Catholics are being invited to reflect on the importance of art and artists, as the Church marks the Jubilee of Artists from February 15-18. Source: ACBC Media Blog.
The Jubilee of Artists is one of dozens of major events under the banner of the Jubilee year, which has the theme “Pilgrims of Hope”.
As part of the celebrations, the National Liturgical Architecture and Art Council – an expert advisory body to the Bishops Commission for Liturgy of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference – has issued an “Invitation to Artists”.
The document appeals to artists to take inspiration from God to “offer us the possibility of entering more deeply into the meaning and purpose of all that exists”.
“Yes, art and artists can make a difference!” the document states.
“The transformations wrought by artists begin with the material world. Clay becomes a ceramic. Stone becomes a sculpture. Pigment becomes a painting. Sound becomes a song.
“But the artist does more than engage with the material world. Your work changes our perspective, our way of seeing the world.”
The statement concludes: “We encourage parishes and support them in taking every opportunity to receive good works of religious and sacred art so that, having left your studio, they may inspire us in the Christian life.”
Bishops’ delegate to the council, Toowoomba Bishop Ken Howell, encouraged parishes to engage more closely with artists and architects, and for artists to read and reflect on the invitation.
“Art is at its best when it is prophetic and brings inspiration,” Bishop Howell said.
“We should be harnessing the gifts and insights of our artists in our worshipping communities, to better lead people to praise and worship God.”
Canberra iconographer Sue Orchison said artists who were welcomed into the life of a parish could contribute to the beauty of the liturgy and liturgical space by use of their unique and rich gifts.
“In many ways, art can play a part in helping to break open the Word as each artist brings colour and beauty to the visual encounter,” she said.
“Works of art provoke conversation, and provide a space for meditation, a place to stop and ponder, to ask a question or just to sit and soak in the peace.”
The Invitation to Artists can be found at the Australian Catholic Liturgical Art website An Invitation To Artists – Australian Catholic Liturgical Art.
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Arts celebrated as part of Jubilee 2025 (ACBC Media Blog)
