Events Programme Inspired by Peace Doves

Together with key partners, we have organised a programme of workshops, debates, performances and events – inspired by and to celebrate the Peace Doves large-scale art installation at Derby Cathedral.

Hundreds of people have already visited the Cathedral since Peace Doves was unveiled on Saturday April 23 – marvelling at the installation of over 9,000 paper doves suspended on ribbons above the nave.

The installation has been created by renowned sculptor and artist Peter Walker and is accompanied by a tranquil soundscape from composer David Harper.

Peace Doves will be in situ until 12 June – during which time the public are invited to attend a wide range of events at Derby Cathedral:

• Mindfulness sessions, 26 April, 24 May and 7 June (7pm to 8pm) Organised in partnership with Déda and Learn2Rest, teacher Pam Sidhu will take participants through techniques to help take charge of the mind and thought process. Tickets cost £10 and are available to book  https://www.deda.uk.com/whats-on/mindfulness-at-derby-cathedral
• Friday lunchtime concerts, 6 May, 13 May, 20 May, 27 May, 3 June and 10 June, 1pm to 1.45pm) Weekly recitals by various artists will be performed under the spectacular Peace Doves installation.  The concerts are free of charge with a retiring collection going towards funding music at Derby Cathedral.
• Cathedrals At Night, 14 May Open until 10pm (last entry 9:30pm) See the beautifully lit Peace Doves after dark and discover what else is behind the doors of the iconic Derby Cathedral. Hear the bells ring, discover the Cathedral’s history and heritage, or just come in to enjoy the atmosphere and reflect.  Refreshments will be on offer as well as activities for children. All welcome.
• Creative writing workshops, 14 May and 24 May, 10am to 11am) Capture your thoughts and ideas, inspired by Peace Doves through creative writing – a fun session suitable for all from novice to novelist.  Places are free (with a suggested donation of £5) and are available to book at https://derbycathedral.org/events/events/24-may/ Donations will go towards the care and work of Derby Cathedral.
• In Conversation With the Artist, 17 May (6.45pm to 7.45pm) Dr Robert Burstow, Associate Professor of History and Theory of Art at the University of Derby, will talk to Peace Doves artist Peter Walker about his work, methodology, inspirations and background followed by a Q&A session with the audience.  This has been organised in partnership with the University of Derby and is free to all University of Derby students.  Otherwise, tickets are £7. To book visit https://derbycathedral.org/events/events/in-conversation-with-the-artist/
• The Animal in Contemporary Art, 23 May (6.45pm to 7.45pm) Join a discussion with Professor of Contemporary Art Ang Bartram and postgraduate research student Deb Rogers at the University of Derby on how the companion animal and notions of the animal are significant to their individual artistic practices.  This has been organised in partnership with the University of Derby and is free to all University of Derby students.  Otherwise, tickets are £7. To book visit https://derbycathedral.org/events/events/the-animal-in-contemporary-art/
• Shared Reading, 25 May (2pm to 3pm) In partnership with Derby Book Festival, this informal shared reading event will look at how the words in selected texts impact us.  You can read, listen, ask questions or just observe. The event is free of charge. To register, email shared.reading@derbybookfestival.co.uk
• Crisis and Hope in Current Times, 8 June, 5:00pm for 5.30pm start to 7pm Chaired by Dr Rhiannon Jones, University of Derby Associate Professor (Civic), this panel debate will explore issues in contemporary culture such as Covid, Black Lives Matter, conflict, youth voice and how we can learn, collaborate and emerge better from suffering and crisis.  Organised in partnership with the University of Derby, tickets are free of charge with a suggested donation of £5 towards the care and work of Derby Cathedral. To book a place visit https://derbycathedral.org/events/events/crisis-hope-in-current-times/