The Culture of Epidemics: Health Crises & the Arts
Yale Schools of Music and Public Health come together on February 26 at 4.00pm in Sudler Hall (in William L. Harkness Hall at 100 Wall St.) for a timely discussion about the culture of infectious diseases and the role of culture during a global health crisis.
Moderated by Dean of YSM, Prof. Robert Blocker, a diverse panel convenes to consider the historical, social and cultural connotations of widespread medical emergencies such as that caused by the recent outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
Visiting Professor at YSM and Director of the Edinburgh International Culture Summit, Sir Jonathan Mills discusses the historical perspectives that artists have brought to a critical interpretation and a conscious appreciation of devastating pandemics from the Plague of Justinian in the 6th century, to the HIV/AIDS crisis of the early 1980s. Sir Jonathan is joined by pediatrician and infectious diseases epidemiologist and Dean of YSPH, Prof. Sten Vermund, who provides an up-to-date assessment of both the immediate and longer-term clinical challenges facing global health professionals. Chinese pianist and arts leader Sun Yue will offer a poignant personal perspective from recent events in China.