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Our people - Arts Officer
'The arts are a God-given gift. They help us to communicate, stimulate education, enrich our society and leave a fantastic legacy for future generations'.You may also be interested in...
About the Bible - What is the Bible?
Discover some basic facts about the Bible, its reliability and distribution.
Arts
The world of the arts – film, theatre, music, fine art – has a significant influence of people’s views and attitudes. We are using it to help its practitioners, and those who consume their work, see the Bible differently.
- Two thirds of the UK go to the cinema, and a quarter see plays and visit art galleries.
- The average British viewer watches 56 films on TV every year.
- Artists often use the Bible for imagery and themes for inspiration.
- Over 150,000 people attend Glastonbury, one of the world’s largest performing arts festivals.
Puppeteers encounter Ruth
Bible Society challenged No Nonsense, a Manchester-based theatre company, to bring their puppetry talents to the story of Ruth from the Bible. When they read Ruth, they recognised a tale of modern-day asylum seekers, courage and humanity.
‘I didn’t know the story at first,’ said Maha Ismail, a migrant woman involved with the production. ‘I’m originally from Egypt. But it struck me that whatever our cultural background, we share the same emotions.’
- The Pitch, a national film competition offering emerging film-makers an apprenticeship in making a short movie that links with the Bible.
- Reel Issues, a monthly discussion resource based on high profile films, unpacking biblical themes and ideas.
- Offering encouragement and advice to producers, directors and artists as they portray the Bible’s life-changing message.
- Providing consultancy in the development and delivery of new artwork based on the Bible.
- Modelling new forms of collaboration between artists as they engage with the Bible.
- Showcasing leading contemporary Christian art and theatre at the national Christian Resources Exhibition.
Awards for Bible based films
Films funded by Bible Society have taken honours for the past two years at the 168 Film Festival in Los Angeles – where a passage from the Bible is the inspiration for a short film made in 168 hours.
In 2008 Home, by British film company Footprint Films, won awards for Best Director and Best Supporting Actress and came third in a field of 75. Based on Psalm 126, the film tells of a young man’s return to his family.
In 2009 Unscripted, produced by Reel Issues Films and Riding Lights Theatre Company, won Best International Film, Best Drama Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress and Best Behind the Scenes documentary. Based on Luke 3:21-22 it tells of an actor’s personal journey set in the family environment of the rehearsal room.