The 4 C’s of Renaissance
conviction.
We believe that humanity is created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27). As God, the Creator and Master Artist, has endowed us with this likeness, we hold an inherent responsibility to create.
We affirm that the Holy Spirit empowers and calls us to create. It is not merely a gift but a command: to prepare sacred spaces where the Lord may dwell (Exodus 31).
We embrace and uphold the prophetic vision of Isaiah 61, echoed by Christ in Luke 5, that we are called and anointed to proclaim good news to the poor, to declare freedom for the captives, and to announce the year of the Lord’s favour. We are also called to rebuild ancient ruins, restore devastated places, and renew cities that have long lain in ruin (Isaiah 61:4).
Our task is to partner in liberating creation from its bondage to death and decay, bringing it into the freedom and glory that we, as children of God, experience (Romans 8:18-23). Through the fundamental act of creating, we step into this commission, joining in God’s restorative work through our craft.
creation.
We believe that the arts are not only biblically endorsed but are also sacred. Throughout Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, we witness the sanctity of creating, crafting, and making. In Exodus 31, we encounter Bezalel and Oholiab, who are specifically called to engage in “all kinds of crafts.” Bezalel is filled with the Spirit of God, receiving wisdom, understanding, and knowledge to fulfill the work before him. Remarkably, this is the first recorded instance of the Holy Spirit coming upon a person in Scripture: and it is for an artistic purpose. This underscores that God not only values the arts but sees them as integral to building His kingdom here on earth.
With this in mind, we are reminded that artists carry a unique calling and commission: to restore beauty in the world through their work. They hold a distinct responsibility, echoing the prophetic charge of Isaiah 61, to redeem, restore, and rebuild the ruins. We are entrusted with the stewardship of our gifts and invited to partner with God, the Master Artist, in bringing healing, justice, and transformation to a world in need through the language of beauty.
community.
We believe that life was never meant to be lived in isolation; this is a fundamental biblical principle. The arts, however, can often be a lonely and isolating space, a reality that has had tragic consequences throughout history. We are committed to breaking this cycle by creating environments where artists feel safe, seen, known, and loved. Our goal is to support not only your well-being but also the flourishing of your craft.
This begins with community and conversation. As a foundational pillar of Renaissance, we are dedicated to establishing intentional spaces and communities where artists can connect with like-minded individuals and cultivate deeper relationships. We invite artists to dream together, create together, and work towards a brighter future for the arts and artists across Canada.
commission.
We believe in the equipping and commissioning of the saints, including artists. Our aim is not only to provide resources and support but also to empower artists to be a light in the diverse spaces they inhabit.
The Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians, “We have become his poetry, a re-created people that will fulfill the destiny he has given each of us, for we are joined to Jesus, the Anointed One. Even before we were born, God planned in advance our destiny and the good works we would do to fulfill it” (Ephesians 2:10 TPT).
As masterpieces created by the Master Artist, we are called as saints to partner with His Spirit to bring forth the good works He began on earth. As a core conviction, we are committed to commissioning, supporting, and covering artists as they pursue their calling in the arts. As we send them out, our prayer is that each artist may become a beacon of light to those they encounter along the way.