Artivism

About Artivism

An exploration of the importance of time for women with advanced breast cancer through the medium of art.

Part of the My Time Our Time campaign, Artivism is an initiative that combines the concepts of art and activism to give women with advanced breast cancer a voice to shine a light on the importance of time.

Women living with advanced breast cancer can feel excluded and isolated. We know that the patient journey is deeply personal, and no two experiences are the same. But for all these women, time matters. Even though it might take on a different meaning. Time offers women cherished opportunities to continue enjoying their lives, fulfilling their purpose and dreams among loved ones within their communities, in the workplace, and in the world.

Artivism aims to empower women living with advanced breast cancer by providing a platform to express their personal stories, reflect on their diagnosis and treatment journey and communicate their emotions and needs with their loved ones and healthcare teams through artistic expression.

Art therapy is a key component of the Artivism initiative. We know that art therapy can play an important role in enhancing quality of life and mental health. Through art, women living with advanced breast cancer can communicate their emotions in deeply personal and unique ways. The result is an effective dialogue between patients, their loved ones and healthcare professionals.

The Artivism initiative was launched in the European Society for Medical Oncology 2019 Congress (ESMO 2019), where the 1st collaboration with Spanish artist Sara Herranz was established. Her mural explores the meaning of time through different illustrations which capture daily scenes of women living with the disease. Violet flowers grow throughout all the illustrations, symbolising rebirth and marking the journey of these inspiring and resilient women.