The Archdiocese of Glasgow Arts Project (AGAP) made the announcement today that a record number of artists have signed up to take part in the annual art exhibition which takes places during Lentfest.  The festival, which began as a pilot in 2007, has been hugely successful in attracting the participation of a wide range of supporters.  Lentfest 2012 boasts a strong line-up with artists such as Peter Howson, Jolomo (John Lowrie Morrison), Anne Devine, Sandy Moffat and Richard Demarco joining the ranks alongside regular participants like Sarah T. Bookless, Brendan Berry and David T. Collins.

Lentfest Director, Stephen Callaghan explains: “The popularity of the exhibition topic illustrates the timelessness of Biblical subject matter and the diversity of the artists will no doubt ensure a wide range of interpretations.  We’ve never had so many artists take part and not all of them are Christian so it will be interesting to see what they come up with.”

The Stations of the Cross and Resurrection are a set of 28 images which are traditionally used in the Catholic Church to reflect upon the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  “The “Via Crucis” (Way of the Cross) is better known,” continues Callaghan, “but there is evidence of a tradition called the ‘Via Lucis’ (Way of Light), which takes us up to the Descent of the Holy Spirit and this deserves our attention too because the Christian story does not end with suffering and death but with hope and enlightenment.”

Archbishop Mario Conti, the festival’s patron, added: “I am delighted that we have the support of the University of Glasgow Chaplaincy for this exhibition and I hope that many will take advantage of the opportunity to visit the exhibition during Lent and use it as a means of reflection and prayer.”

The twenty-eight artists who will depict the Stations consented to have their names entered into a draw to be allocated their particular subject.  (A video of the draw can be viewed here.)  The twenty-ninth artist is sculptress, Kate Robinson, who is working on a three-dimensional reflection on the Crucifixion.  This will complement an installation featuring ancient Roman nails, of the type used in the practice of crucifixion, which are housed by the Hunterian Museum at the University of Glasgow, and which will be on display in the exhibition space during the exhibition.

The list of participating artists and their subjects is as follows:

Two artists from AGAP Art Group, Pat McKinnon (left) and Ginelia McLean (right) at the Exhibition in St Helen's Church Hall, Langside

Parishioners at St Helen’s, Langside had something different to talk about over coffee today as the parish hosted a charity exhibition by AGAP Art Group. The parish is the first to host the enterprise which is the brainchild of the group’s leader, Margaret Connelly and hopes to raise money for good causes.

The group, which meets weekly in the Larkfield Centre in Govanhill, is an offshoot from the beginners art classes which have been taught by Margaret Connelly since 2007, when AGAP was based at the parish of Our Lady of Consolation in Govanhill. Since then, a small group of people who attended the classes in chalk pastel drawing and acrylic painting have continued to meet with Margaret to continue their interest in art and their friendship.

“The artwork that is produced by the group,” explains Margaret, “can be put to a good cause if we have parishes willing to house a simple exhibition over a weekend. All of the money raised will go to help a designated charity – in this first instance, AGAP itself.  By keeping the cost of the artwork low, starting at around £5, we hope that people will be encouraged to buy something to make a donation to a worthy cause and give the group an incentive to continue painting and drawing.”

Parish priest, Mgr Paul Murray, was delighted with the response to the exhibition and was amazed at how affordable were the works on sale: “Normally for an original painting, people expect to pay a lot more.  We have seen quite a few sales over the weekend and we intend to leave the exhibition up in the hall until the end of the week.”

St Helen’s is the first parish to host the group’s exhibition and it is hoped that other parishes will consider having a similar one in their hall over a weekend to raise funds for good causes.

Margaret added, “As well as raising funds, we hope the exhibition encourages others to join the art group; it is free of charge and meets every Tuesday 1pm – 3pm at the Larkfield Centre, 39 Inglefield Street, Govanhill. Bring your own materials to work with and support is available to beginners.  It is great fun and we do a lot of giggling!”

If you are interested in hosting an AGAP Art Group coffee morning/exhibition for a good cause or joining the AGAP Art Group, please get in call 0141 554 1333 or e-mail info@agap.org.uk

“From the Cradle to the Grave” was first performed at Arts in Autumn last year and returned for Lentfest 2012.  It is a thought-provoking journey through the stories behind songs which are over 100 years old.  As the stories unfold, some funny and some sad, we see that very little has changed about the human condition over the years as we explore the seven ages of man which Shakespeare outlined.  Joe Murray’s involvement with AGAP came about through the late Erne Parkin (musical director of “Francis-The Verdict” and “Paul” and the creator of “Life Up the Raw”), who died suddenly in 2009 after contributing so much to the life of the project and to the Suzy Fund (www.parkinsplace.co.uk).  Whilst also managing the original AGAP website, Joe Murray also found himself involved in the musical side of AGAP, alongside his friend, Erne, on projects like “Pilgrim”, “Life Up the Raw”, and “Pauline Pilgrim”.  An accomplished and versatile musician as well as a skilled artist, Joe Murray’s production fuses together a range of musical styles, from folk to blues, and an array of stunning visual images projected on a large screen. This is a show which has left audiences with plenty to talk about and Arts in Autumn will host its final two performances. Not only that, but the money raised will actually save lives.  Don’t miss it!

FRIDAY 21st OCTOBER – 7.30PM at St Michael’s Church Hall, 1350 Gallowgate, Parkhead

SATURDAY 22nd OCTOBER – 7.30PM at St Joseph’s Church Hall, Buchanan St, Milngavie

£5 ENTRY – to reserve tickets call 0141 554 1333 or e-mail: info@agap.org.uk or take your chances and pay at the door!

Click here to download a photocopiable poster.

Old traditional ballads and folk songs, imaginatively woven together with songs from the dance halls, public houses and churches of 19th Century Britain and America.  Taken together, they trace a thought-provoking path from the CRADLE to the GRAVE and beyond…

The songs chronicle many aspects of human experience: some are joyful, some humorous, some bittersweet, some dark and uncomfortable – but they all have interesting and intriguing histories.

And the stories behind them are told through a tapestry of atmospheric slides and projected images.

Joe Murray (banjo, keyboard); David Murray (guitar); Karen McCabe (guitar); Mary Lou Graham (cello); Joe Wharburton (bass).

Daniel Campbell, Maryfrances Jennow and Katie Tennent in a comedy sketch from "Freedom from Chains"

What do you get if you take comedy, music, visual projection, film, poetry, sketches, movement and monologues and put them all together?  The answer is “Freedom from Chains” – a new play by AGAP Theatre which will mark the 80th Anniversary of the Notre Dame Centre and the 5th Anniversary of AGAP.

The play is written and directed by Stephen Callaghan with support from the staff and clients of the Notre Dame Centre, which has provided support for children, young people and families since 1931.  It will be the first AGAP Theatre production to open at the Old Sheriff Court building, on Brunswick Street in Glasgow’s Merchant City, which is home to Scottish Youth Theatre.

Performed by three energetic and versatile young actors, Maryfrances Jennow, Katie Tennent and Daniel Campbell (fresh from his performance that the Edinburgh Fringe), and accompanied by a ecclectic soundtrack from the 30s to the present day, chosen by musical director, Laurence Turner, the play is set to wow audiences.  Stephen Callaghan said: “We should not underestimate the importance of the work carried out by the Notre Dame Centre in helping to rebuild the lives of children, young people and their families over the past 80 years.  I hope that this play helps audiences to think about the contribution made by the centre to society and, although it is mostly an upbeat and entertaining celebration piece, I hope it will also raise awareness of the serious issues facing young people today.”

The play incorporates poetry written by past clients of the Centre as well as photographic images and a short film about its history.  It is the task of Roisin Loughran, the show’s Stage Manager, to work with staff at the Centre to ensure that all of the various components come together.

“Freedom from Chains” will be performed on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd October at 2.30pm at the Old Sheriff Court, 105 Brunswick Street in Glasgow City Centre.  The Sunday is a double anniversary celebration, as it will be exactly 5 years since Archbishop Mario Conti appointed Stephen Callaghan to set up the project which has been a great success.  Tickets for “Freedom from Chains” are £3 from 0141 554 1333 or info@agap.org.uk or pay at the door.  Light refreshments will be served after the play.

Click here to download a printable poster for the event.

The Arts in Autumn programme is admittedly more “in-house” than Lentfest, with a less extensive marketing campaign, aimed mainly at parishes and schools in the the Archdiocese of Glasgow but it is no less inclusive and eclectic in its content.  This year’s line-up is no exception!

Following the trend of previous “AiA” seasons, the events have a keen emphasis on the involvement of young people, collaboration with other organisations, and raising awareness of social/moral issues.  Two of the concerts in the music programme are charity fundraisers: the outstanding Spirit of Life Youth Choir, kicks off the programme with a Famine Relief concert at St Andrew’s Cathedral on 15th September and Joe Murray’s acclaimed “From the Cradle to the Grave” returns for two final performances to help Ethiopian AIDS orphans on 21st and 22nd October.

Once again, the programme includes a collaborative theatre production.  This year, AGAP has been working with the Notre Dame Centre in Glasgow’s West End, which celebrates its 80th Anniversary.  “Freedom from Chains” tells the story of the centre, which was founded by Sr Marie Hilda SND in 1931 to provide therapeutic help and support to children, young people and their families.  It is the first AGAP Theatre Production to open at the Old Sherriff Court on Brunswick Street, at the Brian Cox Studio Theatre which is home to Scottish Youth Theatre on 1st and 2nd October.

The music programme is strong this year, with the Scottish premier of James MacMillan’s Saint John Passion, performed by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the London Symphony Chorus and the BBC Singers at the City Halls, Glasgow on 29th September. (for tickets go to www.bbc.co.uk/bbcsso)  Also, fresh from their beautifully uplifting concert at Lentfest, Russkaya Cappella return with an unmissable concert for St Andrew’s Day on 30th November at St Aloysius Church in Garnethill, celebrating the Patron Saint of both Scotland and Russia.

For the second year running, the AiA programme includes the Annual Schools Art Competition for Secondary School pupils across the Archdiocese to compete for the awards for excellence in the expression of faith through art.  The theme this year is “Sacred Space” and focusses on Art and Architecture in the Church following the historic restoration of St Andrew’s Cathedral this year.  It will be judged by artist, Brendan Berry, whose roundels of St Mungo and St Andrew greet visitors as they enter the Cathedral.

Finally, there is the opportunity to give thanks for those who contribute to the cultural life of the Archdiocese through the arts.  This year, there is a special Mass on 4th November at St Andrew’s Cathedral, to mark the 40th Anniversary of the St Mungo Singers.  Then, on Sunday 27th November, AGAP’s annual Mass of thanksgiving for the artistic community will take place at St Andrew’s Cathedral with music led by the Cathedral choir and an exhibition of entries to the schools art competition.

With such a busy line-up for Autumn, AGAP will have its work cut out to get ready for Lentfest 2012, which is already shaping up to be its busiest programme yet!

Tickets available from 0141 554 1333 or info@agap.org.uk

Click here to download a PDF of the programme.

The club will meet on the first Monday of each month at St Michael’s and movies will begin at 7.30pm with an informal discussion following on immediately.  It is completely free of charge and there is no need to register – just come along.  People can bring their friends with no obligation to attend every screening.  Bring your own popcorn, juice or sweets and relax!

Films will be announced on a month-by-month basis and anyone who wants to, can email info@agap.org.uk to have the titles sent to them.  Movies will be chosen by AGAP to begin with but once the club is running, participants will be able to suggest titles.  Our first film stars Will Smith and involves a zombie outbreak…and might even get us thinking about God!

Click here for more information.

The production is AGAP’s most ambitious Community Theatre Project yet, involving a large cast of nearly 25 people who have come from all over the Archdiocese of Glasgow and beyond to take part.  With only four rehearsals, two at AGAP’s home parish of St Michael’s, Parkhead and two at the Cathedral, the cast have been immersed in the Gospel and find themselves carrying the story and lending their voices to the many characters who feature in the Gospel.

It is directed by AGAP’s Creative Director, Stephen Callaghan, following hard upon the heals of a very successful Lentfest 2011.  “It is a great priviledge to proclaim the Word of God in any circumstance,” said Stephen, “but finding such a diverse and enthusiastic group to be a part of this ministry is very inspiring.  My first priority was to give the participants a positive, interactive experience of the Gospel, which would stay with them for life.  Of course, I hope that many will come to hear the reading and support them but first of all, I was keen that this should be an immersive experience, bringing together the realm of theatre and religion in the tradition of scripture-based Medieval drama, which took place in the Church.”

Last night, despite the treacherous weather conditions which battered Scotland, the cast met at St Andrew’s Cathedral for the first time and worked through the Gospel in the sacred space.  “The acoustics of the Cathedral have led to some last minute adjustments in the staging,” said Stephen, “but I am confident that the adaptability of the participants and their competence at proclaiming the Word will see us through.  I am also delighted that we will have the participation of the Archbishop and Mgr McElroy, both of which have been great supporters of AGAP.”

The Archbishop and Mgr McElroy will read the part of St John the Evangelist as he sums up his Gospel in the final chapter.  The part will be read by Mgr McElroy at Friday’s performance and the Archbishop will read it on Saturday.

(Admission is FREE.  A retiring collection will be in operation for anyone who wishes to contribute to AGAP and the Cathedral Restoration Fund.)

With only three more rehearsals to go until the performance, the cast were immediately immersed in the Gospel text after a few warm-up exercises and one improvisation exercise – just to get everyone comfortable!

The project’s director, Stephen Callaghan, said: “I’m really delighted with the response to this project. It is great to see such a diverse range of personalities, ages and voices taking part in the reading, and it is especially heartening to see so many new faces as well as those familiar to AGAP from past productions. I hope it will be a positive, rewarding experience for all of those involved and I am really looking forward to it!”

With the preparations now begun, there is also word of a few cameo appearances by well-known public figures who are unable to take part in rehearsals but are keen to participate in the reading. We’ll keep you posted!

Click on the image to find out more!

AGAP’s new community theatre production is set to add to the WOW!-factor at the newly refurbished St Andrew’s Cathedral on Glasgow’s Clyde Street.  The Saint John Gospel Experience is a dramatised reading of the entire text of the Gospel According to Saint John and will be directed by Stephen Callaghan with a cast drawn from across the Archdiocese of Glasgow.

AGAP is currently seeking participants with the ability to read in public.  Since it’s a community theatre production, participants may come from any background and neither acting experience nor familiarity with the Gospel is required.  The participants will perform the entire text of the Gospel at 7.30pm on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th May in St Andrew’s Cathedral, accompanied by some movement and incidental music and there are numerous character parts, as well as narration and group scenes.

The production’s director, Stephen Callaghan says: “This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.  The Gospel of St John fascinates me and I remember reading that the young student-actor, Karol Wojtyla, who would later become Pope John Paul II, would often walk up and down reading it aloud, savouring its poetic beauty.  On a literary level, the richness of the New Jerusalem Bible Translation will lend itself to this kind of production but will also be easily grasped by a modern audience.  I hope people from across the whole community Catholic and non-Catholic, Christian and non-Christian, will take part in this production.  Also, it’s quite a prestigious thing for people to be able to tell their grandchildren one day that they were among the first to perform at the opening season of events in the newly restored St Andrew’s Cathedral!”

If you would like to take part, please turn up to the first rehearsal at St Michael’s RC Church Hall, 1350 Gallowgate, Parkhead on Monday 16th May at 7.30pm to enrol.  The rehearsal will last around 2 hours.  No line-learning is required.  For more details about the production visit: http://www.agap.org.uk/welcome-to-agap/st-john-gospel-experience/