A couple of the stars of Sanctuary in Chichester feature in this incredible Nativity artwork at Chichester Cathedral, unveiled on the 10th December and installed until February.

“It is with great joy that we share with you The Chichester Nativity, a major new art installation which heralds the heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic from the local community and across the Diocese of East and West Sussex.Created by Visual Arts Advisor and Curator Jacquiline Creswell, and Artist and Photographer Ash Mills, it is an immersive photographic installation sharing the familiar story of the Nativity in the style of a renaissance tableau.Characters in the scene have been drawn from local organisations, charities and medical services and paired symbolically to the roles within the Nativity.” – Chichester Cathedral

The Sanctuary in Chichester community members who were photographed and included in the nativity scene are:

Jelani Abdu as a Wise Man. Jelani is Nations United football Team Captain, role model/ brother figure for unaccompanied asylum seeking children (UASC) and currently an intern with WSCC. He brings much wisdom to our area, having experienced a huge amount during his young life that most West Sussex residents have not, including the very long and dangerous journey to get here alone as a young teen.

Mary Downy as an onlooker. Mary is a SiC Trustee, Drop-In Coordinator, dedicated befriender and volunteer, foster carer for UASC and general angel in our eyes.

Here’s more detail on the artwork, booking to view it and the artist, on the Cathedral’s website.