Arts Programme

SUNDAY & MONDAY AFTERNOON:

  • The arts play a far more important role in our lives than we often realise. The arts are one of the main ways that a culture comes alive. A thriving arts scene sets the tone. It can be the difference between colour and black and white, with the potential to bring significant joy and hope.

    Whether it’s through your Spotify playlist or your Kindle library or the pictures you choose to decorate your living room with, for almost all of us, the arts add significant value to our lives.

    Therefore, it’s vital that the artists in our churches serve our society through the arts. As we do this, as Christians, we trust that Jesus’ reputation will be enhanced and his church will be seen as a more attractive community to those who are presently outside of it.

  • The arts don’t just bring colour to life though; they also play a vital role in fashioning and shaping the values and ideas that are cherished in a culture. Artists take the big ideas of the ‘thinkers’; they make them accessible to the masses, not just by communicating information to our minds but resonating with us emotionally.

    For a worldview or philosophy to take root in a culture, it needs the arts to prepare the way; otherwise, for all its good ideas, it may well find itself shouting loud, but going completely unheard. Perhaps this sounds a bit close to home, as Christianity is a case in point here. While many have engaged with the arts effectively to shape world views in recent times, the church has almost completely withdrawn from this field. We’d like to help change this situation.

  • Therefore, whether you would consider yourself creative or not, whether you are an arts lover or an arts sceptic, come and check out our exhibitions and workshops and experience some of our performers and musicians. We are looking to encourage a whole new generation of Christian artists to make art of excellence that has the power to speak subtly and authentically into our culture.

    Find out more about Sputnik

The arts have been very prominent at the Catalyst Festival since it began in 2013. Find out why we are so passionate about them.

Live Music

  • At Gospel vibez, we specialize in creating unforgettable events that leave a lasting impact. Since 2015 we've been dedicated to creating memorable events such as Gospel Vibez live and 4Fingaz live. We pride ourselves in bringing your vision to life and spreading the message of faith through our event planning services.

    www.gospel-vibez.com

  • Hip hop, Afrobeat, Gospel, RnB, Reggae: 4Fingaz is a diverse, award winning, talented, charismatic artist that has God at the centre of all he does.

    www.4fingaz.com
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    YouTube

  • Spiritual, uplifting, reflective and family-orientated, yet unmistakably rap — this is what defines Kio’s sound.

    Rooted in faith, storytelling that’s unapologetically honest with raw, gritty hip-hop energy, his music connects instantly, urging response and participation rather than sitting quietly in the background.

    Known for fusing rap with wider musical worlds, Kio blends samba and bossa nova influences on 'LOVE LIFE', and leans into rich jazz textures on his latest 'BLACK LOUNGE LIVE EP', pushing his sonic boundaries while keeping rap lyricism at the core.

    Backed by BBC Introducing, BBC 1Xtra, BBC Radio 6, GRM Daily, Rapzilla and KSI’s Sidemen, Kio’s projects, such as '4 Psalms', led to a headline show at O2 Academy Islington, followed by standout performances at KOKO Camden, Ronnie Scott’s and Brixton Jamm.

    Spotify
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    Youtube

  • Tino’s music is a powerful expression of faith, hope, and spiritual connection. Blending traditional acapella harmonies with a contemporary Christian sound, Tino invites you to sing along and be a part of the music.

    Website
    Instagram
    Youtube

Sputnik Art Workshops

Sputnik will be running a number of art workshops throughout the Festival where you can join professional artist and creators to learn a new skill.

All workshops are for ages 14+ and will take roughly two hours.

We have limited spaces so you’ll need to book in advance using the buttons below.

Relief Print Making for Beginners
with Jemma Mellor

Sputnik Marquee
Saturday 2:15-4:15pm

In this workshop we will be using polystyrene etching and rubber blocks to create our own unique prints. Using Lino cutting techniques you will have the opportunity to create limited edition prints or bespoke wrapping paper to take home with you.

Songwriting and Technology
with Elizabeth J. Birch

Sputnik Marquee
Sunday 2:15-4:15pm

Using technology, we will write and record an original song from scratch, using synthesisers, voices, and random everyday objects.

Stop Motion Animation Workshop
with Jude Aytoun

Sputnik Marquee
Saturday 2:15-4:15pm

At this workshop, we will be creating basic stop motion animations using lego. You will learn how to practise walk cycles and will be taught about the 12 basic principles of animation.

Flash Fiction Workshop
with Sharon Clark

Sputnik Marquee
Sunday 2:15-4:15pm

Come and explore the popular super-short version of written story telling. How short can you go? 300 words? 100 words? 50 words? Bring paper and pen, tablet or laptop to write your stories.

Catalyst 26 Art Gallery

HUB 1
Saturday afternoon ‘till Tuesday morning

Continuing a longstanding Catalyst Festival tradition, we’ve put together a gallery of visual art from in and around the Catalyst family of churches. You can only access it before and after meetings though, so it’s another reason to get in nice and early!