March 31, 2025
Art as a Healing Expression: A Drawing Contest to Raise Awareness for Primary Immunodeficiencies
This year, during World PI Week, AEDIP is collaborating with the Fundació Museu Tàpies and the BCN PID Foundation to present a unique opportunity to raise awareness about PIDs through art in Spain. A special drawing contest has been organised, aiming to provide a platform for people living with PIDs to express their emotions and experiences in a way that words often cannot.
Although the physical challenges that PID patients must deal with are often the main focus of the doctors, many people with PIDs often face an even greater struggle— the emotional and psychological toll of living with a chronic illness that others may not understand. It is in this space where art becomes an essential tool for self-expression.
Art has long been recognised as a therapeutic outlet, allowing individuals to convey their innermost thoughts, fears, and hopes without the need for verbal expression.
For those living with PIDs, drawing, painting, or creating visual art can serve as a powerful means of communication. It oƯers a release for feelings of isolation, frustration, and confusion, emotions that are all too common in the PID community. For that reason, the main topic chosen for this contest is: Imagining Worlds with PIDs. Through art, they can give form to their experiences and share their personal stories with the world.
The collaboration between AEDIP, the Fundació Museu Tàpies, and the BCN PID Foundation is a testament to the healing potential of creativity. By hosting this drawing contest, these organisations hope to give a voice to the struggles of people with PIDs while educating the public about the importance of awareness, early diagnosis, and support for those living with such disorders.
The contest is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the human spirit. Participants are invited to submit their artwork, which will be exhibited in a public space, allowing others to connect with and understand the challenges faced by those with PIDs. It’s an opportunity for both the artists and the viewers to see the unseen and engage with the emotional aspects of living with a chronic illness.
The partnership between these organisations also highlights the importance of community in the fight against PIDs. World PI Week needs to be a reminder that, together, we can make a diƯerence—not only in advancing medical research but in creating a world where the emotional and social needs of those with PIDs are equally recognised and supported.
Through this drawing contest, we are reminded that art remains a vital part of the process. It allows individuals to process their emotions and experiences in a way that brings both personal comfort and public awareness. This is an opportunity for everyone to witness the power of art and make a meaningful statement to the world.
