The Pink Ribbon Foundation is bringing its powerful BOLD exhibition to the Western General Hospital, where it will be on display from 7 May to 30 October 2026 at the Tonic Arts Gallery.
Following a recent private showing at the Scottish Parliament, the exhibition presents a series of moving and intimate images celebrating the strength and beauty of women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. It marks the first time the collection will be shown in a hospital setting, offering patients, their families and healthcare staff a meaningful space for reflection and recognition.
Founded and photographed by acclaimed artist Caroline Sikkenk, BOLD presents compelling and uncompromising images that challenge perceptions of breast cancer and celebrate resilience, strength and identity.
The partnership with Tonic Arts came about thanks to introductions made by BOLD model Jackie McRae who receives treatment for secondary breast cancer at the Western General. These introductions led to NHS Lothian Charity: Tonic Arts Exhibitions Manager Hans Clausen attending the recent viewing of BOLD at Holyrood in February, and recognising the impact Caroline’s portraits could have in the gallery.
“Caroline has achieved something exceptional with this work. She has produced a series of portraits that are visually compelling, beautiful, and strong, whilst conveying the very personal and intimate journeys of the women featured. The coexistence of the inspiring individual and collective narratives which the exhibition gives voice to is powerful, and NHS Lothian Charity: Tonic Arts are proud to work in partnership with the Pink Ribbon Foundation to bring it to Edinburgh’s Western General Hospital.”
Similar to BOLD model Jackie McRae, many of the women in the exhibition have received treatment or continue to receive treatment at the Western General, making the installation all the more poignant.
For Lisa Allen of the Pink Ribbon Foundation, the Edinburgh exhibition represents the start of a longer-term ambition to bring BOLD to hospitals across the UK.
“The Pink Ribbon Foundation is proud to be partnering with the Western General to bring each of the moving portraits in this exhibition to a setting where they can provide inspiration and strength. We see this as a truly fitting location for BOLD and are grateful to everyone involved for helping us bring the exhibition back to Edinburgh and to a unique place like the Tonic Arts Gallery.”
About the BOLD Project
The BOLD project is a poignant and courageous initiative that centres the lived experiences of women affected by breast cancer and the impact of hair loss during treatment. Here in the UK, the project originally placed inspiring images of 13 women who had been affected by breast cancer and hair loss on the iconic Piccadilly Lights in London and the Midtown board on Times Square in New York simultaneously.
Since its London debut, BOLD has travelled to Scotland, photographing and showcasing the portraits of Scottish women. The first Scottish exhibition took place in Glasgow at Princes Square, before travelling to Edinburgh, where it made its debut at the Scottish Parliament.
Alongside the exhibitions, the project has also been captured in a beautifully produced tabletop book, featuring 100 striking portraits of women from 24 different countries across the globe, celebrating the strength and individuality of those involved.
The Pink Ribbon Foundation and Caroline Sikkenk are currently bringing the BOLD project to Wales, with photography set to take place in Cardiff, featuring Welsh women affected by hair loss due to breast cancer treatment.
Since the UK edition of BOLD started, the project has unfortunately lost several of the beautiful women involved, all of whom leave behind loved ones behind but whose wonderful legacy continues in their association with the project.
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