Brigitte Harris Cancer Pavilion to Feature Artwork from Detroit Institute of Arts ‘Inside|Out’ Program

DETROIT (Jan. 14, 2021) – Henry Ford Cancer Institute's new Brigitte Harris Cancer Pavilion, a global destination for seamless and integrated cancer care, bringing together the newest and most innovative treatment options including disease-specific clinics, precision medicine, clinical trials and supportive services, will feature reproductions of artistic masterpieces from the Detroit Institute of Arts’ (DIA) collection. As part of the DIA’s Inside|Out program, 28 high-quality reproductions will be on display throughout the first, second and third floors of Henry Ford’s new 187,000 square-foot cancer pavilion, which will begin offering patient care on Jan. 20, 2021. 

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of the DIA in helping us create a unique healing environment for our patients and their families,” said Mary Jane Vogt, executive vice president and chief development officer at Henry Ford Health System. “Those who are experiencing the cancer journey often face challenges that are exhausting not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally. The beautiful artwork provided by the DIA will offer a soothing and positive distraction that patients and families can enjoy.”

The masterpieces on display in the new cancer pavilion will include reproductions of famous paintings by Solomon Irein Wangboje, Vincent Van Gogh, Karin Kneffel and many others. Located less than three miles away from the Brigitte Harris Cancer Pavilion, the DIA creates experiences that help each visitor find personal meaning in art, individually and with each other. By providing these Inside|Out pieces to Henry Ford’s new cancer pavilion, the DIA hopes lift the spirits of those who are experiencing a challenging time in their life. 

“Art holds incredible power – it can provoke, inspire, connect, and teach. But most importantly, it can heal,” said Salvador Salort-Pons, DIA Director. “Through these examples of human creativity, patients and their families can find hope and beauty. And it is particularly meaningful to me personally to partner with the Brigitte Harris Cancer Pavilion, named for the late wife of my dear friend, Mort Harris."

Both the artwork and their placement in the new cancer pavilion, were carefully selected in consideration to the physical and emotional journeys patients and families experience. For example, works near the elevator aim to give people something to consider while they wait and soothe anxiety in advance of or after their appointments. Works in the waiting areas will feature serene but hopeful imagery that speaks to the future, while works displayed along the Nancy Vlasic Skywalk that connects the cancer pavilion to Henry Ford Hospital are colorful and dynamic to capture visitors’ attention as they explore the pavilion or are in transit.

“Cancer treatment usually requires patients to spend a lot of time inside,” said Megan Winkel, Lindsay Anderson Healing Arts Curator and manager of the Healing Arts Program at Henry Ford Cancer Institute. “Some of our patients travel from other states and even other countries, but because of the time needed for treatment, and their physical condition, they might not have an opportunity to get out and experience the rich arts and cultural offerings of Detroit. Through this partnership, our patients with cancer and their families can enjoy artworks featured in the DIA’s world-class collection, right from where they are being treated.”
 
To learn more about the new cancer pavilion, visit henryford.com/NewCancerPavilion. 

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About the Detroit Institute of Arts:
The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), one of the premier art museums in the United States, is home to more than 60,000 works that comprise a multicultural survey of human creativity from ancient times through the 21st century. From the first Van Gogh painting to enter a U.S. museum (Self-Portrait, 1887), to Diego Rivera's world-renowned Detroit Industry murals (1932–33), the DIA’s collection is known for its quality, range and depth. The DIA’s mission is to create opportunities for all visitors to find personal meaning in art.

Programs are made possible with support from residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

About Henry Ford Health System:
Founded in 1915 by Henry Ford himself, Henry Ford Health System is a non-profit, integrated health system committed to improving people’s lives through excellence in the science and art of healthcare and healing. Henry Ford Health System consists of six hospitals including Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit; Henry Ford Macomb Hospitals; Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital; Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital; Henry Ford Allegiance in Jackson, MI; and Henry Ford Kingswood Hospital – an inpatient psychiatric hospital.

Henry Ford Health System also includes Henry Ford Medical Group; Henry Ford Physician Network; more than 250 outpatient facilities; Henry Ford Pharmacy; Henry Ford OptimEyes; and other healthcare services. Our not-for-profit health plan, Health Alliance Plan (HAP) provides health coverage for more than 540,000 people.

As one of the nation’s leading academic medical centers, Henry Ford Health System trains more than 3,000 medical students, residents, and fellows annually in more than 50 accredited programs, and has trained nearly 40% of the state’s physicians. Our dedication to education and research is supported by nearly $100 million in annual grants from the National Institutes of Health and other public and private foundations.

Henry Ford Health System employs more than 33,000 people, including more than 1,600 physicians, more than 6,600 nurses and 5,000 allied health professionals.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jeff Adkins / (586) 307-2027 / jadkins6@hfhs.org