Sacred Arts Trust

The purpose of the Sacred Arts Trust is to encourage the arts in worship, specifically in the areas of:

The Sacred Arts Trust invites applications for funding from visual and textile artists, actors, dancers, students, musicians, clergy, laity, drama and dance groups, study and training courses. The advisory committee of the Sacred Arts Trust usually meets twice a year.

Applications to the trust must be submitted by April 1st for consideration at the spring meeting of the advisory committee or by September 1st for consideration at the fall meeting of the advisory committee.

The trust was founded within the Anglican Foundation of Canada in 1994 by Rev. Canon Dr. Graham Cotter, a retired priest of the Diocese of Toronto.

Dr. Cotter began writing, directing and producing liturgical dramas in Parkdale, Leaside in Toronto, and at the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Mass. While at St. Mark’s, Parkdale, he cooperated with Toronto artist Vaclav Vaca in producing the large altarpiece, The Cup of Blessing, and with the American sculptor Barbara Hughes in her work, Mark and Peter. He has also collaborated in the design of vestments and other visual artifacts. He later continued studies in religion and the arts, especially liturgical dance, at the Pacific School of Religion, in Berkeley, CA.

In Leaside, and later in retirement at St. Mark’s, Port Hope, he produced and directed the seven dramas which are found in his book The Mysteries at St. Cuthbert’s, 1985, and the four dramas and two other dramatic adaptations found in the book The Cup of Blessing, 1998.

In 1994, he established the Sacred Arts Trust. The objects and interests of the trust require more money than the income from the capital can provide. Dr. Cotter and the officers of the Foundation urge others who wish to promote the arts in worship to donate to the Sacred Arts Trust.

Visit the membership page to find out how to support this work or simply click on the 'donate now' button at the top of the screen.