AGAP Archives
2006 - 2007
On 2nd October 2006 (Feast of the Guardian Angels), Stephen Callaghan began his appointment with the Archdiocese of Glasgow to establish an Arts Project that would ‘evangelise actors and audiences’ with a series of events that should begin in time for Lent 2007. It was part of the Faith Into Action initiative of Archbishop Mario Conti.
The project was met with an enthusiastic response from across the arts and civic life as well as within the Church, with statements of support coming from the likes of Dr Richard Demarco CBE and the then Lord Provost of Glasgow, Liz Cameron
AGAP sought to encourage positive activity in the arts by promoting events already happening, by organising events and activities, and by growing new opportunites to foster talent. It began with offering workshops alongside the Youth Office of the Archdiocese, with which it shared a building at the now non-existent church of Our Lady of Consolation, Govanhill.
The first ever AGAP event was a concert by visiting U.S. singer-songwriter, Kitty Cleveland in Autumn 2006.
In March, the pilot festival, Lentfest: An Imaginative Fusion of Faith and the Arts was launched. It included, “Passionate Voices”, a new play by Stephen Callaghan, monologues on the Passion performed by a diverse cast that included Christian and non-Christian actors. Other events included a Schools Art Competition, judged by artist Peter Howson (an encounter with the Archbishop that led to the commissioning of the painting of Saint John Ogilvie in St Andrews Cathedral), and a special screening of Mel Gibson’s controversial film “The Passion of the Christ” with academic input from the University of Glasgow.
Music events “David and His Song: A Children’s Cantata” organised by the Archdiocesan Teachers’ Committee in association with Glasgow Churches Together and the “Tenebrae Responsories” composed by James MacMilllan, performed by Capella Nova.
The huge success of the pilot festival set the stage for further development and raised awareness of AGAP. 2007 saw AGAP contribute to: “Glasgow the Welcoming City” at Glasgow City Chambers; Nexus 2007 organised by the Church of Scotland; and to events run by SPUC and Catholic Youth Service Scotland. Other events hosted by AGAP included “Babies”, a play by visiting London Theatre Company, TenTen and “The Song of Eve” performed by Mezzo Soprano Louise MacDonald and pianist, Graeme McNaught. Community art classes for the retired and a dance cafe for youth also took place at the AGAP base. Stephen Callaghan also served on the Steering Committee for the Life of Jesus Christ outdoor play in Kelvingrove Park.
