Multiplicities: An Artistic Exploration of Racial Disparities in Cancer Outcomes
9.28.23 - 12.08.23
MIT’s Koch Institute For Integrative Cancer Research, Public Galleries
500 Main St. Cambridge, MA 02139
Curator: Anupallavi Sinha
Cancer is a disease that multiplies rapidly, dividing and spreading throughout the body. Research has shown that our Black, Brown and minority communities hold the highest cancer burden of all racial/ethnic groups in the U.S., and we consistently face greater obstacles to cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and survival. ‘Multiplicities’ invites you to engage with thought-provoking artworks that speak to our current state of cancer inequities, and to learn more about how we as a collective can take meaningful and achievable steps today toward eradicating health disparities in our communities.
(©Greg Cook photo)
(©Greg Cook photo)
Featured Artists
Multiplicities Artist Cohort: Ifé Franklin, Nygel Jones, Bianca Rose, Ryan Horton, Stanley Rameau
Delve into our illuminating Multiplicities Artist Talk —a clear testament to the fact that artists in the community are key change agents and the ultimate healers who must be at the forefront of the health equity movement. This dynamic discussion highlighted the invaluable stories and perspectives our artists bring to the table, with insights surrounding personal connections to cancer, artists’ creative journeys and practices, descriptions of works on display, and the power of vulnerability, fearlessness, and creative resilience.
Keynote Speaker
Sheila Phicil is a dynamic trailblazer and currently holds the role of Director of Innovation at Boston Medical Center's (BMC) Health Equity Accelerator. In this capacity, she spearheads transformative initiatives that propel the cause of racial health equity forward, while also tackling the intricate web of social determinants of health. With a remarkable track record spanning 15 years in healthcare, Sheila has expertly navigated policy, strategy, and operations within diverse clinical, research, and teaching environments.
Bevond her professional accomplishments, Sheila's perspectives are deeply rooted in her lived experiences as a first-generation Haitian American woman. Her distinctive ability to weave compelling narratives adds a poignant layer to her advocacy on intricate matters, illuminating the essence of multifaceted issues.
Art & Cancer Equity Vendor Market
Our exhibit unveiling included a cross-industry networking space featuring organizations who are leading community driven efforts to eliminate racial health disparities and/or elevating Black, Brown and minority creatives. A component of the 2023 Cambridge Science Festival program, our vendor market showcased the transformative potential that arises from uniting the worlds of art, health and science.
Participating Organizations: The Adius Arts Initiative, Rubix Life Sciences, Art Saint Hope, Soulcialta, Blacks In Bio, The BLAC Project, New England Medical Association, MassBio, LabCentral Ignite and Gallery 1832.
(Video Credit: Loïs Missowou)