Culture

Our curated articles offering new takes on the big themes and questions in our culture. Plus reviews of books, film, media and experiences. Culture is one of four key themes covered by Seen & Unseen.

Weekend essay
  1. Art
  2. Culture
Looking down on a man walking across a grid of large black and white portrait photographs of people's faces

Wonder walls: will Manchester’s creativity save the city?

Matthew Porter
Manchester newcomer, and new bishop, Matthew Porter is bowled over by the city’s enrichening creativity.
9min read
Review
  1. Culture
  2. Film & TV
in a dim room a couple stand off against each other.

Wealth is worth? Questioning the immigrant experience

Krish Kandiah
Garnering yet more awards, TV series Beef expertly explores identities. Krish Kandiah revisits the K-wave drama.
6min read
Explainer
  1. Economics
  2. Culture
a round table with empty chairs is seen from above. An orange is the only item on it.

How to pick an economic approach that really adds up

Paul Williams
Assessing doughnut economics, Paul Williams asks what’s the economy for and who does it really serve?
6min read
Podcast
  1. Culture
  2. Film & TV
A man in a blue jumper holds a yellow sign reading 'believe'.

Seen & Unseen Aloud: first new episode of the new year

Nick Jones
Listen to curated to narrated articles. This week: the psychology of self-belief, the premier of One Life, and an answer to a particular question about assisted dying.
1min read
Review
  1. Art
  2. Culture
An angelic figure meets a human above a cornfield beyond which is a power station.

The visionary artists finding heaven down here

Jonathan Evens
Jonathan Evens explores a tradition of visionary artists whose works shed light on the material and spiritual worlds.
7min read
Column
  1. Culture
  2. Politics
A politician stands a labelled lectern speaking and gesticulating with a hand.

After Angela: why Christian Democracy still works

George Pitcher
Feeling somewhat labelled, George Pitcher unpacks why Christian Democracy still appeals to him, even in the UK, and explores its philosophical roots in the breathless thought of Jacques Maritain.
4min read
Article
  1. Community
  2. Culture
A miniature tableau depicts a band performing at a concert as people dance and others watch from a marque.

Think little: what villages teach about coming together

Elizabeth Wainwright
Elizabeth Wainwright explores the frustrations and encouragements of village life, real and virtual, and finds a need for communion.
7min read
Podcast
  1. Attention
  2. Culture
A man dressed in Georgian clothes walks out of the mist.

Seen & Unseen Aloud: the writer's cut

Belle Tindall
The final Seen & Unseen Aloud holiday compilation has been picked by writer and podcast host Belle Tindall.
1min read
Review
  1. Art
  2. Culture
A painted altarpiece depicts a crucified Christ surrounded by followes, angels and soldiers.

Pesellino: making the vital visible

Andrew Davison
Great art doesn’t just delight, it educates. Andrew Davison recalls learning deep wisdom from a child as he reviews the Pesellino exhibition at the National Gallery, London.
5min read
Review
  1. Community
  2. Culture
An old man wearing a suit and tie sits in a TV audience as people stand around him.

One life's relevance to today

Krish Kandiah
One Life is a historic story retold for today audience, highlighting the response of individuals, families and leaders. Krish Kandiah ponders what it can teach us about sanctuary.
3min read
Explainer
  1. Culture
  2. Mental Health
A blurred multiple exposure shows a woman turning her head from side to side.

A history of anxiety

Henna Cundill
Anxiety is not a modern problem. From ancient social discomforts to contemporary societal shifts, Henna Cundill explore how we think, and worry, about it.
11min read
Podcast
  1. Books
  2. Culture
A medieval illustration of two sets of monks seated and facing each other. One gestures towards the sky

Seen & Unseen Aloud: the director's cut

Graham Tomlin
At the start of a new year, Bishop Graham Tomlin looks back over his favourite articles of 2023.
1min read