The mission of the Arts & Entertainment Institute is to equip artists and creative professionals to think, live and create from a Christian Worldview. We believe artists and creative professionals are called to create exceptional art and entertainment that is generative: bringing life, challenging the audience and creating culture that builds up mankind as it communicates the reality of our humanity, in all it’s many facets: joy, sorrow, loss, humor, fear, sexuality, faith, et. al.

The Arts & Entertainment Institute is by application only. If you would like to attend, please fill out an application and submit it by the deadlines listed below. We encourage those serious about pursuing their art and their faith to apply. Serious patrons of the arts are also welcome. Once you apply for the institute you will be notified if you have been accepted. If you have been accepted you will be required to pay for the institute in full at that time. After full payment you will receive via snail mail your pre-institute packet including the exact location of the Institute, the weekend schedule and required pre-reading. There is no charge for applying.

Testimonials:

“The AEM Institute was a great experience for me in learning more how to integrate faith and art in a practical way that can add value, purpose, and passion to my work.” J. Gammill, Filmmaker

“I would recommend this highly to any Christian artist. I came away with a renewed sense of purpose for my art, a renewed sense of commitment to my God, and a renewed sense of fellowship with the other artists there. I have felt my faith growing so cold in the last few years, and your conference was truly a life/faith changing experience for me. I also wanted to thank Joel and Michelle so much for sharing their wisdom and insight, into the often confusing world of our art.Thank you both so much!” C. Ramos, Painter

“I learned how to be a healthy Christian and artist of excellence. I loved the community and biblically solid approach to awakening my understanding of God’s perspective in the artist and the arts because he was the first one.” I. Asimonye, Recording Artist Manager and Producer

 “It has helped provide me with a foundation by which I can “define” what kind of films/docs/TV shows I want to make (subject matter, approach to making it, etc.).” L. Porco, Post Production Supervisor

“What I loved most was the idea of viewing the artist’s contribution to society through the parallels in the lives of Daniel and Bezalel. I also loved the concept of pursuing art intentionally even with the risks of idolatry and the various other dangers that are presented in the artist’s life. I’m surprised that more Christians are not addressing these issues and questions. It really is encouraging to find someone who is pursuing a solid scriptural approach to these questions! I am blessed by the strength of character in the approach to difficult issues and the depth and suitable nature of the teaching.” G. Strout, Graphic Novel Artist

“Any Christian wanting to know more about “being in the world but not of the world” and how to practically identify a Christian worldview in culture – this is for you!” C. Morris, Art & Entertainment Show Director

Below are the Lectures Series and Topics covered in the Institute:

The Bezalel Principles Lectures:
1) Art and the Revolutionary Nature of Redemption: Discover how artists play an integral role in God’s plan of redemption and cultural transformation.
2) The Artist's Identity & Role in Society: Learn where the artist fits in God’s economy and why art is critically important.
3) Idolatry vs. Art: Discern the Biblical view of idolatry and art as opposed to common views held by churches today.
4) Cultural Renewal & The Artist: Discuss the pitfalls which keep Christians from being a redemptive component of society. Examine the lies that must be dispelled and discover what core beliefs must be maintained for Christians to have the kind of impact upon culture that God desires.

The Daniel Strategy Lectures:
1) The Dangerous Life: Discover how to navigate the dangers and excitements of living in a spiritually hostile environment
2) Convictions, Compromises and Caveats: Uncover the Biblical resources for facing temptations, maintaining character and honoring God in your decisions making.

The Freedom Paradigm Lecture:
1) Experiencing Freedom: Understand what authentic freedom requires and how it is maintained creatively, vocationally, and spiritually.

The Audience Factor Lecture: 
1) Collateral Damage: Learn to consider the culture, the consumer and the consequences.