The Why

The purpose of Redeeming Culture: Creating the World that Ought to Be the annual conference of the International Arts Movement was to gather major thinkers and artists who could act as a catalyst for a dialogue that would engage the culture that is and create the world that ought to be. Speeches, panels, tours and performances led participants into conversations and meditations immersed in deep questions of humanity, faith and culture.

The conference for most of us was more affective then effective. And this seems to be by design. We did not come away knowing the 10 steps to better worship planning or an action plan for creating a better outreach. Rather we sat at the feet of the modern masters -- great artists, gifted writers, brilliant thinkers. We will see the effect of this conference for decades as it seeps into our work, worship and relationships.

The purpose of this blog is to not only continue the conversation but also to be a touchstone for those of us who attended and those who were inspired by our reports. Come back here and read through the posts and comments to reconnect with the spirit of the conference, the spirit of innovation and responsibility we felt for those several days.

Opening Ceremonies

We began our immersion with a panel discussion between Mako Fujimura (artist and founder of IAM), Gordon Pennington (Marketing Strategist) and Joshua Trent (Chief of Staff Office of Refugee Resettlement). The pre-show to the first plenary was a juried art exhibition, a short theatrical vignette, and an invocation. During his invocation Ian Cron brought to our attention the idea of The Redemptive Question. This concept wove through our conversations and the sessions through out the conference.

How prepared we were to hear from the gentle genius of Mako or the challenges of Joshua Trent, or the frenetic, insightful brilliance of Gordon Pennington, who can know. But immediately we dove into a conversation that had clearly been going on between these culture shapers for some time.

GP – This is an information immersive Culture. Who owns the culture?

Art historically: affirmation, dissent, propaganda.

If you think you have a right to be recognized, to be at the table, you don’t. You must earn that right (through skill and excellence) and veven then, you may not be recognized.

JT – American Culture: What do we have to offer? What are we exporting? Is it redemptive or not?

MKF – Stewardship of our culture. What is the cultural unity?

Artists are listening more to the culture than to their materials. Listen to your materials.

Intermingled in conversation were these thoughts:

De Tocqueville said America is good. What is it now?

The post modern culture a bold culture without any tenets. Allowed art to be re-branded by and for Man and not by and for God. As an artist can I be under His authorship in creating?

Add the thoughts, ideas and quotes you gleaned from their conversation in the Comments section.