Internationally acclaimed Canadian sculptor Timothy Schmalz will visit St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh next month to speak about the inspiration behind his internationally recognised sculpture, Homeless Jesus.
Schmalz, whose works can be found in churches and public spaces around the world, will be a special guest at the Cathedral on Tuesday 18 August at 11:00am, when he will give a free public talk about his life, his art and the powerful message behind Homeless Jesus, which was recently installed outside the Cathedral.
The visit follows a special concert at the Cathedral on Monday 17 August at 7:30pm, presented by the Schola Cantorum as part of the Edinburgh Festival of the Sacred Arts (tickets here).
Inspired by Homeless Jesus, the evening of choral music will explore themes of homelessness, mercy, compassion and hope. The programme includes a live performance of Gavin Bryars’ acclaimed work Jesus’ Blood Never Failed Me Yet, based on a haunting recording of an unknown homeless man singing an improvised refrain.
The concert will also feature in a new documentary film being produced by the Schola Cantorum in collaboration with four Edinburgh charities: the Grassmarket Community Project, Bethany Christian Trust, St Catherine’s Convent of Mercy and Edinburgh Street Pastors.
Homeless Jesus depicts Christ as a homeless person sleeping on a park bench, with the wounds of the Crucifixion visible on his feet. Since its unveiling in 2013, the sculpture has become one of Schmalz’s best-known works, encouraging people to recognise the presence of Christ in those who are poor, vulnerable and marginalised.
Concert tickets cost £15 (£10 for children). The talk by Timothy Schmalz on 18 August is free to attend and no booking is required.
Music for the Homeless Jesus, St Mary’s Cathedral, Monday 17 August 7:30pm. Tickets here (£15, £10 for children).
