History of the Competition

THE INAUGURAL YEARS

Oncology on Canvas was launched in 2004 as a way to honor the cancer journeys of women, thus its original name: Oncology on Canvas: Expressions of a Woman's Cancer Journey. Lilly wanted to make a contribution to oncology that went beyond drug discovery and development to treating the whole patient.

The company decided to provide those affected by women's cancers an artistic forum to express the emotional side effects of the disease, and in so doing participants help themselves and inspire others.

The original competition was international in scope, resulting in nearly 500 entries from 23 countries. The resulting exhibit debuted at London's Royal College of Art and then toured the world, encouraging and inspiring millions of people in more than 100 cities.

But Lilly did not do it alone. The company enlisted the help of numerous advocacy groups throughout the world. Key among the groups was Vital Options International, a not-for-profit cancer communications, support, and advocacy organization.

The co-presenter and partner in the U.S. was and is the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS),
the oldest survivor-led advocacy organization in the country.

THE JOURNEY: PART II

The year 2005 garnered more momentum for Oncology on Canvas, as the touring exhibit was met with an enthusiastic reception everywhere from Indianapolis to Cape Town. Host cities held exhibits and events at hospitals, clinics, shopping malls, art centers and even Washington D.C.'s Union Station.

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

In 2006, Lilly Oncology on Canvas was opened to anyone affected by cancer and renamed Oncology on Canvas: Expressions of a Cancer Journey. More than 2,000 pieces of art—2,151 in total—from 43 countries were received for the second global competition and exhibition.

Entries received were in the categories of: oil, watercolor, acrylic, photography, pastel, and mixed media.

• Lined end-to-end, the art and narratives span the length of 14 football fields.
• In 2006, 492 pieces of art were received from entrants in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, marking a ten-fold increase from the 2004 competition.

But the Lilly Oncology on Canvas program is more than just the competition. Each year at the conclusion of the competition, selected entries are displayed in a nationwide exhibition, designed to inspire others whose lives have been touched by cancer. Selected art from the Lilly Oncology on Canvas competition is currently on tour.

BUILDING ON THE LEGACY

On November 15, 2007, Oncology on Canvas launched the 2008 competition, its third, which was open to all U.S. and Puerto Rico residents. The competition officially closed on July 15, 2008, with winners announced in October in New York City.

An independent panel of judges, comprised of the art director, cancer survivors, leading oncologists, journalists and representatives from patient advocacy groups select the prize winners in the competition. Prizes consist of money donated directly to the cancer charity of the winners' choice.

For more information on the competition or to find a local exhibition, please call (800) 734-4131 or visit the Exhibit Tour Schedule on this website.