For 950 years, Chichester Cathedral has served as the spiritual heart of Sussex, and the mother church of our diocese.
This year, we come together to celebrate this extraordinary legacy through Chichester950, a year-long programme of events that honours the Cathedral’s enduring story, and its place in the life of our city, the counties of East and West Sussex, and beyond.
Working in collaboration with Diocesan Board of Education, the Cathedral is proud to host a joint schools’ engagement project, Fish950,this summer.
Fish950 invites all year 6 students from across the diocese to join in the celebrations by individually creating a fish-shaped artwork. The designs from across East and West Sussex will be joined together, forming a sea of artwork, exhibiting in the Cathedral Nave this summer.
The Fish950 art installation will be on display from Monday 23rd June when the Cathedral hosts the first of four leavers’ services and will remain on display until Sunday 31st August 2025. All children will be invited bring their family, caregivers, and friends into the Cathedral over the summer holidays to find their artwork and join us in the Chichester950 celebrations.
Do you teach a Year 6 class in the Diocese of Chichester?
Get in touch with Rosie Bradberry, Cathedral Creative Learning Officer via email: rosie.bradberry@chichestercathedral.org.uk
Download our Fish950 school information pack which includes essential information and instructions for staff on everything from lesson resources, artwork instructions and postage deadlines.
Imagine the Cathedral filled with artwork from children from across our diocese. It will be a beautiful sight to behold. We hope you’ll join with us in this exciting opportunity.
FAQs
Q: Why should my class take part? A: We want to give children the lasting memory of having contributed to the 950th anniversary celebrations of the diocese and Cathedral. The Fish950 art installation will be on display from Monday 23rd June when the Cathedral hosts the first of four leavers’ services and will remain on display until Sunday 31st August 2025. All children will be invited bring their family, caregivers, and friends into the Cathedral over the summer holidays to find their artwork and join us in the Chichester950 celebrations. |
Q: Why Year 6? A: There are fourteen leavers’ services taking place across the Chichester Diocese this summer. Our aim is for all children to have a tangible connection to their Cathedral regardless of where their leavers’ service takes place. |
Q: I'm a busy teacher, have you got any resources to help us to share this project with our pupils? A: We know teachers are busy, so we’ve done some of the hard work for you to make things easier. Download your Fish950 classroom PowerPoint which includes a Biblical reflection activity providing context for the fish artwork and artist instructions for children. |
