The new issue of ANVIL, the journal of theology and mission from Church Mission Society, is out now – and is free to read or download from churchmissionsociety.org/anvil. This issue developed out of our For Art’s Sake pioneer conversations day, held in early March 2020 at CMS in Oxford.
The guest editor is our own Sarah Clarke (pioneer undergraduate programmes coordinator at CMS), who organised the conversations day: “This edition is not seeking to offer a definition of art,” she says, “but rather to stretch the boundaries that have narrowed our idea of what art making is, and by doing so provide a framework for engaging with the arts and recognising the power of art in mission.”
Sarah and some of the contributors to that conference explore the ways in which art forms and learning to embrace art can help us to engage with the world, ourselves and mission.
- Join Ian Adams as he explores how an empty swimming pool can shed light on our spiritual journey.
- Let David Benjamin Blower unravel how artists speak into challenging times.
- Allow Chris Duffett to share his artistic lockdown experience and be challenged to not just watch but get actively creative
- Hear from Rachel Griffiths as she explores anger as artistic driving force.
- Let Martin Poole explore the art on screens as a worship form for our time.
There are also some bonus video interviews from artists who contributed to last year’s conference.