I have just spent the weekend at my Alma Mater, UCC, Cork (http://www.ucc.ie/research/apc/content/experienceofillness/).

The event was a thought provoking and enthralling symposium, which covered many diverse aspects of potential interactions between Illness and the Arts.

Music and poetry, including live performances and readings, visual art, fiction, social media and film, in the context of the experience of illness, were all explored in innovative and refreshing ways. Personal stories of the experience of illness were shared, and were both moving and enriching. We also heard about new models for exposing medical undergraduates to the humanities.

A very imaginatively curated art exhibition Living/Loss: The Experience of Illness in Art is currently on at The Glucksman Gallery, UCC (until March 2013). It is so worth seeing.

Much to consider, and hopefully to follow on from the symposium, including a book in 2013.

I was particularly proud that, firstly, I was able to contribute to this landmark event, and secondly, that it took place where many years ago I first set off on the road that has led me here.

CQ