Thoughts on Faith + Art
Wed 03 Nov, 2021
Loving the material world: Brum Sputnik Hub meets in-person again
After two years, Birmingham Sputnik Hub was finally back with a live, in-person meet-up. There was a lot to take in.
Wed 11 Aug, 2021
We’re keeping our online exhibitions alive – join in and submit your work
We can't wait for in-person events and real-life galleries - but Sputnik director Jonny Mellor explains why we'll be keeping some digital services alive
Mon 24 May, 2021
Explore our virtual gallery for the 2021 Online Catalyst Festival
Visit 'The Year That Wasn't', a collection of work from Sputnik artists spanning the last year of our community life.
Wed 28 Apr, 2021
Get six months’ free listing in the new Christian Creative Directory
A great opportunity for any freelancers looking to find work in the Christian sphere
Tue 13 Apr, 2021
To keep the arts alive, we need a lot more imagination
The arts were uniquely unprepared for the pandemic, but the biggest issues have existed for decades. We need some radical reinvention, for the sake of our society's common life.
Fri 02 Apr, 2021
Rachel Zylstra and the Beautiful Sadness
Singer-songwriter Rachel Zylstra recently returned to making music with her new album 'On Faith'. Here, she shares insights into the journey of the last few years.
Wed 24 Feb, 2021
Are you a patron, or a consumer?
How we engage with art makes an impact on artists and their industries. If we all act as 'consumers', the consequences could be dire.
Fri 05 Feb, 2021
Don’t patronise artists by not patronising artists
When it comes to church and art, there is certainly a disconnect regarding money. Although this is only one of many reasons churches and artists often miss each other, it is an important one.
Wed 23 Dec, 2020
2020 by Artists: Looking forward to new things
Jonny finishes off his reflections on 2020 with four more artworks from around the Sputnik network that all look beyond the trials of today and draw us into a better tomorrow.
Tue 22 Dec, 2020
2020 by Artists: Searching for meaning in the chaos
Artists don’t just document events, they seek out the meaning that lies behind those events. Jonny presents three more pieces from our 'in the rough' exhibition that looked to get under the skin of 2020.
Mon 21 Dec, 2020
2020 by Artists: An emotional response to lockdown
Jazz musician Max Roach noted that "the artist is like a secretary... he keeps a record of his time." In our 'in the rough' exhibition, several artistic secretaries, from in and around our network, kept a record of 2020 for us.
Fri 18 Dec, 2020
After the Year of Not Gathering, art is more important than ever
2020 was meant to be the year of the Gathering for Sputnik. Instead, it’s been the year of not gathering for all of us! Jonny breaks down one thing that he's learnt in the carnage of 2020.
Sat 11 Jul, 2020
Can arts patronage help reshape our post-COVID culture?
This is a difficult moment for many, but there's also a tangible resistance to the idea of 'business as usual'. Can we dream up a better vision for the arts, for the sake of our society's spiritual common life?
Wed 13 May, 2020
Bristol Faith & Arts Day moves Online
In place of our planned Bristol Faith and Arts Day, we’re going to take the conversation on to Zoom.
Wed 01 Apr, 2020
Peter Laws at the Brum Hub: What can we learn from our morbid curiosities?
Author Peter Laws' dropped in on the Birmingham Hub to present a thorough and thought provoking examination of why people are drawn to the macabre and morbid.
Wed 25 Mar, 2020
Arts in the age of Coronavirus: we’re here to help
Whether you're struggling financially, looking for purpose, or just hoping to connect, we want to do what we can.
Wed 11 Mar, 2020
Falmouth launches new mini-Hubs with a gathering of Fine Artists
Our Falmouth Hub will be running smaller, single-discipline meet-ups for food, discussion, and mutual encouragement.
Wed 29 Jan, 2020
Pip Piper’s new documentary celebrates the people keeping small venues alive
A review from the premiere of 'Long and Winding Road', at the start of Independent Venue Week 2020
Wed 08 Jan, 2020
What did Sputnik fund in 2019?
We've been busy behind the scenes this past year, helping to bring all manner of brilliant creative projects to life. Here's a taster of the fantastic work that we're honoured to be part of.
Mon 30 Dec, 2019
A tribute to Huw Evans, one of Sputnik’s founding artists
In 2019, we lost a beloved member of the Sputnik community. But his ethos lives on.
Thu 26 Dec, 2019
Sputnik founder Jonny Mellor lists his 2019 highlights
A round-up of highlights and surprises from a year of Sputnik life.
Fri 29 Nov, 2019
When Yeezus turned to Jesus: Why ‘Jesus is King’ is not a blueprint for Christian art
'Jesus is King' is enjoyable, but shouldn't be read as an encouragement to Christians to fill their art with explicitly Christian content. There's more going on here than meets the eye.
Wed 13 Nov, 2019
When Yeezus Turned to Jesus: The bigger picture behind ‘Jesus is King’
Kanye West's new album 'Jesus is King' is not an isolated event, but part of a growing leaning towards Christianity in hip hop, the most popular musical genre worldwide.
Thu 30 May, 2019
‘This is the way, walk in it’ conversations from the Edinburgh Hub
Animator Grant Holden shared his journey from school days to a full-time animation career.
Wed 22 May, 2019
Enter the Chaiya Art Awards 2019/2020
With a top prize of £10k and an audience of thousands, Chaiya is the UK's biggest art award to be exploring spirituality through the visual arts.
Wed 15 May, 2019
The Notre Dame fire: How precious should we be about things we’ve made?
The recent fire in the roof of Notre Dame, and the international reaction to the rebuilding project, raise questions about the social value of art. How much do our buildings matter – and how much should we prioritise their preservation?
Wed 15 May, 2019
“The master’s sword dances through the air..” – ‘The Legend of One’ by Pythagoras the Praying Mantis
The latest release by Birmingham rap veteran Pythagoras the Praying Mantis is the work of a master, steeped in hip-hop history and effortless in its delivery.
Mon 29 Apr, 2019
Watch a new posthumous film of uncut Huw Evans wisdom
An interview commissioned for our Sputnik Patrons scheme has been given a dust-off in commemoration of a Sputnik legend.
Tue 23 Apr, 2019
Holding our identity together: thoughts from the London Faith & Art day
Sputnik intern Jess Wood reflects on the conversation and work shared at our recent London Hub launch
Thu 21 Mar, 2019
Spring 2019: What’s been happening in the Sputnik Hubs?
We've brought together over 100 artists this Spring, for camaraderie, critique and collaboration.
Thu 03 Jan, 2019
Protests, prison & poetry: Jeremy Cronin’s revolutionary past
Jeremy Cronin has been an anti-apartheid protestor, a political prisoner, a secret poet and now a national treasure. We unravel the life story and artistic output of the famous South African dissident.
Thu 13 Dec, 2018
When good intentions create bad art
Purpose driven lives are commendable. Purpose driven art doesn’t work.
Mon 03 Dec, 2018
Give someone a bundle of mind-bending faith-soaked art this Christmas
For a limited time only, get our first Sputnik anthology
Wed 28 Nov, 2018
Why algorithmic playlists are bad for our cultural soul
Choosing humanity over a commodified music experience
Wed 21 Nov, 2018
Filmmaker Luca Papa’s journey towards faith
Theatrical director Luca Papa shares his story of coming to faith
Wed 14 Nov, 2018
Artists are enriching the life of Hopera Church, Rome
What happens when church and arts do 'click'
Wed 07 Nov, 2018
Everyone loves a good story: David Blower at the Bedford Sputnik Hub
The six-string theologian brings his engrossing Jonah retelling to Bedford
Wed 24 Oct, 2018
Removing unnecessary obstacles with Marlita Hill
Resolving the supposed tensions and moving forwards as artists and Christ-followers
Thu 18 Oct, 2018
Art is a way to get to know the world: Sharon Boothroyd at the Brum Sputnik Hub
Allowing our practice to teach us, change us and even make us more Christ-like
Wed 10 Oct, 2018
Marlita Hill helps artists to flourish
The woman behind the Kingdom Artist Initiative talks about the expectations and structures in church and the arts
Thu 27 Sep, 2018
The Renaissance had us fooled. We were always ‘post-truth’ people
Stories have always been as important as facts in the way we view the world
Fri 07 Sep, 2018
A primer on faith and the arts from hyperrealist painter Alastair Gordon
Watch Alastair's interview at Catalyst Festival on the value of Christians in the arts
Wed 29 Aug, 2018
Escaping our siege mentality and sharing the richness of the world outside
Why the story of 2 Kings 7 makes a surprising analogy for the church today
Thu 23 Aug, 2018
How I learned that God is waiting to celebrate and display our art
My discovery that my creative contribution is commissioned, and valued, by God
Wed 01 Aug, 2018
Heart-Expanding, Mind-Stretching: My Year as a Sputnik Intern
Our first ever Sputnik intern reflects on a year spent working on her craft
Tue 24 Jul, 2018
‘Bad’ Language: Communicating in a Profane World
As we create work that communicates effectively, we must be able to use the language of the world we live in.
Wed 11 Jul, 2018
Reflections on Stagewrite 2018
We were delighted to support Stagewrite 2018 through our patrons scheme. Phil Mardlin tells us how it went.
Wed 11 Jul, 2018
‘Bad’ Language: CS Lewis and the F-Word
Can Christians be justified in using 'bad' language in their art? Huw Evans explores CS Lewis' example.
Tue 26 Jun, 2018
Artists: How to Get Involved with Sputnik
If you're a Christian-identifying artist who wants to make art for a universal audience, and pursue excellence in your field, we'd love you to be part of Sputnik. Here's how to get involved.
Fri 22 Jun, 2018
Hey, Artists: You Don’t Need to Justify Your Desire to Make Things
To make art is to be a human being, to be part of your culture and your community. If there's ever a reason to withdraw from that, waiting for theological permission shouldn't be it.
Wed 13 Jun, 2018
Kintsugi and the Art of Embracing Failure in Your Artistic Process
What difference might it make if we give ourselves permission to do things badly, or at least imperfectly?
Tue 12 Jun, 2018
Develop your craft, study the Bible & work with us as a Sputnik intern
Applications are open to start the Sputnik internship in September 2018
Sat 09 Jun, 2018
The Chaotic, Emotional Impact of Childish Gambino’s ‘This Is America’
How it feels to get absorbed into the symbolically complex world of Childish Gambino's viral hit
Tue 22 May, 2018
David Benjamin Blower’s new album takes on the art of timeless protest hymns
The apocalyptic folk artist releases his most haunting and immediate work to date
Wed 16 May, 2018
Why Should The Church Care About The Arts?
A webinar on the importance of the arts for churches
Mon 14 May, 2018
Elisha Esquivel’s ‘From the Ground Up’ is a pop banger six years in the making
The singer-songwriter's new EP pulls off no-frills pop with panache
Tue 01 May, 2018
Stagewrite 2018 Takes Place This Week!
Bedford's only new writing festival, supported through the Sputnik Patrons Scheme, runs this Thursday and Friday.
Tue 24 Apr, 2018
Conflict, Compassion and Comedy at the Chaiya Art Awards Exhibition
Some thoughts from the inaugural Chaiya Arts Award exhibition, in London
Tue 17 Apr, 2018
Kendrick Lamar wins historic Pultizer Prize for Music
'DAMN.' is the first non-classical work to be given the prestigious award in 75 years
Mon 16 Apr, 2018
London’s D&AD Festival addresses how ‘Creativity Shapes Culture’
Creativity's cultural influence - and the self-awareness and responsibility that go with it - is the focus of D&AD's 2018 Festival
Fri 13 Apr, 2018
Mr Ekow explains why artists shouldn’t rely on inspiration
We can't rely on moments of inspiration to create, so what should we do?
Wed 11 Apr, 2018
Dora Votin translates grace, loss and beauty into abstract paintings
A conversation with the Budapest-born painter about her art, approach and experience
Wed 04 Apr, 2018
Snoop Dogg curates an all-out Gospel opus, ‘Bible of Love’
The rapper's new album is a high-profile compilation of modern Gospel music
Tue 20 Mar, 2018
Come to the inaugural Chaiya Arts Award exhibition
Over forty artists explore the question 'Where is God in our 21st Century World?'
Tue 13 Mar, 2018
‘A Wrinkle in Time’ gets an early drubbing from the critics
The early reviews for Ava DuVernay's adaptation of the classic children's novel are not great.
Wed 07 Mar, 2018
Support Geoff Hall’s new film project ‘Seeing Rachel’, addressing modern human trafficking
Film makers can be at the frontline of the battle for social justice - and you can support them.
Wed 07 Mar, 2018
Help Patrol to kickstart their next array of illustrated stories
The LA-based illustration studio is preparing kid-friendly books tackling thorny topics with a theological bent
Tue 06 Mar, 2018
Common, Sufjan Stevens grace the Oscars with some under-appreciated class
Two phenomenal artists who wear their politics and faith on their sleeves brought some moments of class to the mixed-bag affair
Mon 05 Mar, 2018
Samuel J Butt shares all with the Kodak podcast
The London photographer capped a week-long residency on Kodak's instagram with an in-depth interview
Fri 02 Mar, 2018
For the UK economy, the creative industries are huge
You might be surprised how much the UK depends on its continuously thriving (and yet underpaid) creative sector
Thu 01 Mar, 2018
Thoughts from Marilynne Robinson’s ‘Gilead’: The Beauty in Mortality and Impermanence
Marilynne Robinson gives us a glimpse of the epicness of this fleeting life
Wed 28 Feb, 2018
Writer and poet Sharon Clark launches new website of her work
Will you commit to your church or your art? Sharon Clark shows that it doesn't need to be an either/or.
Mon 26 Feb, 2018
Black Panther actors Sope Aluko and Letitia Wright keep their faith in the spotlight
There's so much to celebrate about Black Panther - but it's also putting outspoken Christian actors in the public eye
Fri 23 Feb, 2018
Well Done You return with another fire-bellied pop-rock single
'Thank You Very Much George' ramps up the intensity with some frenetic and menacing post-punk
Thu 22 Feb, 2018
Stormzy uses BRIT Award performance to call out Theresa May
The grime MC seizes the moment to display some prophetic art in action
Thu 22 Feb, 2018
Mr Ekow’s new single ‘Heart of the Matter’ tackles modern love
The Croydon rapper's latest release is available now
Tue 20 Feb, 2018
Leftfield pop act Perendiz release new single ‘Down’
Mike Lawetto takes a turn from his indie-rock output with new pop project, Perendiz
Thu 01 Feb, 2018
John Koenig creates new terms for familiar, unnamed emotions
John Koenig's 'Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows' seeks to capture the moments when 'there are no words'.
Thu 25 Jan, 2018
London Rapper Mr Ekow Launches New Vlog for Independent Artists
Mr Ekow's new vlog for independent artist begins with an episode focusing on strategy
Tue 23 Jan, 2018
The Financial Insecurity of Artists Debunks the Myth of Self-Sufficiency
Financial insecurity is a challenge for many artists, but it can also be a blessing, according to fine artist Duncan Stewart.
Wed 17 Jan, 2018
Get Your Free Ticket to An Evening With South African Painter/Sculptor Duncan Stewart
South African painter and sculptor Duncan Stewart is in England. Come and see his work and even hear from the man himself.
Fri 12 Jan, 2018
Would King David have watched Woody Allen films?
What do we do with great art made by not-so-great people?
Wed 10 Jan, 2018
Huw Evans on the Dangers of Rhyme
Huw Evans delivers some helpful advice for poets.
Wed 03 Jan, 2018
Paying Attention to the Constant in a Transient World
Johanna Derry's This Common Year blog continues into 2018.
Wed 27 Dec, 2017
Joel Wilson’s Top 10 Film Experiences of 2017
What were your favourite film experiences of 2017?
Wed 20 Dec, 2017
Well Done You celebrate the Great Christmas Feast
Well Done You round off an excellent year with a rousing homage to Christmas dinner
Wed 20 Dec, 2017
Rowan Williams, Elaine Storkey and David Benjamin Blower present a series of Advent Devotionals
Reflections on Liberation, Peace Across Borders, Good News to the Poor
Tue 19 Dec, 2017
Catch ‘Da Art of Christmas Storytellin’ from Mr Ekow
Festive rap storytelling from Croydon
Tue 19 Dec, 2017
Remember when Churches made Great Art? This!
Kings Church, Edinburgh's 2017 Christmas video is something special.
Tue 19 Dec, 2017
See The Liturgists’ series of visual meditations on the Joyous Mysteries
An intriguing and thoughtfully curated Advent series
Fri 15 Dec, 2017
St. Paul’s Auckland Keep Up Their High Standard of Christmas Films
St Pauls, Auckland are back with their 2017 short film, 'Gold Frankincense Myrrh'
Thu 14 Dec, 2017
Join Sputnik Patrons and get The Blood Magnetic’s new Christmas EP
A limited offer for new sign-ups this Christmas
Thu 07 Dec, 2017
Help Musicians UK launches 24-hour mental health hotline for musicians
The Music Minds Matter offers 24/7 support to those in the music industry
Wed 06 Dec, 2017
Sputnik Sounds Vol. 1 is now available to stream
Hear some of our favourite Sputnik-made music in this new compilation
Tue 05 Dec, 2017
What will Ally Gordon be doing at The Catalyst Festival?
So what is an artist in residence anyway?
Wed 29 Nov, 2017
Stream ReFlex the Architect’s album highlight ‘Lonely Pioneers’ now
The London rapper's latest is an anthem for faith-fuelled artists everywhere
Sat 25 Nov, 2017
Does The Bible Shape Your Creative Practice?
Joel Wilson reports on another provocative and stimulating Brum Sputnik Hub meet up.
Thu 23 Nov, 2017
Reflections on the Everything Conference
Three artists' reflections on the recent Everything Conference
Wed 22 Nov, 2017
Catalyst Festival 2018 will have its First Ever Resident Artist
Even more reasons to book into 2018's Catalyst Festival.
Tue 21 Nov, 2017
Jessamy Shreeves presents a new kind of Arts Festival
We've heard from the thinker of team Shreeves. Now, over to the doer.
Fri 17 Nov, 2017
Keir Shreeves sees the arts as a journey of Faith
We caught up with Keir Shreeves to discuss how and why it is important for the church to engage with the arts.
Thu 16 Nov, 2017
Lost Da Vinci becomes most expensive painting ever sold
Is there anything to glean from the extravagant sale of Salvador Mundi?
Wed 15 Nov, 2017
Pristine synth-pop from London newcomers Dutchkid
Hear the debut single by the S. London four-piece
Tue 14 Nov, 2017
Richard’s Immaculata Cosmica project now available online
Fascinating montages of Renaissance religous art and space
Mon 13 Nov, 2017
New Photographic Exhibition in London by Samuel J Butt
The SE London photographer presents a collection from his last 7 years
Fri 10 Nov, 2017
A Handy Introduction to Church & The Arts by Keir Shreeves
A succinct but thorough introduction to the importance of the arts for local churches
Thu 09 Nov, 2017
Book in to the 2017 Everything Conference
The Everything Conference is back. We're going. Join us!
Wed 08 Nov, 2017
Katriona Beales’ latest exhibit explores digital hyper-connectivity
Last chance to see 'Are We All Addicts Now?'
Tue 07 Nov, 2017
New Illuminated Bible by Dana Tanamachi
Reviving the Middle Age practice of illumination
Fri 03 Nov, 2017
Elisha Esquivel, Musical Roots & Successful Crowdfunding
We caught up with Coventry based singer/songwriter Elisha Esquivel.
Tue 31 Oct, 2017
Katrina Moss & The Chaiya Arts Awards
Have you heard about the Chaiya Art Awards yet?
Fri 27 Oct, 2017
Making Work That Requires Work
Making work that is difficult isn't necessarily being obscure or obtuse. It's what the prophets did.
Fri 06 Oct, 2017
Our New Sputnik Intern: Tanya Chitunhu
An interview with our first ever Sputnik intern.
Tue 26 Sep, 2017
Art Shouldn’t Avoid Sin – But Tell the Truth About It
The argument for honest, Biblical, sin-soaked telly
Fri 22 Sep, 2017
But What Exactly Is Arts Patronage?
Patronage has played a role in the arts throughout history. If the church would like to contribute to our culture, that's a key place to start.
Mon 18 Sep, 2017
Introducing Sputnik Patrons: 4 Projects to Support
The artists being supported in Sputnik Patron's inaugural year
Fri 08 Sep, 2017
The Case of The Magical Statues
The real role of historical statues in our societies
Mon 04 Sep, 2017
Dan Crook is breaking genre boundaries
The apocalyptic folk artist talks to us about authenticity
Tue 29 Aug, 2017
Music Careers and Mental Health
What is it about the music industry that lends itself to burnout?
Fri 18 Aug, 2017
Should Christians Be The Most Creative People On The Planet? (Remix)
Lessons from Pope John Paul II's Letter to Artists
Tue 15 Aug, 2017
The Art Of Not Knowing: Embracing Discomfort and Nuance in our Work
How do artists respond to the pressure for certainty over mystery and nuance?
Fri 11 Aug, 2017
Revisiting Beauty and Art: An Update From The Vatican
Exploring the relationship between art and beauty in Pope John Paul II's Letter to Artists
Tue 08 Aug, 2017
Ruth Chipperfield at Women In Business Expo 2017
Ruth shares her story and work as Ruth Mary Jewellery
Fri 04 Aug, 2017
Show respect for your discipline, and nurture your craft
The importance of knowing the tradition you work in
Fri 28 Jul, 2017
Living with integrity makes for great, influential artists
Why your life outside your art matters, as much as your work
Tue 25 Jul, 2017
Kendrick, Chance & Christian Hip-Hop
What is going on with 2017's most respected and successful hip-hop artists?
Fri 21 Jul, 2017
Forget about trying to change the world
Why intentionally 'changing the world' is complex and maybe impossible
Fri 14 Jul, 2017
The case for Christians in positions of cultural influence
God's use of significant influencers in the Bible
Wed 12 Jul, 2017
Propaganda breaks ground with ‘Crooked’
The third album by the Los Angeles hip-hop poet
Fri 07 Jul, 2017
Are Christians Called To Influence Society?
How do we approach the idea of influence in our culture?
Wed 28 Jun, 2017
Heard: A Short Film From NewCom Studio
NewCom studio uses film and design to describe common spiritual experiences
Wed 07 Jun, 2017
Cultural Disengagement & A Thin View Of Sin
Why does the modern evangelical church produce so few artists of excellence?
Tue 30 May, 2017
Mr Ekow transmitting from Planet Croydon
Croydon rapper Mr. Ekow explains why we're in a new golden age
Fri 26 May, 2017
A Road Trip to The Holy Biscuit Study Day
Camaraderie, productive diversity, and oustanding art
Tue 23 May, 2017
An Interview With the Perfect Summer Band
The perfectly-named Midsummer tell us about their new album 'The Stories You Tell'
Fri 19 May, 2017
Bedford Hub Report: What Is A Professional Artist?
Finding the boundaries of 'professional' work over 'amateur'
Mon 15 May, 2017
Minor Artists: a label led by its patrons
We talk to multi-disciplinary artist Chris Donald
Fri 12 May, 2017
Pip Piper: The Dog & The Hippo
Part three of our interview with filmmaker Pip Piper
Tue 09 May, 2017
Pip Piper on Art, Faith & Church
We talk to the Birmingham-based filmmaker about how these three combine
Fri 05 May, 2017
Pip Piper on ‘The Insatiable Moon’ and becoming a filmmaker
The Birmingham filmmaker talks about his career so far
Fri 28 Apr, 2017
When Bad Things Happen To Bad People (And We Enjoy Watching)
The reliable myth of redemptive violence
Tue 25 Apr, 2017
Author Mike French Creates Unorthodox Sci-Fi Narratives
The sci-fi storyteller talks about his approach to his work
Mon 17 Apr, 2017
Introducing The All New Mellor Band Classification System
A guide to getting to the next step as musicians
Fri 17 Mar, 2017
Jemma Mellor will be Leading Our Intern Team!
Jemma explains our brand new Intern scheme
Tue 14 Mar, 2017
Brum Sputnik Hub Review: Learning to Collaborate Well
Collaborating by ideas, execution or inspiration
Fri 10 Mar, 2017
Reading and Writing (The Second Bit)
Putting into practice what we learn from other practitioners
Tue 07 Mar, 2017
Reading & Writing (The First Bit)
The courtesy we owe to older practitioners of our art
Thu 02 Mar, 2017
David Benjamin Blower And The Book Of Jonah
The apocalyptic folk artist shares all on his latest two records
Fri 24 Feb, 2017
Explaining Your Own Book: A Fable by Huw Evans
Identifying the essence of a story you're immersed in writing
Fri 17 Feb, 2017
Mike Lawetto and Messing With Musical Expectations
The freelance producer and songwriter talks about splitting time between wildly different projects
Tue 07 Feb, 2017
Learning from ‘Silence’: Rejection and Success Often Go Together
Accepting a mixed reaction to faithful, powerful art
Fri 03 Feb, 2017
Learning From ‘Silence’: Asking Difficult Questions
Guiding our audience well through dangerous ideas
Fri 27 Jan, 2017
Would You Like To Be A Sputnik Intern For A Year?
The first ever Sputnik internship
Wed 25 Jan, 2017
It’s Time To Knit Ourselves In Again!
A way to pull in close to church and push forward in artistic practice
Tue 17 Jan, 2017
Sputnik’s Long-Term Approach to Christianity and the Arts
Small encouragements and a long-term outlook
Tue 10 Jan, 2017
The Grotesque And The Beautiful In Faithful Art
Faithful art lives in the real tension between suffering and hope
Tue 03 Jan, 2017
Has Art Ever Been All About Beauty?
The popular Eurocentric view that rewrites what art is 'supposed' to be about
Thu 22 Dec, 2016
Christmas Videos: Kings Church Edinburgh & St Pauls Auckland
Two new videos retelling the Christmas story or exploring the questions it raises.
Fri 16 Dec, 2016
St Francis and Subversive Nativities
The unexpectedly radical origins of nativity scenes
Tue 06 Dec, 2016
Why do we create? Lessons from the Bedford Sputnik Hub
Understanding different approaches to our art
Tue 29 Nov, 2016
You don’t need to do it all on your own: lessons from the Brum Sputnik Hub.
Lessons from Stewart Garry's 'Sojourner' Q&A
Fri 25 Nov, 2016
How To Respond Creatively To A Year As Unsettling As 2016?
Let the past give context to our current-day despair
Fri 18 Nov, 2016
When Christian Art is Pagan (And Pagan Art Becomes Christian)
The origins of supposedly 'safe' Christian art are often more complex than we think
Wed 16 Nov, 2016
Doctor Strange: A Masterclass in Christian Film Making
Leading people to Jesus through the most unpromising of evangelistic source material
Fri 11 Nov, 2016
How Should The Church Patronise Art? A Thought Experiment.
A thought experiment on Christian arts funding
Tue 01 Nov, 2016
What comes first – your cause or your art?
Thoughts from Peter Kennard's 'Off Message' exhibition
Fri 28 Oct, 2016
James Cary: The Problem with Protestantism and the Arts
From Ally Gordon's 'Beyond Air Guitar'
Fri 21 Oct, 2016
Where is The Line, Norman Stone?
Film director and producer Norman Stone talks about his ethic of work
Tue 18 Oct, 2016
An Interview with Josh Whitehouse (Pt 2)
The enigmatic illustrator shares more about his work
Thu 13 Oct, 2016
Catalyst Workplace Day: Game changer
Thinking through the place that work should have in our lives
Tue 11 Oct, 2016
An Interview with Josh Whitehouse (pt 1)
The unorthodox journey of illustrator Josh Whitehouse
Thu 06 Oct, 2016
Christ in Art: Particular and Universal
How is the painter, illustrator, or sculptor to represent the timeless and time bound all in one body?
Mon 03 Oct, 2016
How do you make challenging art without causing people to stumble?
How to provoke, challenge and even offend in the right circumstances
Tue 27 Sep, 2016
Daniel Blake: How can Christian arts professionals do their work for Jesus?
Fashion designer Daniel Blake shares his expertise
Tue 20 Sep, 2016
Scott Derrickson: a three-dimensional view on good and evil
Cinema that puts the spiritual powers at the forefront of life
Tue 13 Sep, 2016
Flannery O’Connor, Disney and Ghibli?
Fiction that reinforces our sense of the supernatural
Fri 09 Sep, 2016
Disney vs Ghibli: Can we have moral absolutes and nuanced characters?
Approaches to good and evil in animated cinema
Fri 02 Sep, 2016
Solving Problems or Making Things New
Wisdom from Dorothy Sayers' 'The Mind of the Maker'
Fri 26 Aug, 2016
Marrying Theology and Creativity: Some thoughts from Humble Beast
A conversation with Thomas Terry from the American hip-hop label
Tue 23 Aug, 2016
Michelangelo, Character and Community
The tension between total dedication to art, and the working out of faith
Tue 09 Aug, 2016
Church Art Projects- A Bluffer’s Guide (Pt. 2)
The one question that stops most church art projects ever getting started
Tue 02 Aug, 2016
Church Art Projects – A Bluffer’s Guide
How do you avoid the usual pitfalls and engage the whole church in an art project?
Fri 29 Jul, 2016
Mental Illness For Fun And Profit
The misuse of mental instability as a film marketing tool
Thu 21 Jul, 2016
What Does Mission Look Like In The Arts?
People who work hard, care for others, and take opportunities
Tue 19 Jul, 2016
Alan Scott and Swimming Against The Whirlpool
Fighting against the inward pull of the church
Fri 15 Jul, 2016
Where Is The Line, Chris Donald?
Graphic designer Chris Donald shares his approach to 'the line'
Mon 11 Jul, 2016
Making Stuff, Not Just Talking About Stuff
The raison d'être of our Sputnikzone workshops
Thu 07 Jul, 2016
Interview with Colin Veysey of The Wick Trimmers
The Wick Trimmers guitarist talks about local music and the community
Fri 17 Jun, 2016
madebymotive exhibition, Catalyst Festival 2016
The strategy behind our festival gallery
Fri 10 Jun, 2016
But machines can’t really make art, can they?
We like to think that creativity is beyond the reaches of artificial intelligence
Thu 26 May, 2016
Sputnik Zone at Catalyst Festival, 2016
The full lowdown on our Catalyst Festival plans
Tue 24 May, 2016
Welcome The Stranger – Benjamin Blower
The apocalyptic folk singer explains his latest refugee-inspired work
Tue 17 May, 2016
Film, Folk Guitar, and a New Kind of Album
An interview with folk guitarist Stewart Garry
Fri 13 May, 2016
Where is the Line, Danielle Wilson?
Singer Danielle Wilson talks about supporting other musicians
Tue 10 May, 2016
Family film nights that shape your children’s worldview!
Using all kinds of cinema as a positive influence on our children
Mon 02 May, 2016
Interview with Phil Mardlin (LifeBox Theatre Company)
The actor and director talks about faith and creativity in theatre
Fri 29 Apr, 2016
Part 2: Me Against ‘The World’
Civil disobedience and dissent are not necessarily the same thing
Tue 26 Apr, 2016
Part 1: A Response to ‘Artist & Empire’
Why it's important for Christian artists to express dissent in art
Fri 22 Apr, 2016
The First Bedford Passion Play in over 30 years
The challenge and experience of staging a brand-new public passion play
Thu 31 Mar, 2016
Interview with Photographer Simon Bray
We meet the Mancunian photographer behind 'The Edges of These Isles'
Sun 27 Mar, 2016
Would you like to share your work with 5000 people at the Catalyst Festival?
We are looking for people to join our exhibits and performances
Mon 21 Mar, 2016
Masterpieces Every Christian Should Know: Exploring Our Tradition
Art critic Jeffery Overstreet interviews Terry Glaspey on his latest book, a fascinating exploration of the artistic history within the Christian faith
Tue 15 Mar, 2016
Cildo Meireles and Creating Cracks In The Current Order
Inserting ruptures into the systems circulating ideologies
Tue 15 Mar, 2016
Interview with Singer / Songwriter Jake Isaac
The London worship pastor and musician speaks about his changing career
Fri 11 Mar, 2016
What Was It To Be Human? Another 3 Reasons Why I Loved Our Last Art Project
Helping Christians who aren't artistic to understand the importance of arts
Tue 08 Mar, 2016
Should Christians watch horror movies?
Finding nuance beyond our knee-jerk responses
Tue 08 Mar, 2016
What Is It To Be Human? 2 Reasons Why I Loved Our Last Art Project
We've helped churches engage with their local communities in new ways
Thu 03 Mar, 2016
Anya Gallaccio and These Beautiful Changeable Things
Should our creations be insulated from time and mutation?
Tue 01 Mar, 2016
Artists As Servants: What I Learnt From The Circus
Joy, extraordinary skill and remarkable humility on display
Tue 16 Feb, 2016
Lamentation: Should Heaven Know I’m Miserable Now?
The need for creative engagement with the unspoken shadows that are a part of everyday human life
Wed 03 Feb, 2016
Suffering and Healing in Arie A. Galles’ Fourteen Stations
A radical departure from customary depictions of Christ's passion stations
Wed 03 Feb, 2016
Dirty Words: The Need for Christian Criticism
Critique and deconstruction can raise the standards of art and deepen our understanding
Wed 03 Feb, 2016
Isaiah P Beagle interviews Benjamin Blower (pt 2)
Benjamin Blower tells us more about his Kingdom Vs Empire project
Wed 03 Feb, 2016
Isaiah P Beagle interviews Benjamin Blower (pt 1)
Talking to the radical, apocalyptic folk musician Benjamin Blower
Wed 03 Feb, 2016
An interview with Re:flex the Architect
The UK hip-hop mainstay talks about his journey and process
Wed 03 Feb, 2016
An Interview with Duncan Stewart
The South African painter on his inspiration and experience
Wed 03 Feb, 2016
Schaeffer’s Staircase: Thought shapes art and art shapes life
How ideas are transmitted to our culture through art
Wed 03 Feb, 2016
An Interview With Author Tom Avery
We talk to the critically-acclaimed fiction writer
Wed 03 Feb, 2016
Our Annual Art Project for 2016 is here…
madebymotive: a new open submission art project