The display, titled “Hear Us,” features brightly colored text and hand-drawn messages posing existential questions such as “Are you there,” “Why did you create hate when love is by far more powerful,” and “Does everything have a soul?” The messages are stick-on graphics, not spray-paint, but many have still expressed the opinion that the exhibit is in poor taste.
“It is weird to me that these people don't see the irony of honoring ‘marginalized communities’ by making a beautiful historical building really ugly,” Vance reacted.
The exhibit, which runs through January 18, was created by poet Alex Vellis and curator Jacqueline Creswell. Vellis is a queer vegan who has also referred to himself as an “agender goblin.”
Creswell made a post on social media about the exhibit along with Vellis, which said the project was developed through collaboration with “marginalized communities,” such as “Punjabi, black and brown diaspora, neurodivergent individuals, and the LGBTQIA+ population.”
“The exhibition promotes inclusivity and representation. It transforms the cathedral into a space where diverse voices can be heard, validating their experiences and fostering a sense of belonging,” Creswell added.
David Monteith, dean of Canterbury, defended the project, saying in a statement, “This exhibition intentionally builds bridges between cultures, styles and genres and, in particular, allows us to receive the gifts of younger people who have much to say and from whom we need to hear much.”
Still, the project was met with backlash online. Vance’s comments were echoed by others, including Elon Musk, who called the exhibit “shameful.”
Founded in 597, Canterbury Cathedral is one of England’s oldest and most significant religious landmarks. The building attracted nearly 10 million visitors last year.
