Richard Bushman on Divine Creativity at the Center Virtual Festival
Photo by Samantha Zauscher
Historian and co-founder Richard Bushman offers a personal reflection on art as a sacred act.
We’re honored to announce that Richard Bushman—renowned historian, beloved author of Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling, and co-founder of the Center for Latter-day Saint Arts—will deliver the closing plenary at this year’s Virtual Festival taking place on May 30-31st. To conclude the Festival, Richard will present thoughts on the nature of divine creativity—how it shapes our lives, our faith, and the art we make– as he shares visual examples, including art pieces in his personal collection.
As one of the original visionaries behind the Center and its festivals, Richard has long championed the role of the arts in expressing and expanding Latter-day Saint experience. He’s previously spoken at Center Festivals about the relationship between Joseph and Emma and artistic depictions of the First Vision. In an interview at the 2018 Center Festival (then the Mormon Arts Festival), he shared what continues to inspire him about the festival’s mission:
“We don’t lack art in our culture and among our people, but we lack knowledge of art. And what we’re trying to do is rediscover and display all that’s gone on—in cinema, painting, poetry, and music—and help Latter-day Saints understand the heritage they have, but may not know is theirs.”
Richard Bushman talks with Laurel Thatcher Ulrich at a previous Center Festival.
Art as The New Frontier
Richard has worked extensively in Latter-day Saint history– writing pivotal books and establishing academic seats for Mormon studies at universities. After “thrashing around” on the question for some time, he came upon the sense that art was the next step in defining Mormon history and culture.
For him, art is not just personal expression—it’s cultural affirmation. It’s a way for creators shaped by Mormonism to feel less alone, and for audiences to encounter fresh, spirit-driven perspectives on the human experience. “We’re expressive people,” he says, “and art is a fresh, new, energetic way to share what’s in our hearts.”
Glen Nelson (left) and Richard Bushman (right) presenting at the 2018 Center Festival.
Sharing His Own Art Collection
This year’s closing session offers an intimate look at Richard’s vision of sacred creativity. Recently retired as Chair of the Center’s board, he’ll reflect on the relationship between faith and artistic creation, sharing pieces from his personal collection and inviting us to see our own artistic efforts as acts of divine connection.
Richard has always believed the festival speaks for itself—it doesn’t need a hard sell. But he dreams of it lasting. Of becoming permanent. Of continuing to shape how Latter-day Saint art is seen, understood, and loved.
“What is unique about our festival is it brings focus on Mormon culture and people who’ve been affected by Mormon culture, and who are expressing it artistically… to see that we are part of this great artistic effort that has gone on all over the world? Through all time and space? That we have our part it? That, I think, reaffirms who we are and helps us to understand ourselves better.”
We hope you’ll join Richard Bushman and our vibrant community of artists and supporters at this year’s Virtual Festival.
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