New online showcase for sacred and liturgical art
A new online facility aims to deepen the appreciation of sacred art by featuring Australian artists and liturgical art in its various forms.
The new facility is the work of the National Liturgical Architecture and Art Council. Work began in 2019 and has led to the preparation and publication of almost 30 articles that examine items as diverse as stained-glass windows and liturgical vessels, as well as sculptures and churches.
All of the content is written by Australians and each article has a clear Australian link, featuring artists, architects and works in Australia. The collection of articles will be expanded regularly to produce an extensive database and reference point for Catholic art.
A broad view is taken of Catholic art because the Church has not adopted any particular style or form of art as its own. Whatever is good and true contributes a noble beauty to acts of worship. It leads to a new appreciation of the infinite beauty of the Creator God.
It is expected that the collection will be of benefit to a wide range of people, including parishes renewing liturgical spaces, for architects and artists, for students and researchers, and lovers of art.
Engagement with sacred art is almost as old as the Catholic Church, and has been a great tool for faith education through the centuries. This facility seeks to continue that long tradition, using today’s communication methods.
The Council has completed a number of key projects in recent years, including books on church buildings and on the stewardship and renewal of places of worship.
The Australian Catholic Liturgical Art Web site is another significant contribution to the Church in Australia, helping promote the work of wonderful local artists and educate the faithful along the way.
The facility has been put together with assistance from Liturgy Brisbane and the digital technology office of the Bishops Conference.
Additional contributions are welcomed and should be submitted for consideration by the Council using the contact option at the Web site below.
www.art.catholic.org.au