Forthcoming art installation means the world to cathedral

Derby Cathedral is set to welcome a stunning art installation, which will see a giant revolving Earth installed in its nave.

Thanks to the support and sponsorship of the University of Derby and Cosy Direct, visitors to the cathedral this autumn will be able to experience an astronaut’s view of the world when the ‘Gaia’ artwork comes to the city as part of its worldwide tour.

Gaia, which in Greek mythology means the personification of the Earth, has been created by UK artist Luke Jerram whose previous artwork, Museum of the Moon, came to Derby Cathedral in 2019.

Gaia has already been enjoyed by millions of people across the world, from the US to Dubai, as well as a series of special appearances, including at last year’s COP26 meeting in Glasgow.

Measuring seven metres in diameter and created from detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface, Gaia provides the opportunity to see the planet in its entirety as it slowly revolves above the nave in the cathedral, accompanied by a composition by award-winning composer Dan Jones.

It will open to the public on 22 September, as part of Derby Festé, and will remain in place until 16 October.

The Very Revd Dr Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby, said: “Derby Cathedral is the perfect space for this awe-inspiring and reflective artwork.

“The people of Derby and beyond have visited us in their thousands, most recently to see the magical Peace Doves but also previously for Museum of the Moon. I know that Gaia will be equally popular.

“I think this artwork provides a new perspective of our place on the planet, a sense that societies of the Earth are all interconnected and that we have a responsibility toward one another.

“Just as astronauts have gazed in wonder of the Earth from space, I hope that Gaia will inspire visitors to think about the significance of creation, our role as custodians on the planet and the environmental impact that we have on the natural world.”

Professor Keith McLay, provost for learning and teaching at the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted to be a headline sponsor of Gaia at Derby Cathedral and look forward to the sensational artwork coming to our city later this year.

“As a civic institution, the University of Derby is pleased to further strengthen its existing partnership with the cathedral, working together to provide the city with cultural opportunities to enjoy.

“We are excited to see the exhibition in Derby and hope members of the public make the most of the fantastic opportunity to attend and see the work for themselves.”

Peter Ellse, chief executive of Cosy Direct and chairman of the Cosy Foundation, said: “We are delighted to sponsor Gaia to mark the occasion of our 2022 Queen’s Award for Enterprise (sustainable development).

“It is our way of giving thanks to the people and organisations who have been part of our story over the past decade.

“We are a product of these combined communities, and this connectivity and interdependency very much mirrors the messages found within this awesome spectacle.”

Steve Slater, chief executive of Déda and artistic director of Derby Festé, said: “Derby Festé is an annual event that brings communities of Derby together and we are delighted to work with Derby Cathedral to welcome the incredible Gaia installation as part of this year’s programme of exciting events.

“Gaia will amaze people just as the Museum of the Moon did back in 2019 and we can’t wait to see it installed in September.”