Behind Walls
A new public engagement initiative that brings together science, creative practice and lived experience to encourage new conversations about cancer.
The project, Behind Walls, is led by Dr Maria Prencipe alongside UCD Conway Institute colleagues Prof William Gallagher and Dr Arman Rahman. The concept was developed by Chantal Halley, Research Programme and Engagement Manager for the All-Island Cancer Research Institute, who designed the initiative to explore how creative practice can support new forms of public engagement with cancer research.
Supported by Research Ireland, the project brings together artists, cancer researchers, patient advocates, educators and community organisations to co-create public artworks and storytelling that reflect both the human experience of cancer and the science behind it.
A central collaborator on the project is internationally recognised Irish street artist ACHES, whose socially engaged murals have become widely recognised. His work gained national attention during the campaign to repeal the Eighth Amendment, when his mural honouring Savita Halappanavar became one of the most recognisable public artworks associated with the movement.
“It is an honor to be involved in the Behind Walls project. Learning more about cancer research in Ireland has provided a meaningful insight into the extensive work being done here. Having lost my father to cancer in 2014, this project resonates with me deeply.”
— ACHES
For this project, ACHES will collaborate with Cian Ryan, a motion and graphic designer whose bold visual work has helped shape the graphic identities of many of Ireland’s best-known music festivals, global #WeAreHere campaign, an International Women’s Day initiative that reached millions and recent contemporary visuals associated with Guinness.
Together, ACHES’ distinctive portrait style and Ryan’s vibrant graphic design will combine to create a series of physical and digital murals to spark reflection and conversation. One of the focuses of the project is to include the voices of individuals and communities whose perspectives are often missing from discussions about cancer, despite the fact that the disease touches almost every family in Ireland. One in two people will receive a diagnosis of cancer in their lifetime.
The project will be documented by filmmakers Éanna Mac Cana and Rabie Mustapha. Mac Cana’s recent documentary Burkitt explores the life and legacy of pioneering Irish cancer researcher Denis Burkitt. Mustapha’s recent work “The Cities I Live In” explores his life journey as a Palestinian living in Belfast. Together they will follow the creative process as it unfolds, capturing the collaboration between artists, researchers, and communities as the project develops.
“I strongly believe in the power of bringing art and science together to communicate
universal messages. This project is especially exciting because it brings together
a multidisciplinary team of people from different backgrounds, each contributing
their own perspectives and strengths. By combining these diverse ways of thinking
and working, we can create something far greater than any one discipline alone could
achieve. I am thrilled to be part of this collaboration and look forward to seeing the impact
of what we create together.”
— Dr Maria Prencipe
Through co-creation workshops, youth education programmes and the development of two large-scale public murals, Behind Walls aims to create new opportunities for communities to engage with cancer research in everyday environments and to encourage reflection and dialogue around cancer awareness and prevention.
If you would like to be the first to hear updates, opportunities to get involved, and announcements about the project, please join the Behind Walls mailing list