Our Story
Archbishop Mario Conti with Stephen Callaghan at the launch of Lentfest 2008.
Founded in 2006, the Archdiocese of Glasgow Arts Project began when Archbishop Mario Conti, then Archbishop of Glasgow, met with arts practitioner, Stephen Callaghan who had just directed the Scottish Premiere of two plays written by the Polish playwright, Karol Wojtyla (better known as Saint Pope John Paul II). The conversation led to the development of a project that sought to rekindle the Church's active involvement and interest in the world of the arts through various initiatives.
In the spirit of Saint John Paul II (himself a playwright, poet and actor), AGAP has reached out to a wide variety of people interested in using and developing their gifts and talents in the service of God. Whilst maintaining an inclusive Catholic ethos, AGAP has involved people of various faith backgrounds and none at all. For some, it is an access point to an encounter with the Catholic Faith, for others it is a way to develop new skills or to meet others with similar interests. Everyone, from school children to professional artists have contributed to the work of the project over the years. We are registered internationally by the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Culture as a Catholic Cultural Centre.
AGAP organises arts events and activities that facilitate an encounter with the Faith of the Catholic Church. These have included art exhibitions, theatre productions, concerts, film events, literary events, school workshops and more. Our annual flagship festival, Lentfest: An Imaginative Fusion of Faith and the Arts, has become a household name and is recognised in The List Guide to Scotland's Festivals. AGAP's highly successful touring community theatre company, has contributed to various public events, including Glasgow's Merchant City Festival, West End Festival, and St Mungo Festival, as well as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Since 2006, AGAP has been based in various parts of the Archdiocese of Glasgow and in 2020 moved to new premises, operating out of the Parish of Saint Robert Bellarmine, Househillwood in the South Side but continues to serve the Archdiocese of Glasgow.
In the spirit of Saint John Paul II (himself a playwright, poet and actor), AGAP has reached out to a wide variety of people interested in using and developing their gifts and talents in the service of God. Whilst maintaining an inclusive Catholic ethos, AGAP has involved people of various faith backgrounds and none at all. For some, it is an access point to an encounter with the Catholic Faith, for others it is a way to develop new skills or to meet others with similar interests. Everyone, from school children to professional artists have contributed to the work of the project over the years. We are registered internationally by the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Culture as a Catholic Cultural Centre.
AGAP organises arts events and activities that facilitate an encounter with the Faith of the Catholic Church. These have included art exhibitions, theatre productions, concerts, film events, literary events, school workshops and more. Our annual flagship festival, Lentfest: An Imaginative Fusion of Faith and the Arts, has become a household name and is recognised in The List Guide to Scotland's Festivals. AGAP's highly successful touring community theatre company, has contributed to various public events, including Glasgow's Merchant City Festival, West End Festival, and St Mungo Festival, as well as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Since 2006, AGAP has been based in various parts of the Archdiocese of Glasgow and in 2020 moved to new premises, operating out of the Parish of Saint Robert Bellarmine, Househillwood in the South Side but continues to serve the Archdiocese of Glasgow.
How to find us |
Where our work is based. |
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AGAP's office is now based in the presbytery of the parish of Saint Robert Bellarmine, at 310 Peat Road, Househillwood, Glasgow G53 6SA. It is not far from Silverburn Shopping Centre on Glasgow's South Side.
We recently moved from St Mungo's Retreat, Townhead, where we were based from 2016-2019. Prior to that, we were based at St Michael's Parish, Parkhead, from 2009-2016 and were originally based at Our Lady of Consolation Church, Govanhill from 2006-2009. Premises for our activities are still pending. However, the events that we organise take place in parishes and schools across the length and breadth of the Archdiocese. |
