Reading this article, I learnt that the chaplain is not employed by the University of the Arts London, but is sent to our creative community by the diocese of London. In all the time I have been a part of UAL, in which I’m in my eighth academic year, no one has spoken about religion or shared this fact. This positive action, I recognise as a powerful demonstration of love and grace for the HE institutional system, knowing that this level of support is available to all students and staff. However, no member of staff has ever spoken to me about religion. Is it time we started?
My immediate response to integrating this work with our students is to invite Mark Dean to speak on interfaith initiatives within our fashion design studios. There is so much power I believe in having a visible presence. Please understand, I have always at the beginning of the academic year, when level four students are introduced to the various services available to support their studies, chaplaincy is mentioned, only and not celebrated alongside disability services, which are given far more time to be explained. Is this because those who are empowered to explain about faith, have no interest in faith themselves? So, feel, it is not worthy as other aspects of the support services available to our students?
Lastly, do you think religion, faith, spirituality increase or decrease creativity?
I agree with the Chaplin, that my “…faith is critically engaged with my creativity”. I would like to take up the invitation to continue the conversation, and I agree there is no easy answer. For myself, it is a lifelong journey, understanding myself as a spiritual being whose connection to God allows me to channel the best of who I am as an expression of love through creativity to be shared with those who have the capacity to understand my perspective and appreciate my art. In doing so, hopefully to inspire and positively contribute to people, so that they may inspire others.
Image and question in italics taken from: https://issuu.com/shadesofnoir/docs/higher_power