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Colors of Systemic Mastocytosis Artist Application 2026

Colors of SM: Expressions of Life with Systemic Mastocytosis is an artistic program artists who work in a variety of mediums to express the unique experiences of those living with SM.

Blueprint Medicines, a global pharmaceutical company that aims to invent life-changing medicines in allergy/inflammation and oncology/hematology, has partnered with a national nonprofit organization, Twist Out Cancer, to develop an SM-specific program which will match volunteer artists with Inspirations. Twist Out Cancer offers customized creative arts programs to people living with a variety of health conditions.

The resulting artwork will be owned by Blueprint Medicines, who will use it to raise awareness of SM through creative and impactful means, reaching the general public through both digital and in-person channels.

Twist Out Cancer asks the questions in this survey so that we can better understand those who are interested in participating in this program. Participation in this survey is completely voluntary and responses will only be considered in connection with Twist Out Cancer’s consideration of your application. Responses to demographic questions are for information only and will not be considered in connection with eligibility. Please understand that all responses you do provide will be kept confidential by Twist Out Cancer and will not be shared with Blueprint Medicines.

What is systemic mastocytosis?
Systemic mastocytosis (SM) is a rare disease estimated to occur in approximately 32,000 adults in the U.S. It is a disorder where abnormal mast cells – a type of white blood cell that plays an important role in managing immune responses – accumulate in different parts of the body such as the skin, heart, gut, bones, and other organs. People living with SM may experience more than 20 symptoms, which can be chronic, unpredictable, debilitating, and some may be potentially life-threatening. Because mast cells are present across your body, these symptoms may involve skin (itching, flushing, hives), gastrointestinal (abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea), systemic (anaphylaxis, fatigue, weight loss), neurologic (anxiety/depression, headache, lack of focus/brain fog) and more. Triggers, or what may cause symptoms, can vary widely for those living with SM and change over time. Frequently mentioned triggers include heat, cold, stress, exercise, fatigue, food/beverages, odors/scents/perfumes, and more.

*Content sourced from www.ItsSMthing.com, a Blueprint Medicines website
1.Name
2.Pronouns (ie: she/he/they/xe)
3.Address
4.City
5.State
6.Zip Code
7.Country
8.Email Address
9.Phone Number
10.Birth Year
11.How do you identify in terms of gender?
12.What is the highest level of education you have completed?
13.Website
14.Social Media
15.Has your artwork been exhibited? Are you represented by a gallery? If so please include relevant contact information.
16.Please include samples of your work in this Dropbox folder. It is important that you save and label your artwork with your first and last name. Sample #1
17.Please include samples of your work in this Dropbox folder. It is important that you save and label your artwork with your first and last name. Sample #2
18.Please include samples of your work in this Dropbox folder. It is important that you save and label your artwork with your first and last name. Sample #3
19.What is your preferred artist medium. Select all that apply.
20.How did you hear about Colors of Systemic Mastocytosis?
21.If you heard about the program through a friend or family member, please let us know who referred you.
22.Have you or a loved one been touched by systemic mastocytosis?

 
23.Have you or a loved one been touched another rare or incurable disease?
 
24.If yes, which disease and who has been touched by it?
25.What reservations do you have about participating in Colors of Systemic Mastocytosis?
26.I understand I am responsible for connecting with my Inspiration a minimum of 6 times over the course of our work together.
27.Do you anticipate any barriers to participating in the program, such as ADA accommodation needs, financial concerns, language barriers, etc?
28.What does your support system look like?
29.What is your preferred method of communication?
30.I believe I am emotionally prepared to hear stories of struggle and strength.
31.I believe I am emotionally prepared to create a work of art reflective of an individual’s journey.
32.I believe I am emotionally prepared to listen and reflect in discussions with my inspiration, but that I understand that am not responsible for providing formal support or counseling during my Inspiration’s healing process.
33.If chosen to participate in the program, you will be given at least 4 months to connect with your Inspiration. Please tell us how you would spend that time.
34.I understand that while this is meant to be a mutually rich experience, it’s important to be conscientious about what I share with my inspiration about my own personal struggles. I understand it is not my inspiration’s responsibility to provide support to me should I choose to share my own experiences with them.
35.I understand that I alone am responsible for creating a unique work of art that will reflect the experience of my Inspiration.
36.Do you anticipate undergoing any major life changes or significant stressors which may overlap with the Colors of Systemic Mastocytosis Program timeframe that may or may not impact your participation in the program?
37.As part of our ongoing effort to strengthen the impact of our programs, we may collect and analyze participant responses to program applications and evaluations. When analyzing responses, we are interested in trends in our data, rather than the responses of any particular person, and therefore responses will be de-identified for the purpose of data analysis. If you prefer not to be included in our data analysis, please check “No” below. Please select “Yes” if you wish to include your de-identified responses in future studies. 
38.By filling out this survey and submitting it to Twist Out Cancer, you consent to Twist Out Cancer using this data for the purposes described in the survey.
Colors of Systemic Mastocytosis is currently looking to secure participants in the program. If you would like to nominate a potential candidate as an Inspiration, Artist, or member of our host committee, please have them visit our website or email August Spree at august@twistoutcancer.org.