Managing cultural shift within religious sites in UK and the role of the performing and visual arts as transforming the experiences of visitors.

Abstract

Abstract This chapter considers the changing status of religious sites in the UK and the role of both visual and performing arts in relation to the experience of visitors at religious sites. Consideration is given to the concept of culture, and cultural production and consumption as significant elements of the so-called cultural shifts or cultural turns, in relation to the changing role of religion within society. Specific consideration is given to the context of a UK City of Culture, namely Hull, and how Holy Trinity Church (re-designated as Hull Minster during the City of Culture in May 2017) has embraced different aspects of culture, to be a key partner and host of different aspects of both visual and performing arts. In communicating this example of engagement between the material and the spiritual world, this chapter explores the adaptability of places of worship to meet the challenge of secularization and to demonstrate that in hosting everyday cultural celebration, they can be at the vanguard of cultural shifts or cultural curves in society.