Oncology On CanvasSM: Expressions of a Cancer Journey is an art competition and exhibition that honors the journeys people face when confronted with a cancer diagnosis. The biennial competition invites individuals diagnosed with any type of cancer, their families, friends, caregivers and healthcare providers, to express, through art and narrative, the life-affirming changes that give their cancer journeys meaning.
Oncology On Canvas is presented by Lilly USA, LLC, in partnership with the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS), which advocates for quality cancer care for all Americans and provides tools and resources that empower people affected by cancer to advocate for themselves.
Winners are selected by an independent panel of judges, typically including past winners, cancer survivors, leading oncologists, journalists, representatives from patient advocacy groups and the competition art director. The end result is a compelling art collection that provides insights into the wide range of emotions experienced by those touched by cancer.
The Inaugural Years
Lilly Oncology On Canvas was launched in 2004 and received more than 400 pieces of art from 23 countries. In 2005, the art began a world tour that reached millions of people in more than 100 cities.
In 2006, Oncology On Canvas received more than 2,000 pieces of art from 43 countries. The artwork from the 2006 competition has toured nearly 200 cities worldwide.
The Journey Continues
The 2008 Lilly Oncology On Canvas competition, which was open to all U.S. and Puerto Rico residents, received nearly 600 entries. In total, the 2008 Oncology On Canvas competition awarded 26 prizes to 20 cancer charities selected by the 19 winners in various categories.