During the time of the pandemic we’ve all becomes so aware of viruses and vaccines. Infecting Minds is giving young people the chance to look afresh at vaccines of the past, present and future.
Secondary school students will take part in collaborative creative workshops to make their own artwork exploring surprising and hidden histories of vaccines, such as the role of inoculation in traditional practices, and the remarkable ways art and design were used in past vaccination campaigns. We will also look at the ways people historically tried to prevent disease using traditional medicines, starting with plants. Young people will be encouraged to ask questions about vaccines and diseases and imagine how vaccines could evolve in the future. Secondary schools in Oxford will participate together with schools in South Africa to exchange ideas and artwork.
Schools are collaborating with the University of Oxford, the Africa Health Research Institute and the Crick Institute, together with Scientist-turned-artist, Dr Lizzie Burns and filmmaker Marianne Lère, to create a lasting film celebrating what emerges. We will encourage young people to develop their own work but expect ideas to include drawing, painting and sculptures inspired by diseases, vaccines and the history of public health.
