Novartis & University of Glasgow raise awareness of rare blood cancers with art led sculpture exhibition
Meet the MPN 10 is a Novartis disease awareness campaign, funded by Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd and developed in collaboration with MPN Voice.
Article Source: Novartis & University of Glasgow
Last Updated: 2 September 2024 13:24
Image Credit: Martin Shields
Marking the start of Blood Cancer Awareness Month this September, Novartis UK, MPN Voice and the University of Glasgow are pleased to announce the arrival of the immersive ‘Meet the MPN 10’ exhibition at the University campus to shine a light on the symptoms of a group of rare blood cancers called myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). The 10 giant number sculptures, that have been on a tour of the UK, have been exclusively designed by five mural artists, with Stirling-born Artist, Ross MacRae, designing numbers 1 and 6.
MPNs are a type of blood cancer that originates in the bone marrow. There are three main types of MPNs: myelofibrosis (MF), essential thrombocythaemia (ET) and polycythaemia (PV). With MPNs affecting ~4,100 people in the UK each year, it's never been more important to be aware of the symptoms.1 The installation forms part of Novartis and MPN Voice’s campaign ‘Meet the MPN 10’ which features 10 characters that personify the most common symptoms associated with these types of cancers – for example, ‘Night Sweats Nick’ and ‘Weight Loss Wendy’. Visitors to the installation can meet and interact with the characters via an augmented reality (AR) experience triggered by QR codes.
Professor Andrew Tobin, Director of the Mazumdar-Shaw Advanced Research Centre said: “We are delighted to host this important exhibition at the University of Glasgow during Blood Cancer Awareness Month. This exhibition highlights the powerful role of art in enhancing communication, empathy and understanding of serious diseases, such as blood cancers. Since opening, the ARC has hosted events and exhibitions which invite conversations around research and the challenges we face locally, nationally and globally. These conversations are vital to developing impactful research which can change lives.”
“MPNs can affect people of any age at any stage in their life. A diagnosis of MPN brings with it many challenges in terms of overall health and wellbeing, particularly the debilitating symptoms that many people experience, which are often dismissed. More needs to be done to recognise and identify these symptoms early so that people living with MPNs can seek help from medical professionals to better manage their symptoms, and those who are undiagnosed can seek a potential diagnosis sooner.” commented Alisia O’Sullivan, MPN Voice.
“MPNs are a group of rare blood cancers originating in the bone marrow. The symptoms can easily be confused with other conditions and even diagnosed patients can sometimes live with debilitating symptoms, such as fatigue, for a long time without realising that it’s their MPN that is causing these.” Said Dr. Gillian Horne, Senior Clinical Lecturer and Honorary Consultant in molecular diagnostics and leukaemia at the Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, University of Glasgow, and Beatson, West of Scotland Cancer Centre.
“It’s important for people to spot the symptoms early and for those who have been diagnosed with an MPN to make sure they are speaking openly with their healthcare team about the impact symptoms are having on quality of life.”
Marie-Andrée Gamache, Country President, Novartis UK and Ireland added “This unique exhibition is part of Novartis’s ongoing commitment to transforming the lives of people living with blood cancers. By working in partnership with MPN Voice, we’ve been able to use real experiences from those living with MPNs about the true impact these symptoms have on their quality of life. With art rooted in Glasgow’s culture, we’re so pleased to have teamed up with the University of Glasgow to bring the exhibition to here where it can help spread an important message.”
“It's all about raising awareness.” said Ross MacRae, Edinburgh-based artist. “You might know somebody, a relative or a friend, that might have these symptoms and if you go to this exhibition – you’ll also see some nice art but that's kind of the by-product, – the actual importance is to learn and be able to recognise these symptoms so you can check up on people, or maybe you'll feel them yourself. You could save a life, or your own, so worthwhile checking the exhibition out because of that.”
The temporary art exhibition at the University of Glasgow, Advanced Research Centre (ARC), Glasgow, will run from 2nd to 22nd September.Find out more about the MPN campaign here: www.novartis.com
The MPN 10 Tracker website is a useful tool created and funded by Novartis for patients living with an MPN, helping them manage their disease: www.mpntracker.com
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
HARIBO UK announces first Scottish retail store in Silverburn shopping centre
Scottish HARIBO-lovers are in for a treat! The UK’s leading confectionery manufacturer, and creator of Tangfastics and Starmix, is set to open its first retail store in Scotland.
READ MORE
The hoppiest time of the year at the National Trust For Scotland
The National Trust for Scotland is hopping into spring as it hosts 40 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care in April!
READ MORE
American BBQ legend and first Arab pitmaster both set to cook in Scotland for the first time
Pioneering pitmaster Pat Martin is coming to Glasgow as Meatopia makes its Scottish debut at SWG3 in June!
READ MORE
Taste the Place launches to celebrate culinary heritage of Glasgow
Taste the Place, a new range of experiences celebrating Glasgow's rich cultural heritage through food, has launched!
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival announces record breaking statistics as festival draws to a close
Glasgow International Comedy Festival welcomed over 61,000 comedy fans to 605 shows this year, marking its biggest ever event!
READ MORE
Premium menswear brand, Bee Inspired, confirmed for Silverburn
Glasgow's leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn has expanded its streetwear offering with the addition of globally recognised urban fashion brand, Bee Inspired.
READ MORE
Pitch perfect Govan Music Festival wraps up fantastic fourth edition
Govan Music Festival has wrapped up in Glasgow after four joyful days of music and community participation, showcasing themes of hope, renewal and connection across its programme.
READ MORE
Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton to star in supernatural thriller 2:22 A Ghost Story
The King's Theatre Glasgow is delighted to announce that Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton will star in the critically acclaimed, smash hit, supernatural thriller 2:22 - A Ghost Story!
READ MORE
Rosco McClelland wins Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award at GICF
Rosco McClelland has been announced as the winner of 2025's Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award, at Glasgow International Comedy Festival's Comedy Gala.
READ MORE
Top comedian and Scottish brewer team up in search of best Scottish banter for upcoming book
Innis & Gunn joins forces with top Scottish comedian Marc Jennings to find Scotland's funniest pub stories for 'The Book of Pub Banter & Confessions'.
READ MORE
University of Strathclyde retain the Glasgow Taxis Cup
University of Strathclyde were crowned winners of Scotland's largest student varsity sporting competition, the Glasgow Taxis Cup, for the third time since 2022.
READ MORE
Glasgow bus tour unveils hidden gems
An open-top bus company is offering a new tour of Glasgow, highlighting its hidden gems and maritime history.
READ MORE
Glasgow 850: Citizens Invited to Unleash Their Inner Poet and Join the Great Big Glasgow Poem!
Glasgow's 850th birthday celebrations have taken on a poetic twist with the launch of the Great Big Glasgow Poem, encouraging every Glaswegian to contribute a line to a collective masterpiece!
READ MORE
Sinitta and Darren Day join the cast of CHICAGO
Darren Day and Sinitta will join Strictly star Janette Manrara when CHICAGO comes to the King's Theatre Glasgow in August!
READ MORE
Spring into gardening: Dobbies free April workshops
Garden Centre invites gardeners to get hands-on with wildflowers and springtime celebrations.
READ MORE
Glasgow 850: More shows and festival showcase acts announced as part of Clyde Chorus
Clyde Chorus, part of Glasgow 850, is thrilled to unveil its festival showcase acts, featuring an eclectic mix of talent that celebrates Glasgow’s rich and diverse musical heritage.
READ MORE
JADE and Myles Smith join TRNSMT 2025 lineup
Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has revealed five new artists to the Glasgow Green billing, including two of the hottest UK acts right now, JADE and Myles Smith!
READ MORE
VR experience at Glasgow Central station aims to help combat sexual harassment on the railway
Immersive VR film at Glasgow Central station invites passengers to find out how they can help to tackle sexual harassment on the railways.
READ MORE
Rainbocorns letter hunt in Smyths Toys Stores this April!
Smyths Toys is hosting the official Rainbocorns Easter Letter Hunt giving kids the chance to hunt down the letters instore and unscramble the word to receive a FREE 8cm Rainbocorns Eggzania Baby Mania
READ MORE
Strictly Come Dancing star Kai Widdrington brings his new tour to Glasgow
Kai Widdrington, renowned professional dancer across the UK and Ireland, is set to bring his highly anticipated dance tour, Kai - Evolution to Glasgow's Pavilion Theatre!
READ MORE
Doors to historic sites across Scotland set to open next month
More than 30 historic seasonal sites across the country will reopen to visitors from Tuesday 1st April, as Historic Environment Scotland marks the start of its spring/summer season.
READ MORE
Global fashion retail brand Hollister confirmed for Silverburn Glasgow
Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination Silverburn has announced that global fashion retailer Hollister is set to join its line-up of leading fashion brands this summer.
READ MORE
Hillhead Primary School in Glasgow return to defend their title in national poetry competition
Hillhead Primary School in Glasgow, crowned Slam Masters and Individual winners at the Scottish Youth Poetry Slam, will return to this year’s competition to defend their title.
READ MORE
Govan Music Festival opens today with song inspired by life saving Glasgow society
This year's programme showcases the diversity, talent and passion of the historic Glasgow district, with one show featuring a song inspired by local lifesaving outfit, the Glasgow Humane Society.
READ MORE
Scottish comedy venues offers funded fringe for new comedian
Scottish comedy venue Blackfriars of Bell Street has joined forces with Brass Tacks Comedy to offer a funded Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut for Scottish comedian Jack Traynor.
READ MORE
Glasgow Film Festival celebrates its 21st edition with over 33,000 attendances
Stellar lineup of Hollywood stars including Toni Collette, Jessica Lange, Ed Harris, James McAvoy and Tim Roth lit up the city alongside a programme of free films and events for the community.
READ MORE
Theatrical screenings take centre stage at Vue this spring
To coincide with World Theatre Day this Thursday (27 March), Vue venues in Scotland are bringing a selection of British productions to the big screen this spring.
READ MORE
Scottish entrepreneurs launch groundbreaking whisky brand focused on accessibility, community, and innovation
Scottish-based spirits company Necropolis Spirits has unveiled its latest product, The Merchants' Select whisky, marking a bold new chapter in the whisky industry.
READ MORE
Elements announces exclusive wine dinner with Grgich Hills Winery
Three AA Rosette Elements restaurant announces exclusive wine dinner with World-renowned Grgich Hills Winery.
READ MORE
Scottish youth hostelling charity launches initiative reviving funded breaks for disadvantaged young people and families
An organisation that runs youth hostels across Scotland is launching an initiative to provide free stays for disadvantaged young people and families.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links