Short Description
Norwich Cathedral are seeking three socially engaged artists to each create temporary, site-specific works in collaboration with three local charities.
Norwich Cathedral was founded in 1096 as both a cathedral church and a Benedictine monastery. Although the monastic presence ended with Henry VIII’s dissolution in 1538, its spirit and legacy have proved enduring. The Benedictine priorities of worship, hospitality, and learning remain at the heart of the
Cathedral’s mission and ministry today. They have inspired the building of our award-winning Library
Reading Room, Refectory and Hostry, the largest single building project at any ancient English cathedral
since the Reformation.
From May to October 2026, the Sainsbury Centre for the Visual Arts at the University of East Anglia will be
hosting a major exhibition on the Rule of St Benedict, ‘The Rule: Shaping Lives, Medieval and Modern’,
drawing on the collections of Norwich and other cathedrals. In association with that exhibition, the
Cathedral wishes to invite three artists to engage with our Benedictine priorities in the context of the
Cathedral precincts, ‘The Close’, and in partnership with three local charities to produce three artworks for
temporary installation in different parts of the Cathedral Close. Each artist will each receive a grant of
£3,000 supported by the Farmington Institute, Oxford. Each charity expects their chosen artist to work
collaboratively with members of the charity’s communities, exploring relevant themes.
The three themes and sites at the Cathedral are:
- Hospitality – outside the Hostry, in partnership with English+
- Wholeness and healing – Almary Green, in partnership with St Martin’s Housing
- Contemplative learning – Cloisters, in partnership with the Diocesan Education Team
How to Apply
To apply, please send your application to: Mrs Debbie Whitbread, at:
learningadminandsec@cathedral.org.uk
- Your title, first name, last name, email address, phone number, website, and Instagram.
- Your CV.
- A brief statement (max 500 words) including why are you are interested and suitable for your
chosen Brief (one of the three). This can also be submitted as a short video. - Visual examples of relevant work from your current portfolio of completed works.
- Please specify which of the three commissions you are interested in.
- A brief outline of initial ideas, how you would approach the project and how it will respond to the
Brief for that specific site. This can also be submitted as a short video.
Program Benefits & Awards
The three awarded artists will each receive £3,000, which includes fees, materials, and installation. Payment
will be awarded in three stages;
£1,000 at the start of the commission (including design and development)
£1,000 before production and delivery date to be agreed
£1,000 once installation is complete, with sign off from Norwich Cathedral
- Exposure at the leading visitor attraction in Norfolk – 600,000 visitors in 2024.
- Working in a significant historic setting with ancient and modern buildings.
- Working with diverse communities and supporting significant charitable work.
- Links with the exhibition on the same theme at The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts at the University of East Anglia
Entry Fee
None
Location
United Kingdom
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 22 October 2025
Website Link: https://cathedral.org.uk/vacancies/benedictine-art-project-call-to-artists/
