Recognising the devastation caused by the climate crisis and the integral role art can play in reimagining our responses, for the first time in its illustrious 800-year history, the renowned parish church of St Marys in Redcliffe, Bristol, has opened its doors to a contemporary abstract art exhibition addressing the issue. Featuring the artwork of the Bristol based Mexican artist Chantal Meza, “Eden Bleeds,” showcases 13 evocative works that address the destruction of our planet and the disappearance of our shared biosphere.

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In response to the churches hosting of her work, the artist stated, “it is an extraordinary privilege to be able to exhibit these works in such an iconic and beautiful setting. I really have no words knowing this is the first time the church has welcomed in an exhibition of contemporary art in this way. It's a real honour and deeply humbling”.

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Commenting on St Marys decision to welcome the exhibition, Vicar Laura Verrall-Kelly added, “while it seems remarkable this prominent church hasn't hosted a contemporary art exhibition before, Eden Bleeds is the perfect and timely response as the church also shows how it can adapt and play more of a socially engaged role. The moment we met Chantal and saw the brilliant works, we knew we had to do this.”

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Eden Bleeds was exhibited from 7th March to 22nd April, 2025. Complimenting the exhibition, the church decided to frame its full lent program to dealing with ecological concerns. Reflecting on the significance, Canon Dan Tyndall added: “We are proud to be hosting this superb exhibition of work by Chantal Meza, focusing on some of the biggest challenges facing humanity: environmental destruction, disappearing ecosystems and pollution. The Church of England believes that responding to the climate crisis is an essential part of our responsibility to safeguard God's creation and achieve a just world. This exhibition helps to raise awareness of environmental issues and fits in with our own determination to become a more environmentally friendly church that is singing the song of faith and justice.”

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In addition to the exhibition, a suite of events was organised to open conversation in an art led way between artists, experts, and broader publics. The impetus for this was stated by Professor Brad Evans who is Director of the Centre for the Study of Violence at the University of Bath and a co-lead on the project who added: “Our societies need to find novel and original ways of discussing and education about challenging issues. This means rethinking our public spaces and ensuring art plays a central role in those urgent and necessary conversations. You don't need to be religious to believe in the spirit of humanity. And St Marys have shown what is possible if you also put faith in a project that allows us to reimagine better futures”. 

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Leading thinkers from pioneering organizations like The Eco-Leadership Institute, Alameda Institute and Centre for the Study of Violence participated in a series of public talks. Conversations with the public where held on the importance of art and how we might reimagine social responses to this collective planetary issue and bring new attention to the multiple ways ecologies are endangered.