CODAworx maintains a database of published projects, including many specific to commissioned works in spiritual settings. A review of entries within the last 36 months provides artists, commissioners, developers and architects with insight into the total, as well as the highest and median commission value of art installations occurring in these settings.

The history of civilization is marked by humankind’s effort to make sense of the environment. Spirituality and religion has been with us for millennia. The earliest art objects unearthed across the globe are primarily religious in nature. Artists and craftspersons have long strived to shape religious faith and life through their creative works. The most meaningful works are those that foster creative and critical inquiry into the human experience, deepen theological understanding, offer insights into religious faith, heighten theological discourse, and perhaps most important, provide contemplative and life-affirming solace to weary souls. 

While commission values are important, a review of select entries in the CODAworx database demonstrates how sacred art uses religious inspiration and motifs to heighten spirituality and create greater engagement with sacred themes.

Art that Comforts and Deepens Theological Inquiry

The CODAworx database of spiritual artwork is comprehensive, varied and inspirational. Works in the database are intended to uplift the mind of the viewer, whether in sacred religious settings, interfaith chapels or public spaces created to honor those who have made notable sacrifices. 

Artists from across the world showcase their contributions to this theological discourse, not in words but in tangible mediums. These include sculpture, glass, light, architectural design and more. Below, we highlight those works that represent the highest commission values in select categories, as well as those that suggest what average commission value projects may be. Descriptions include references to the artists’ spiritual vision and how the finished work connects to viewers in a way that will uplift, comfort, inspire and educate.

Commission Value — Spiritual Settings

Commission profiles are described below according to total, highest and median values for this category (139 entries with commissions totaling $19,964,412). The reader will find links to projects with the highest commission and median commission. 

Also provided is an overview of commissions regarding the most commonly occurring art installations within the Spiritual Settings category — architectural glass and sculpture.

The project with the largest commission value ($5 million) occurred in Kericho, Kenya. The project value incorporates the artwork budget, furniture and finishes for the Sacred Heart Cathedral, inclusive of doors, ceilings and stonework. The Cathedral’s design creates a unique and sacred place for a congregation of 1,500 seated celebrants participating in the liturgy of the Roman Catholic Mass under one giant unifying roof, creating a stimulus for the congregation to 'assemble and grow'. The ascending vaulted volume of celebratory space fuses both African and ecclesiastically historic references. 

Among all projects in the Spiritual Settings database for the study period, artwork installations at Temple Israel of Greater Miami may best represent the median commission fee. The work is a total integration of art and architecture and includes a  sculptural concrete shell, a carved torah ark with bronze spires, cast glass and epoxy sculptured windows, large-scale copper light fixtures, wrought iron railings, copper flower and candle holders and mahogany ceremonial furniture. Sculptural windows combine epoxy sculpture and cast glass. The chapel’s 2,200 pieces of cast glass was made using molten glass poured into molds, resulting in gradations of color. The symbolic power of the Torah is the focus of the chapel’s interior. The commission fee for this project was $200,000.

Commission Value — Architectural Glass

The largest commission ($3.7 million) consisting of primarily Architectural Glass occurred with the work Resurrection Glass at the Church of the Resurrection (Leawood, KS). The Resurrection window measures 94’ by 37’ and consists of 161 – 4’ x 5’ panels. The resurrected Christ is the central feature. At left is the Garden of Eden and on the right is the Garden of Revelations. A stylized galaxy represents God the Father and a dove symbolizes the Holy Spirit. Over 100 figures are portrayed in the window, including Adam and Eve, Billy Graham and Martin Luther King.

The commissioned artwork’s main goal was to create a sacred space, with a specific directive to create a figurative interpretation of the Resurrection. The tension between the contemporary building design and the traditional imagery led the team to seek out a technique that could achieve both these ends. Traditional glass painting techniques combined with contemporary kiln forming methods allowed the artists to bridge this gap.

Stamford Hospital’s Carey Interfaith Chapel Art Glass Wall in Stamford, CT, has a 

commission value of $250,000 and is representative of the median value for architectural glass within spiritual settings. Made up of seven individual, handcrafted panels that each measure approximately 60″W x 120″H, the art glass wall evokes a sense of peace and calmness while conveying an uplifting sense of healing and well-being. The artist, working with the client, developed a nature inspired design. The radiant blue art glass details are reminiscent of a gently flowing water in a creek, with its known effect to soothe the mind, body and spirit.

Commission Value — Sculpture

Path of Thorn and Roses in Alexandria, VA is the largest sculptural commission shown in the Spiritual Settings database within the study period. With a commission value of $350,000, the work stands on the grounds of a recently unearthed cemetery for enslaved people who were fleeing the South during the Civil War. The bronze monument is 35' tall by 9' wide by 15' deep. According to the artist, the work depicts the story of oppression, struggle, sacrifice, compassion and hope. The figurative work expresses the desperation and dreams of people in search of freedom.

Christ Ascending at St. Mark’s Catholic Church (San Antonio, TX) is representative of the median commission budget. Made entirely of brick, the design brings the stations of the cross to the final conclusion – the ascending Christ. According to the artist, the design stands as the final signature of the goals of the congregation to spread the message of the Risen Christ. The commission fee was $75,000.

Publish Your Projects

CODAworx is a leading authority on commissioned art and maintains a comprehensive database of information regarding RFPs, commissioning entities, budgets, and awards. Tapping into this database enables CODAweekly to feature regular Industry Reports by design segment (commercial, hospitality, healthcare, etc.) that highlights top artists, trends in commission fees, and more.

We encourage you to add information to the CODAworx database by publishing a project to our Project Library or populate data on projects already in the database. Anyone involved in the collaborative process can publish a project on CODAworx. This includes the artist and creative teams, design professionals and other commissioners, and industry resources such as fabricators, engineers, installers, lighting designers, videographers, and more. Potential clients, commissioners, collaborators and your peers will get to know you and your work. They can contact you directly through the CODAworx messaging system.

Join CODAworx

CODAworx is the global online community that celebrates design projects featuring commissioned artworks. Membership packages and pricing plans are designed to meet your needs, regardless of your role in celebrating creative exploration and genius. Join for free with a Basic listing of your projects or become a Basic + member to expand your professional presence. The Pro membership is best for studios winning commissions and seeking to grow further. Last, the Premium membership is for studios seeking to maximize sales and marketing efforts. For details visit our Membership Packages & Pricing page.