Art and Faith Collide

Bishopdale College is eager to announce a collaboration with ATELIER Art Gallery to offer a creative focus in the visual arts for students studying the Diploma in Christian Studies (Christian Leadership).  

Artists and creatives of faith offer leadership to the church and to the world through a unique voice and authentic expression that engages with and explores the diverse issues and themes of life, coloured by their individual experience and personal relationship to God. This expression may be messy, emotional, or political, it might be challenging, beautiful, or highly personal, and it may not sit comfortably with the status quo. Yet, creative expression provides opportunities to unlock the hearts and minds of people to create space for the illuminating presence of God, and to speak directly into the darkness of the age to reveal hope.  

Through this course of study, students will also engage with a visual arts practice as a means of leadership through effectively communicating the heart of God within contemporary culture and communities. Integral to this, students will have the opportunity to explore visual art making as an approach to developing their personal faith and devotional life with God. The essence of this area of study is to develop the awareness and understanding of the purpose and arena that an arts-practice ministry serves, and the importance of developing and releasing creative leadership in this area of influence to see humanity impacted by diverse expressions of faith and creativity. 

We really look forward to working together with ATELIER to offer a programme of study to see creatives encouraged, developed, and extended as leaders who serve the Lord in ways that are meaningful to the world He has called them to touch. 

How will it work?

The NZDipCS (Christian Leadership) involves a significant internship placement, developing leadership through supervised practical work and reflection, as well as class-based learning and training.  Students engaging the visual arts focus will intern and be supervised by David James, working on projects under his leadership for at least 15 hours each week.  David leads ATELIER and brings a wealth of experience in tertiary training in the visual arts as well as a passion for Christians exercising creative gifts in powerful and connected ways.

Spaces are limited!  Get in touch or click here to apply and find out more …