A new exhibition by 90 University of Cumbria arts students will reflect 900 years of Carlisle Cathedral.
Journey and Rest: 900 years of Carlisle Cathedral is the collaborative work of the first-year Institute of arts students, and marks the beginning of their three years of study at the university.
Led by university lecturer and project leader Bettina Talbot, they have worked in small multi-disciplinary groups, across programmes including film and television, fine art, games design, graphic design, illustration, photography, and wildlife media, creating artefacts to meet the cathedral’s project brief.
The free public exhibition, from May 11-15, is on display in Carlisle Cathedral’s 14th century Fratry Hall and Undercroft and allows the historic buildings to continue to ignite public engagement and imagination.
It takes place as the university and cathedral strengthen their relationship with the signing of a new Memorandum of Cooperation, witnessed by the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, on the day of his inauguration as University Chancellor.
University of Cumbria’s heritage and operations are shaped by its Church foundations. It is a key member of the Cathedrals Group of UK higher education institutions. University Vice-Chancellor Professor Julie Mennell is also the current chair of the group.
The Reverend Canon Dr Benjamin Carter, Canon Warden, Carlisle Cathedral said: “At the cathedral, we are delighted to be working in partnership with the University of Cumbria as part of our anniversary year. We have recently loved welcoming back the graduation ceremonies after a two-year break because of the pandemic, and the ‘Journey and Rest’ exhibition is another exciting way in which our developing partnership can grow.”
Dr Colette Conroy, Director of Institute of Arts, University of Cumbria said: “The Institute of Arts gives students from all artistic disciplines the chance to develop and apply their skills all the way through their studies. This project enables students to work together, developing the skills in teamwork and collaboration they will need in their future careers.
“The work also shows them developing their skills and identities as artists and practitioners. We are so pleased to share the work of our students as they draw inspiration from the city and the Cathedral in a celebration and exploration of Journey and Rest.
“The exhibition is the culmination of three months of challenge, endeavour, imagination and creativity, the students should be proud of what they have achieved.”
Journey and Rest: Celebrating 900 years of Carlisle Cathedral runs from May 11 to May 15 and is open in the cathedral’s Fratry and Undercroft between 10am-3pm each day. Admission is free.
