Wells Cathedral is fast becoming a hub for contemporary art, joining a national movement that is bringing modern artistic works into some of the UK's most historic sacred spaces. Recent exhibitions at the cathedral have attracted contributions from artists as far afield as Germany, Hong Kong, and Panama, placing Wells at the forefront of this trend in Somerset.

The cathedral's medieval architecture provides a stunning backdrop for these exhibitions, with art designed to resonate with the building's spiritual atmosphere.

Bill Lloyd, exhibition director for Wells Contemporary Art, said, "We're not asking for religious art, but for ideas that convey a sense of spiritual intensity in response to these unique medieval spaces."

Sculptor Peter Walker, a key figure in the movement to bring art into cathedrals, describes it as a "renaissance in British cathedrals," with the artwork offering new ways for people to connect with these historic sites. Wells Cathedral, in particular, has become a place where art meets spirituality, encouraging visitors to reflect and engage with the space in new ways.

Wells is following in the footsteps of other major cathedrals across the country. Salisbury Cathedral has hosted the Sarum Lights exhibition, and Peterborough displayed Marc Bratcher's Disability and the Divine, while Wells Cathedral continues to focus on exhibitions that are sensitive to its spiritual and historical context.

For Wells Cathedral, this approach is not just about attracting visitors, but about using art to create a deeper dialogue. Jacquiline Cresswell, an artist who has worked closely with cathedrals, said, "A cathedral is a place to explore what makes us human. Art has the power to say things that words cannot, and that resonates with people on a different level."

Wells Cathedral's contemporary art exhibitions are not only a cultural highlight but a means to draw new visitors to the city. This artistic renaissance is helping to broaden the cathedral's reach, allowing people to experience the space in new ways while maintaining its spiritual essence.

As cathedrals across the country look to art as a way to engage modern audiences, Wells Cathedral is leading the charge in Somerset, providing a unique and inspiring fusion of history, faith, and contemporary creativity.