Ideas Lab: New Art Commission at Bristol Cathedral

Bristol Cathedral is inviting visual artists to participate in an exciting commission to create a permanent artwork celebrating the resilience, culture, and faith of African and Afro-Caribbean communities in Bristol.

About the Commission

The artwork will be installed in the Cathedral’s north transept, engaging in meaningful dialogue with the existing Edward Colston memorial window. This project is part of the Cathedral’s ongoing commitment to racial justice, reconciliation, and truth-telling.

About the Ideas Lab

Friday 18 July 2025 | 10.00am – 3.00pm

The Ideas Lab is a full-day event designed to inspire and support artists interested in this important commission. It offers a unique opportunity to:

Hear about the vision for the artwork and the themes of celebration, heritage, and resistance.

Engage with experts and community leaders through insightful talks that provide historical context and theological reflections.

Network with fellow artists and members of the commissioning panel to share ideas and build connections.

Enjoy a provided lunch in a welcoming and creative environment.

This collaborative space is meant to spark creativity and dialogue, helping artists shape their proposals and better understand the significance of the project within Bristol’s cultural and spiritual landscape.

Artists who wish to participate in the Ideas Lab should register early, as places are limited.

Background

This commission builds on initiatives like All God’s Children, an exhibition exploring the impact of the transatlantic slave economy on the Cathedral’s history. The exhibition invited public feedback on how the Cathedral should respond to its connections to slavery.

One focus of this conversation has been the Edward Colston stained-glass window, installed in the 1880s and restored after WWII damage. Public feedback indicated support for keeping the window but also a strong desire to tell the full truth about Colston’s legacy while celebrating African and Afro-Caribbean lives within the Cathedral.

Find out more about Bristol Cathedral’s Racial Justice Strategy

What We’re Looking For

The commissioning panel welcomes proposals that reflect themes such as:

Acts of resistance, community, and joy in the face of historic injustice

Events like the Bristol Bus Boycott or the Windrush generations

Biblical and theological themes including liberation, reconciliation, and resurrection

The diversity of the Black diaspora and the global story of Christianity

How to apply

Fill in the form to express your interest and receive the Artist Brief with details about the commission. Whether you sign up to attend the Ideas Lab or simply want to stay involved, completing the form ensures you’ll be kept informed and connected.

Register Your Interest