Thought-provoking new art in Newcastle Cathedral – Seeking the Disabled Christ

New art to provoke, hidden treasures and ancient manuscripts to explore, and peace doves for reflection and calm, – just some of the events visitors can discover at our cathedrals this summer.

All our cathedrals have exciting programmes for everyone throughout this summer – from headline exhibitions to family days and arts and crafts – and all are underpinned by the daily rhythm of prayer and worship.

Some of our cathedrals charge entry and there may be a fee at others for specific events, but all our cathedrals are free to enter for prayer, worship or to light a candle.

Do check on the cathedral’s individual website for up-to-date information before you travel.

And don’t forget to share your pictures and tag us #WishYouWereHere – our summer campaign this year.

Thought-provoking new art in Newcastle Cathedral – Seeking the Disabled Christ, 30 July to 27 August 2025

An exhibition that challenges the conventions of beauty and perfection has opened in Newcastle Cathedral for the summer.

Seeking the Disabled Christ is an exhibition by local artist, Rachel Holdforth, which explores the intersection of disability and divinity through art.

Running from 30 July to 27 August 2025, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on traditional portrayals of Jesus and consider how these depictions might evolve to better reflect the full diversity and complexity of human experience.

Rachel, based in Newcastle upon Tyne, is an active campaigner for disabled people in society and the Church, seeking to challenge long-held ideals of perfection, strength and beauty through her work.

These lino-printed artworks were informed by conversations with fellow Christians with disabilities, she said,

“As a Christian artist who is disabled and neurodivergent, I created this exhibition from my own life, faith and experiences, and those of others who live with disability.

“This exhibition asks: what if we saw Jesus as disabled too?”

The exhibition is on display in the Cathedral’s North Transept, including braille and audio interpretation of the artworks.

Throughout the month-long exhibition, Newcastle Cathedral will host a series of events to create space for deeper reflection and community engagement including the launch event on Saturday 9 August, from 2pm to 4pm and a Networking Lunch and Quiet Afternoon on 16 August, designed as a reflective and supportive space for people with disabilities and neurodivergence, as well as those with lived experience of mental health conditions and there’s an online talk with the artist on Monday 18 August

Rachel said,

“Jesus is fully God and fully human. His wounds show us that perfection does not mean the absence of pain or weakness.

“All people are made in God’s image. You don’t have to be male, strong or able-bodied to be complete. God made everyone with love and purpose.”

Seeking the Disabled Christ is available until 27 August.