Together we are CIVA.

A place where Christians passionate about God and the visual arts came together.

Since its founding in 1979, CIVA operated at the forefront of the art and faith movement, where its mission and community-building programs served and equipped generations of artists, pastors, and scholars worldwide with professionalism, grace, and hospitality. In 2023 CIVA transitioned into the final phase of its organizational life and closed its doors. Please refer to our FAQ page for more details about this transition.

  • prayer painting

    Being connected with other Christian artists provides inspiration, encouragement, and new ideas within a unique community of believers.

    — Michael, multidisciplinary artist

  • photo of the installation Caked

    I love that people part of CIVA are intentional about their faith as well as their art and is a community open to the exploration and evolving of both.

    — Mellissa, sculptor & installation artist

  • metal sculpture of a figure

    CIVA is more than an organization. It's a sacred space where artists can find encouragement, fellowship, education, and ways to deepen the theological basis for their artistic practice.

    — 2021 Conference Attendee

  • detail of abstract painting of flowers

    Connection and relationship with fellow Christians in a valuable and live-giving resource.

    — Brenda, painter

CIVA Membership

  • artist working in studio

    Individuals

    Individual memberships connect you with Christian artists, scholars, students, theologians, and arts professionals working in visual arts fields.

  • gallery with prints on wall

    Organizations

    Organizational Memberships are available to galleries, museums, churches, arts ministries, organizations, K-12 schools, and publishers—connecting you with like-hearted arts professionals and organizations.

  • class drawing from still life

    Institutions

    Institutional Memberships are available to college and university undergraduate art departments, art and design institutes, graduate programs, and seminaries—connecting you with like-hearted arts professionals and institutions.

Images: All My Sorrows, Erin Shaw (banner). Prayer Painting #3, Michael Aldag; Caked, Melissa Beck; The Sum of My Parts, Megan Murphy; Zinnia Dance, Brenda Gribbin (with quotes). The Wings of Joy and Grace, Pamela Chiasson (bottom)