About
Why artists?
Artists around the world are seeking seasons of creative research and production at artist residencies in other countries, to develop their ideas in paintings, novels, poetry, sculptures, films and other art forms. We want to empower those artists who are firstly followers of Christ to be able to go and do their work in the far corners of the globe where the presence of salt and light is scarce!
We believe that their presence and their work brings the presence of the Creator-Savior Himself to those places
and opens up eternal possibilities that are worth investing in.
Why send them?
We believe it is the Church’s opportunity (even responsibility) to materially participate in sending these salt and light creatives out to the lost places of the world so that they might do the work of their unique calling. They aren’t going to necessarily preach or teach or build, but will simply be themselves as children and artists of the King. As their art-making connects them with new cultures and hungry hearts, it opens an opportunity for the King to show up and move through them. When this is happening in locations where other believers are already living and working long-term, the impact can extend beyond just the short season of the sent artist's visit. Furthermore, we believe that when they return home with new works of art, writing or film to share in their communities, it will open eyes, inspire perspective, inform prayers, and invite the church to see people groups through the eyes of the Creator-Savior. It’s a win-win investment.
Why local artists?
This is an opportunity for the Body of Christ to invest in the flourishing of local artists in these regions of the world, not only in their creative and vocational work, but in their personal and spiritual lives as well. In the workplace and daily life we find some of the best environments for building relationships and seeing the faith of others lived out loud. Grants will provide local artists with the opportunity to have studio space and encouragement as they create new work within a residency program, and they will be working in studios with believing artists who have been sent to create alongside them. The common bond of artists in community together yields trust and openness as relationships are formed. Local artists will be able to see the power of grace at work in the believing artists lives and engage in discussions with them about the hope they are seeing.
Why art?
The Creator God has formed us in his image, one reflection of which is our own creative capacity to imagine and make. Our God has modeled for us the value of beauty and the communicating of truth through story, imagery and poetry (his Word).
The arts do indeed have intrinsic value. Literary arts, visual arts, media arts, performance and music all have the potential to contribute to our faith communities and impact the cultures in which we live, and they are uniquely capable of moving our spirits and shaping our thinking. In all its varied forms, art has the power to convey transcendent realities and ignite change. Artists are the heart strikers of humanity, endowed with abilities to help us feel and see in new and fresh ways. Art-making is very often relational, leading to collaboration and community building within which the gospel of grace can be found.
In God's kingdom work of renewal and reconciliation among the nations, the arts play a vital role.
How Does It Work?
Your donations will provide funds to send these artists, who have been accepted to artist residencies overseas.
You may also donate toward grants for local artists who have been accepted to art residencies where they will work alongside these sent artists, and where they will experience and hear about the grace of Christ as they create art together.
Join us as we empower salt and light artists to follow Christ into the places He would lead them.
Contact
Please contact us with any questions you may have about donating to these funds or applying to receive them.