Institute for Theology, Imagination and the Arts (ITIA)

Description

The Institute for Theology, Imagination, and the Arts (ITIA) resides in St Mary’s College, the Divinity School of the University of St Andrews, Scotland. Its mission is to augment and invigorate the dialogue between Christian theology and the arts. It aspires to incorporate rigorous theological thought into the arts, while simultaneously utilising artistic resources for theological endeavours. Furthermore, ITIA is interested in investigating the role of imagination within the arts, reflecting a broader theological interest in the imaginative aspects of humanity.

Over the past two to three decades, the academic conversation between theology and the arts has flourished. Three decades prior, resources were relatively scarce. However, there is a burgeoning interest in the junction between in-depth theological thinking and artistic practices and theory, particularly in the UK and North America, but also globally. This interest has led to a proliferation of publications and academic research initiatives.

Society's shifting attitude towards the arts, particularly the saturation of Western society with various artistic forms and the emergence of electronic media, makes theological engagement with the arts particularly relevant. Disillusionment with the once grandiose claims of natural sciences and unease with straightforward styles of representation has led many to explore the arts for new meanings and reconsider the significance of imagination in broader interactions with the world. Moreover, the exploration of 'spirituality' through artistic forms is increasingly common.

In 2000, in response to these emerging interests, ITIA was founded within the School of Divinity. The institute amalgamated two pre-existing projects: the St Andrews project 'Theology and Imagination', and the Cambridge project 'Theology Through the Arts'. Since its inception, ITIA has established itself as a leading global centre for scholarly engagement with religion and art.

Situated in St Mary’s 16th-century quad, ITIA consists of three full-time and several part-time staff, and approximately 30 graduate students from around the world. Beyond its academic programmes, it hosts weekly research seminars, student initiatives, and national and international conferences and arts events. ITIA also manages the editorial office of the Journal of Inklings Studies and is involved in the editorial of Ashgate Studies in Theology, Imagination, and the Arts.

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No, this infrastructure does not provide funding.

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University of St Andrews
St Andrews