CIVA: Committed to Serious Art and Serious Faith

Formed in 1979 in Wenham, Christians for the Visual Arts (CIVA), and is an organization "committed to the mission of serious art and serious faith." For 35 years CIVA has worked to provide a space of collaboration where artists, collectors, critics, professors, historians, pastors and arts professionals explore the profound relationship between art and faith.

Hamilton-Wenham Patch talked with Margot Rogers, marketing, membership and exhibits director 

Patch: In a nutshell, what are you trying to do with the organization? 

MR: CIVA’s broad range of programs including events, publications, traveling exhibits, and community collaborations work to grow the art and faith movement both in the Church and in culture. The theme for 2014 is "Come to the Table." This year we have launched a new traveling exhibit, a gallery guide, a documentary film series called "Art and Christian Pilgrimage," two issues of SEEN Journal, and the CIVA Sourcebook.

MR: CIVA events provide unique opportunities for Serious Art and Serious Faith. Our 2013 conference called “JUSTart” provided a forum of conversation and action for artists seeking justice from around the globe. JUSTart was a historical moment where artists worked to pursue justice together, and that event has inspired continued collaboration worldwide. We look forward to a symposium this fall in New York City, and our next conference in June 2015 on The Beautiful Community. This August CIVA will host the annual “Doing Good Well” Leadership Development event in Leavenworth, Washington.

In addition to our various programs and membership benefits, it is the partnership with member organizations and individuals that helps CIVA to realize our mission of equipping artists. To learn more about the work of CIVA, read stories from our members on our Testimonials Page.

MR: CIVA has members from all over the world. The online CIVA Network is an online community where members can collaborate and explore our mission of Serious Art and Serious Faith.

Patch: Do you have members?

MR: We have a worldwide network of CIVA members including artists, art professors, art critics, curators, collectors, universities, galleries, museums, libraries, churches, art ministries, art institutions and organizations. Learn more at CIVA.org/membership