everybody enjoys the event, and perhaps, for a few, to take away ideas of how they can make more use of their own parish church.