Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) affects millions, yet is often invisible, misunderstood and stigmatised. A new public engagement project, Sounds of Tolerance, funded by the University of Oxford PCER Fund and co-led by Professor Paul Klenerman, composer Dr Zakiya Leeming and coordinator Dr Rachel Hindmarsh, is tackling this in an innovative way: through the creation and performance of music inspired by the theme of ‘tolerance’.
Tolerance mechanisms such as regulatory T-cells play a key role in preventing autoimmune disease by maintaining the body’s tolerance to beneficial bacteria. Recent research by Oxford’s Translational Gastroenterology and Liver Unit is uncovering why the body can lose this tolerance, leading to IBD, and how it can be recovered.
Tolerance can also be taken as a metaphor for exploring, more holistically, the experience of coping with chronic illness and societal stigma.
On 30 May, the Sounds of Tolerance team brought together six public contributors living with IBD for a workshop. With support from Dr Matthias Friedrich, participants explored the many dimensions of tolerance, with discussions ranging from how the immune system functions to the stresses, stigma and everyday experiences of living with IBD.
Working with Dr Leeming, the group then transformed these ideas into original musical compositions, translating scientific concepts and personal experiences into sound.
These pieces will be performed by professional musicians on Sunday 21 June at 7.30pm at Oxford's Old Fire Station. The evening will feature dynamic and moving music, alongside insights into new research and a behind-the-scenes look at how public contributors, artists and scientists collaborated throughout the project. Audience members will also have the opportunity to join the conversation.
Free tickets are available via the Old Fire Station website: https://oldfirestation.org.uk/whats-on/sounds-of-tolerance/