Art and Atonement: exploring artistic responses to contested church heritage

In this specially devised day event, A+C Director Laura Moffatt and A+C trustee Novelette Stewart will guide you through the practical and creative steps encountered by parishes and cathedral chapters to address heritage in their care that may be challenging and emotive. We will also be looking in situ at three examples of best practice in Bristol’s Anglican cathedral and two city churches, each within a short walk of each other, instances where art has been used to amplify a narrative of inclusion, justice and equality.

Novelette Stewart, who is Chair of the Church of England’s Contested Heritage Committee, will give a short presentation and there will be time for questions and discussion. Attendees are invited to bring examples of heritage they may be aware of that they wish to address in some way.

PROGRAMME

10:00 Optional earlier start at Bristol Cathedral for anyone wanting to view the ‘All God’s Children’ exhibition

11:30 tour starts at Bristol Cathedral with a short talk by Dean Mandy Ford about the Cathedral’s work to address its contested heritage including a commission of a new memorial. Our viewing will also include Keith New’s abstract window and the sculptures of the Holy Family by Chinyama.

12:30 walk to St Stephen’s for lunch

1.30 Viewing of the Reconciliation Reredos by Graeme Mortimer Evelyn at St Stephen’s (pictured) and windows by Greg Tricker

14:15 tour continues at St Mary Redcliffe viewing the new windows by Ealish Swift which replaced those that commemorated Edward Colston.

15:00 Tea & coffee served

15:30 short presentation by Novelette Stewart followed by Q&A and discussion

Ends by 16:30

Kindly supported by the Church of England’s Racial Justice Fund.