Matt & Betsy Guilford
Ministering in the arts
Why is a specific ministry to Creatives necessary?
The cultural domain of art, media, and entertainment has arguably the most impact on the ways in which the average person perceives the world around them. We are all aware that we now live in a time when literally everyone on earth is effected by the influence of art (the fine arts, graphic design, and advertising), media (news, podcasts, YouTube, social media), and entertainment (TV, film, music, and social media).
Many artists want to explore the intersection of art and faith, but struggle to find places to do so with people who actually understand a biblical view of the arts. Arts Fellowship Orlando exists to engage, and grow with Christ-centered artists to expand their role in God’s greater story of redemption and restoration.
We believe Christian artists of all disciplines
are generally lacking in the requisite theology
and Christ-centered community to lead effectively,
share their faith intentionally and grow creatively.
Arts Fellowship Orlando is a unique opportunity for mature Christian creatives in the greater Orlando area to engage in a six-month exploration of the intersection of art and faith. During the program, they will grow in community with artists of various disciplines, and gain clarity on their roles as artists in God’s Kingdom. In addition, they are given resources to cultivate new original works with multiple opportunities to present them.
They create within a like-minded community while enriching their theology of making and Christian spiritual formation. To do this we offer a six-month arts fellowship program for professional artists and high school students.
PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS
WHERE ARE THE CHRISTIAN LEADERS IN ART, MEDIA, AND ENTERTAINMENT? We believe Christian artists of all disciplines need the opportunity to grow creatively and spiritually in a Christ-centered community.
HIGH SCHOOL ARTISTS
Many Christian high school artists are looking for mentorship, belonging, and opportunities for self-expression. Some want to create in an environment that builds them in their faith as well as in their art. But there aren’t many programs teaching high school artists about how their art-making and their faith intersect in a mentoring community. So, young Christian artists are left to develop their gifts with the culture as the primary voice shaping their art-making.
The Heart Youth Arts Residency is a unique experience for exceptionally-talented high school students seeking mentorship, community, and desire to connect their art and their Christian faith. The Heart program will grow their artistry as well as their faith, so they are able to uniquely speak into the culture.
MENTORING
Engage in one-on-one mentoring and discipleship of artists from all over the world. Living in the age of web conferencing the entire globe can be accessed. If I am referred to an artist who desires to deepen their faith and understand how to integrate their art and the faith I am ready to begin a journey with them.
ARTIST RETREATS
I lead artist retreats which aim at bringing artists together to do what they are familiar with - creating art. There I seek to nurture relationships between them and be a catalyst for significant conversations about being in community with other believers in the arts and intentionally caring for others in their spheres of influence.
Arts Fellowship Orlando Intro Video
Arts Fellowship Orlando 2022 Showcase
Arts Fellowship Orlando 2023 Showcase
