SOME THINGS HAVE TO BE ART BEFORE THEY CAN BE ANYTHING ELSE
Fer is a Christian collaborating producer of educational, community-led projects that tackle the social injustices of our time through a distinctive arts-based approach. Our transformative work is connecting people across boundaries and catalysing positive change for those who are vulnerable and marginalised. Our commitment extends to leading comprehensive and critical thinking on social issues, engaging unreached audiences, and cultivating a momentum of change - all rooted in Christ’s profound teachings in the Beatitudes.
At the heart of our work is the belief in art as a theological medium, serving as an innate conduit for expressing faith and effecting lasting change–Christianity through art. Our approach begins with an aesthetic lens on and approach to the challenges and afflictions present in modern society from which follows a change in both how we understand them and how we act to resolve them.
Following the Incarnation, we delve into the idea that Christian narrative, philosophy and its lived experience is, itself, a type of art–Christianity as art. Our exploration expands beyond traditional art spaces, encompassing the aesthetics of individuals, bodies, relationships, choices, and the built environments that house us. We probe the aesthetic dimension to the teachings and ethics of Christ as they are lived out collectively in the context of our world today and its particular crises.
The central purpose of our work is to effect social change through the manifestation of theologies of humanity and creation expressed and experienced within diverse artistic forms. Our portfolio spans a range of mediums, including film, fashion design, spatial and social context design, music production, video art, cultural artefacts and social media rituals.
“I wanted to let you know that our participation in Beyond Mother Love inspired me to make a trip up to Canada. You have opened up the value of the conversation for me to better understand my role as a friend during this tender, most precious time. I am and will remain forever grateful.”
- Pamela Y, friend of someone with Dementia
“I’m so happy. I’m so pleased with myself. I did everything''
- Ben T, participant in Beyond Mother Love, creative workshop for people with learning disabilities and without.
“There were several moments where someone on the other “side” of the conversation made a really great point, and it made me reconsider my position. Not necessarily on a macro level, but in the way that helps me introduce nuance and concession to my main line of thinking. This is, as you know, incredibly valuable.”
- Joel M, FoeFace participant
“I found this piece so spiritually nourishing, stimulating, and exciting. I had high expectations for it, but it’s massively exceeded them! This is truly one of the best social education works I've seen in a while!”
- Barney A, Theologian
“I find your work massively helpful both mentally and emotionally. I learned so much and feel stretched, challenged and inspired by your artworks and their collaborative communities. I’m so grateful for how you think and create! You’re my favourite Christian educator and communicator”
- Naomi C, Therapist
“One of the participants fed back how she had been struggling to understand faith in the face of modern life and suffering - she traveled over one hour every day to participate in your course because it was 'crazy good' and was helping her to reconcile back to God.”
- Sara J, Art School Director
“Not knowing about any of it, I found learning about the issues and the faith element of your Beyond Mother Love film and research, and the really diverse community around it super interesting, especially in how it can powerfully address so much of what we’re up against in the world right now. I loved it.”
- Alex J, Film Director
“I was involved in the movement workshop on Saturday. The whole day was incredible… I made new friends and it’s given me more confidence. It was a day I will never forget… I can’t wait for the film to be made. I think we’ve added some good content to it.”
- Philippa G, participant in Beyond Mother Love, creative workshop for people with learning disabilities and without.
“I feel like I'm more equipped to have discussions and debates with people who are different from me. And even just I know better how I respond emotionally and I know I can breathe through it rather than just shutting down.”
- Sarah LM, FoeFace participant
“The artworks of Fer challenge us beyond aesthetic pleasure, to taste and see tangible expressions of theological, moral and ethical meaning in action. All of us thirst for meaning, justice, love and hope. Fer plumb the riches of Christian theology, to reveal how art can speak into our innate human needs and lead desperately needed change.”
- CultivAR Architects
“For long a time now, I've wanted an opportunity to reflect and learn more. The rhythm of the Kindness & Courage Club is really helpful for me”
- Drew C. Anglican Priest
“Once within a Space is the best thing I have seen on a Christian faith perspective of domestic architecture and how it may be applied to our modern housing crisis. I have been looking for years for anything with a fraction of this passion and rigour and provocation.”
- Phil PJ, Architectural Designer