A Message for the New Year

As we approach the end of the tenth year of the Quaker Arts Network, it’s very heartening to see the range of arts events we have been able to nurture, publicise and create. The initial focus on visual arts has broadened and we’ve also been enjoying some wonderful poetry, music and drama recently. These often contribute to Quaker outreach, spiritual sharing and witness, which is wonderful, as spiritual seekers seem increasingly to be turning to the arts for nurture and to help them engage with the big issues of our day. 

However,  creative leadership is also needed to help the Quaker Arts community grow and flourish. After five years, I will be shortly be standing down as clerk, and we are now seeking my successor in this rewarding role. A role description is on our website; please consider whether you might know – or be – that person our new clerk. All enquiries, however tentative, are welcome.

There is lots of potential for exhibitions, small grants, publications, performances etc. While we have a strong core team of trustees further involvement from QAN members is always welcome. As well as our AGM, we plan to have a presence at Yearly Meeting in April, but please get in touch any time if you’d like to be more involved. 

Meanwhile, do keep an eye on our events page, and keep adding relevant events. As Covid recedes, perhaps it’s time to revive occasional QAN outings, such as to an art exhibition or a performance. If you would like to initiate one, perhaps with another Friend, all you need to do is to put details on our events page, ideally some time in advance and including contact details.. You may also want to publicise it to local Friends more widely and/or post to our Facebook group.

I wish you gifts of beauty, peace, warmth, and Friendship this Christmas, and an inspiring year in 2023. 

Linda Murgatroyd