Transpositions devoted two full weeks to exploring theological questions and artistic concerns embedded within the fields of graphic design, music, architecture, film, acting, script-writing, and branding. Together with several guest contributors, this fortnight considers a field of the arts that impacts and informs much of our day-to-day life. Contributors range from practitioners to scholars, each with their unique perspective on how the commercial arts and theology come together. Here is the list of posts for the Commercial Arts Symposium:
Tuesday, 7 June: “A Primer on Print Design for the Church.” Graphic designer Paul Nielson considers the extent to which a church should invest in good design and reasons for doing so.
Wednesday, 8 June: “Revealing the Line.” Architect Matt Pearson discusses why he believes architecture has a role to play in revealing who God is.
Thursday, 9 June: “Popular Music and Theology: Strange Bedfellows?” Scholar Nate Risdon suggests a way that popular culture, specifically its music, impacts the way in which we read the Biblical narrative.
Friday, 10 June: “Working in Babylon Media.” Comedy script-writer James Cary writes about the tension Christians face working in an industry where they have little editorial control.
Monday, 13 June: “Should Movies Be Used as Evangelism Tracts?” Film director Ron Newcomb explores whether films are modern-day parables and critiques their use as evangelistic tools.
Tuesday, 14 June: “An Audition I Passed Up.” Actor Lukas Behnken shares his experience of working in the industry, specifically how he discerns what parts to audition for and accept.
Wednesday, 15 June: “Dave, Her Failure, and a Different Success: A Pastoral Response.” Musician Jez Carr considers what is required to pastor artists through the experience of failure.
Thursday, 16 June: “Selfhood for Sale: The Marketing of Meaning.” Scholar Christopher Min discusses the work of artist Barbara Kruger, advertising, and Jacques Lacan’s concept of the social unconscious.
Friday, 17 June: “Branding Church: Why Stop There.” Branding expert turned Anglican priest Alan Ramsey tackles the question of whether or not a church should brand itself to the community.