Chichester Cathedral: Resilience in Clay

Project Overview

We were proud to lead the PR and marketing campaign for Resilience in Clay – a powerful and moving sculpture exhibition by acclaimed artist Kate Viner, installed within the sacred space of Chichester Cathedral.

The exhibition told personal stories of resilience and recovery through portraiture and clay, created in collaboration with local charity Sanctuary in Chichester, whose clients became both subjects and participants in the creative process.

Our aim was to drive awareness, deepen public understanding of the project’s powerful social themes, and invite audiences to engage with the Cathedral in a new and meaningful way.

Objectives

  • Generate regional media coverage for the exhibition and its deeper human stories
  • Highlight the collaborative partnership with Sanctuary in Chichester
  • Promote artist Kate Viner’s vision and give voice to the exhibition participants
  • Use storytelling to drive visits and connect with local and regional audiences
  • Position the Cathedral as a platform for contemporary, socially engaged art

Our Strategy & Approach

Regional PR & Media Engagement

We secured editorial coverage through targeted pitches to local and regional press. Our storytelling centred not only on the artist and venue, but on the lived experiences behind the sculptures—sharing stories of strength and survival.

Highlights included:

  • Interviews with Kate Viner, Cathedral representatives, and participants from Sanctuary
  • Carefully crafted press materials that reflected the sensitivity and importance of the themes
  • On-site media previews to allow journalists to experience the exhibition firsthand

Compelling Content & Video Creation

We produced short-form videos capturing behind-the-scenes moments, interviews, and artistic process footage—designed to be shared across digital platforms and Cathedral channels.

Editorial-Led Blog Series

A series of blog articles explored the themes of resilience, healing, and identity—delving into the stories behind the sculptures and positioning the exhibition as a conversation-starter on art and resilience during conflict.

Social Media Campaigns

We created a series of visually rich, emotionally resonant posts across Facebook and Instagram, highlighting:

  • Portraits and clay works
  • Participant stories (with permission)
  • Artist quotes
  • Visitor reactions and reflections
  • This campaign helped build anticipation and sustain engagement throughout the exhibition’s run.

Partnership & Charity Collaboration

We worked closely with Sanctuary in Chichester to ensure their voice was embedded throughout the campaign. This partnership gave depth and authenticity to the messaging, and also helped reach wider networks.

Results

  • Extensive regional press coverage including Sussex World, BBC Radio Sussex, BBC South Today and Sussex Life
  • Strong engagement on social media, with posts featuring personal stories achieving high shares and saves
  • Emotive video content that engaged the arts community and local residents
  • Strengthened community relationships between the Cathedral, local charities, and artists
  • Contributed to the Cathedral’s positioning as a platform for inclusive, reflective contemporary art

Conclusion

Resilience in Clay was more than an exhibition – it was a collaborative act of storytelling, sharing and creativity. Through a multi-channel PR and marketing campaign, we helped elevate its message, amplify its impact, and connect it with the audiences it was made for.

Working on a project that deserves to be seen and felt? We bring thoughtful campaigns to life through storytelling, partnerships, and purpose. Get in touch – hello@brightword.co.uk.