Salisbury Cathedral will host a new art exhibition titled 'Joyful Noise' from May 16 to October 25, featuring works by international artists including Denzil Forrester, Christine Sun Kim, Yuri Suzuki, Sokari Douglas Camp, Phyllida Barlow, Caroline Walker, Tim Etchells, and Emeka Ogboh. The exhibition reimagines the biblical call to 'make a joyful noise unto the Lord' and spans painting, sculpture, video, text, and sound, with installations both inside and outside the cathedral. Highlights include Tim Etchells' neon piece 'Songs (2026)' in the North Porch, Phyllida Barlow's six-metre-high sculpture 'untitled: megaphone (2014)' on Choristers' Green, and Emeka Ogboh's outdoor choral sound installation 'Abide with me (2026)' featuring the Salisbury Cathedral Choir. Entry is included with cathedral admission and free for local residents in SP1 to SP5 postcode areas.
This exhibition matters because it brings contemporary visual art into a historic sacred space, creating a dialogue between centuries-old traditions of worship and modern artistic expression. By featuring internationally recognized artists alongside new commissions, the show positions Salisbury Cathedral as a significant venue for public art, making high-quality contemporary work accessible to a broad audience. The focus on joy and community through diverse media—including sound and neon—reflects a growing trend of cathedrals and religious institutions embracing contemporary art to engage visitors and reinterpret spiritual themes.