Art and Churches

The most recent statistics released by the Church of England reveal record cathedral attendance, despite falling numbers in many Anglican parish churches. Cathedrals are increasingly programming cultural events and art installations as a way of engaging with wider communities. We discuss the evolving role of contemporary art in churches as well as different approaches to conserve the art that already exists within them. With author and former chairman of the National Trust Simon Jenkins; Becky Clark, director of Cathedral and Church Buildings for the Church of England; Peter Walker, artist-in-residence at Lichfield Cathedral, and Rachel Turnbull, Senior Collections Conservator at English Heritage.

We also hear from British-Ghanaian artist Larry Achiampong, who explains how his childhood churchgoing experiences to Pentecostal and Catholic churches have inspired his video art installation Sunday’s Best.

Presenter: Samira Ahmed Producer: Edwina Pitman