‘Rest is an essential part of recuperation of the body and soul, and both require nourishment as well. For me, music art and poetry feed my inner self.’
– Michele Angelo Petrone, The Emotional Cancer Journey.
Michele Angelo Petrone was a professional artist who exhibited at the Royal Academy and the South Bank in London. In 2002, Michele set up the MAP Foundation, an arts in health organisation promoting expression, communication and understanding for people affected by life threatening illness, in particular cancer.
After Michele’s death in 2007, the charity was renamed the Michele Angelo Petrone Foundation in recognition of Michele’s legacy. Art was the centre of Michele’s universe and through his work with thousands of cancer patients, carers and families he allowed them also to experience the power of art when dealing with difficult life events.
ONCA started working with the MAP Foundation and Macmillan Cancer Support, Wellcome Images and the Brighton Therapy Centre in 2014 – bringing about two ground-breaking exhibitions entitled A Cancer Landscape, in 2015 and 2016. We are honoured to have subsequently been entrusted with the MAP Collection and continue to explore ways in which we can honour Michele’s legacy.