At the heart of the National Arts Festival lies a spiritual melodic celebration. SpiritFest has more to it than just its name.
At the heart of the National Arts Festival lies a spiritual melodic celebration. SpiritFest has more to it than just its name.
According to the convenor, Maggy Clarke, some years ago the congregation of the Cathedral of St Michael and St George became conscious of the highly visible position of the Cathedral in Grahamstown and took this as an opportunity to welcome festinos with a Christian componenent to the Festival.
Some visiting Christians felt the need of an alternative to some shows where blasphemy and violence prevail, so they started a gathering called At the still point of the turning world.
In 2005 it was renamed and SpiritFest was born. This year’s SpiritFest sees the Anglican churches, the Cathedral and Christ Church as well as the Trinity Presbyterian Church and NG Kerk come together to create productions ranging from gospel and choral music concerts to lectures and art exhibitions.
The choral music lineup includes the Voices Of Glory gospel group from Rhodes University and the Höerskool Randburg Choir. “There is something for everyone, its a great variety,” said Clarke.
On the art front is an exhibition of Duncan Stewart’s much applauded A dialect of hope – a bronze sculpture of a sleeping boy holding a soccer ball which “communicates what personal hope looks like”.
All the proceeds of SpiritFest go to the Cathedral restoration fund and children in need at Eloxulweni. The Cathedral congregation has also started an initiative that sees children from local schools being taught how to become bell-ringers.
“The important thing is to welcome people, tell them the church is alive. We are here to do things in the community for the community,” says Clarke. So Christians, unite! the Cathedral is where it’s all happening so come and get your spirit lifted.
