At a Glance
- Tasks: Create a permanent artwork celebrating African and Afro-Caribbean heritage in Bristol Cathedral.
- Company: Bristol Cathedral, a key institution promoting racial justice and reconciliation.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a lasting impact and engage with the community.
- Other info: Engage in meaningful dialogue and contribute to healing within the community.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative project that addresses history and celebrates culture.
- Qualifications: Bold, imaginative artists willing to collaborate and explore diverse narratives.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Bristol Cathedral invites submissions for a new permanent artwork to honour African and Afro-Caribbean heritage. The commissioned piece will be installed in the Cathedral’s north transept, intentionally positioned in dialogue with the existing Edward Colston memorial window. This commission forms part of the Cathedral’s wider commitment to racial justice, reconciliation, and truth-telling.
Among the memorials considered was that of Edward Colston, commemorated in stained glass in the 1880s, damaged during the Second World War and later restored. Visitor feedback revealed a strong desire not for removal, but for truth-telling and for the lives of African and Afro-Caribbean people to be visibly celebrated within the Cathedral. The commissioning panel invites artists to respond creatively to this context. Proposals may reflect:
- Acts of resistance, community, and joy in the face of historic injustice
- Key moments such as the Bristol Bus Boycott or the Windrush Generations
- Biblical and theological themes of liberation, reconciliation, and resurrection
- The diversity of the Black diaspora and the global story of Christianity
The Cathedral will also host an online seminar, Art, Faith & Black Experience, on Tuesday 9 September, 10am–12pm, exploring how theology, art, and faith can engage with the legacy of enslavement in sacred spaces.
Proposal Deadline: 5pm on Monday 15 September. Register your interest to receive your information pack and apply.
The commission is normalising difficult conversations and bringing hidden histories into public view. It is significant that the Cathedral is taking a leading role in shaping these discussions, creating opportunities for the wider community to engage. The project connects to ongoing conversations about Bristol’s colonial past, reparative justice, and how communities can acknowledge history thoughtfully and collaboratively.
The commission should reflect Bristol’s multicultural, post-colonial identity, highlighting both personal and collective experiences. Artists are encouraged to bring diverse perspectives, merging historical, social, spiritual, and personal narratives. The artwork should capture untold stories, ancestral wisdom, and the resilience of African and Afro-Caribbean communities.
Artists should be bold, imaginative, and willing to challenge audiences emotionally and intellectually. They should be flexible, open to collaboration, and willing to experiment with different materials and media. There is an emphasis on creating a permanent work that speaks to future generations, so artists should consider how their ideas will endure.
Acknowledging past injustices and engaging with truth-telling sets a tone for reconciliation and reflection. The commission offers an opportunity for the Cathedral to demonstrate accountability and to model integrity in confronting complex histories. Art can act as a catalyst for dialogue, bringing people together to reflect on shared histories, explore ancestral wisdom, and consider the city’s broader narrative.
Artists should be clear about their personal motivations and the stories they wish to tell, considering how their work connects to the Cathedral, the community, and the wider context of Bristol’s heritage. They should be open to collaboration, support, and feedback, understanding that this is a process that may involve adaptation, fundraising, and approvals.
For enquiries, please email the Dean of Bristol, The Very Revd Dr Mandy Ford.
Artist Commission in Bristol employer: Bristol Cathedral
Bristol Cathedral is an exceptional employer, fostering a vibrant work culture that champions creativity and community engagement. By commissioning artists to create meaningful artworks that honour African and Afro-Caribbean heritage, the Cathedral not only supports artistic expression but also promotes personal growth and collaboration within a historic and inclusive environment. Employees are encouraged to engage in transformative dialogues that resonate with the community, making this a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Artist Commission in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Cathedral and its history! Understanding the context of the commission will help you create a piece that resonates with the community. Dive into the stories of African and Afro-Caribbean heritage in Bristol, and think about how your artwork can reflect those narratives.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t shy away from collaboration! Reach out to other artists or community members who can bring different perspectives to your work. This project is all about dialogue, so teaming up can lead to some truly impactful ideas.
✨Tip Number 3
Be bold and imaginative! The Cathedral is looking for pieces that challenge and inspire. Don’t hold back on your creativity; think outside the box and consider how your work can engage emotionally with viewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to submit your proposal and ensures you’re following the right process. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions!
We think you need these skills to ace Artist Commission in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know the Context:Before you start writing, take a moment to really understand the significance of this commission. Dive into Bristol's history and the themes of resilience and community that are central to the project. This will help you craft a proposal that resonates with the Cathedral's vision.
Be Authentic and Personal:When you're putting together your application, let your personal motivations shine through. Share your unique perspective and the stories you want to tell. The more genuine you are, the more likely your proposal will stand out!
Embrace Collaboration:Don’t shy away from mentioning any collaborative ideas you have in your application. The Cathedral is looking for artists who are open to working with others, so highlight how you might engage with different disciplines or communities in your artwork.
Keep It Clear and Concise:While you want to express your creativity, make sure your application is clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and keep your language accessible. Remember, we want to understand your vision without getting lost in complex wording!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bristol Cathedral
✨Know Your Context
Before the interview, dive deep into Bristol Cathedral's history and its connection to African and Afro-Caribbean heritage. Understanding the significance of the commission and how your artwork can contribute to the dialogue around racial justice will show your genuine interest and commitment.
✨Showcase Your Vision
Prepare to articulate your artistic vision clearly. Think about how your proposal reflects the themes of resilience, community, and joy. Be ready to discuss how your work can engage with the Cathedral’s past and resonate with future generations.
✨Embrace Collaboration
Highlight your willingness to collaborate across disciplines. Discuss any previous experiences where you’ve worked with other artists or communities. This shows that you’re open-minded and flexible, which is crucial for a project that aims to bring diverse perspectives together.
✨Engage Emotionally
Art is about evoking emotions, so be prepared to talk about how your work challenges audiences intellectually and emotionally. Share personal stories or motivations behind your art that connect to the themes of the commission, as this will help the panel see the depth of your engagement.
