Christians in the Visual Arts exists to explore and nurture the relationship between the VISUAL ARTS and the CHRISTIAN FAITH. Founded in 1979, CIVA first met to consider the place of the Christian artist in the church and in the world-at-large. The success of this initial gathering led CIVA to establish a vision for activities which are now making an impact in a variety of ways.


It is our purpose to encourage Christians in the visual arts to develop their particular callings to the highest professional level possible; to learn how to deal with specific problems in the field without compromising our faith and our standard of artistic endeavor; to provide opportunities for sharing work and ideas; to foster intelligent understanding, a spirit of trust, and a cooperative relationship between those in the arts, the church, and society; and ultimately, to establish a Christian presence within the secular art world.


In 2002, Christians in the Visual Arts (CIVA) hired its first full-time staff and accepted Gordon College’s invitation to make its first permanent home at the College. CIVA now celebrates nearly 30 years, with more than 1,300 members. The CIVA Board has looked back on its transformation from the idea of a few leading artists to an international organization providing an important voice to the art world and to the church through its conferences, exhibitions and publications. The Board is now looking forward with a Strategic Plan that will bring exciting new collaborations with other individuals and organizations within the broader movement of art and faith.