Our Roots
AGAP grew out of the productions of two plays written by the Polish playwright, Karol Wojtyla (who became Saint Pope John Paul II) which were directed by Stephen Callaghan at the University of Glasgow. The huge interest in the plays, which drew together a diverse cast and crew, was the catalyst for a more sustained programme of faith-related arts events and activities.
Scottish playwright and theatre-maker Stephen Callaghan, approached the late Archbishop Mario Conti with the concept for AGAP: a project that would enliven the Church’s mission to Truth, Beauty and Goodness through positive engagement with, and active participation in, the arts. In 2006, the Archdiocese of Glasgow launched AGAP. Since then, we have changed lives.
Our Mission
Since it began in 2006, the cutural climate has changed and AGAP has had to evolve with it but our mission and motto remains the same: Have Faith in the Arts.
This is two-fold. Firstly, as an initiative of the Catholic Church, we have faith “in” the arts themselves to elevate human beings to explore the deeper truths of our existence, what it truly means to be human and what de-humanises us. The Arts are a powerful medium for this and as such, they are a bridge to a conversation about the realm of faith.
Secondly, we want to see Faith in the arts; that is the inclusion of faith-related topics in our arts and culture with Catholic ideas represented fairly and taken seriously in the creative industries.
Could you be part of it?
We welcome enquiries from individuals who would like to volunteer with AGAP. Helping with all aspects of our work from tech to admin and maybe even performing.