What does science tell us about art as healing?

How can movement, music, creativity and human connection support our wellbeing and health?

And what can ancient wisdom and nature teach us about health — from the personal to the planetary level?

The 4th New Eleusis Symposion, this year titled “Science, Art & the Spirit of Healing – Exploring how Neuroarts Amplifies our Humanity”, took place from 24 to 26 September 2026, beginning in Epidaurus and continuing at the Old Olive Oil Mill Factory in Eleusis. Selected participants from a range of fields — including science, the arts, medicine, healing, research, sport, philosophy and culture — presented the latest research findings and evidence on the subject.

In parallel, through working groups, they planted the first seeds for the creation of a NeuroArts Hub in Elefsina and Epidaurus. The hub aims to become a vibrant space for dialogue, where science, art and ancestral wisdom come together in the service of healing, transformation and the wellbeing of people and the planet.

The 4th New Eleusis Symposion was organised by the World Human Forum, under the auspices of the Region of Attica and in collaboration with the NeuroArts Blueprint Initiative, Your Brain on Art, University Mental Health, Neurosciences & Precision Medicine Research Institute “Costas Stefanis”, International Network of Ancient Asklepieia – Routes of Healing, Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, and Columbia Global Center Athens.

4th New Eleusis Symposion: Distinguished participants from around the world

Among the participants in this year’s discussions and experiential workshops were:

Susan Magsamen (Founder and Executive Director, International Arts + Mind Lab (IAM Lab), Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Co-Director, NeuroArts Blueprint)

Nikos Stefanis (Professor of Psychiatry, Chairman First Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Eginition Hospital)

Eliza E. Konofagou (Robert and Margaret Hariri Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Professor of Radiology (Physics), Professor of Neuroscience (Neurosurgery), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University)

Vassilis Lamprinoudakis (Professor Emeritus of Classical Archaeology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens)

Josie Bamford (Executive Producer, Oxford University Cultural Programme)

Vanessa Weiss (Coordinator, Art and Medicine Network, Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin)

Dimosthenis (Denis) Sarigiannis (Director and President of the Board, National Hellenic Research Foundation; Professor of Environmental Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki)

Athanasios Dritsas (Cardiologist, Deputy Director, Division of Cardiology, Onassis Hospital; Composer)

Maria Majno (Vice-President, Sistema Europe; Director, Neuromusic Global Conferences, Mariani Foundation)

Kuang Zhao (Associate Research Fellow, Institute of Philosophy, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; Deputy Secretary-General, Chinese Confucius Society; Deputy Director, Confucian Classical Studies Research Committee)

Sasha Waltz (Choreographer, dancer and director)

Kjartan Sveinsson (Composer, musician, performer; Founding member, Sigur Rós)

Alexandra Mitsotaki (President & Co-Founder, World Human Forum)

Jochen Sandig (Co-Founder and Vice-President, World Human Forum)

New Eleusis Symposia: The conversation continues in 2027

The journey of the New Eleusis Symposia will continue, with the aim of strengthening synergies and highlighting new ideas and perspectives inspired by the spirit of healing.

The 5th New Eleusis Symposion will take place on 23–25 September 2027.

About the World Human Forum

The World Human Forum is a think-and-do tank, a knowledge and action hub that seeks to contribute to the creation of a new ecological civilisation that respects and supports life on the planet. With Delphi as its symbolic anchor and point of departure, it draws on the power of iconic locations (Eleusis, Delos, Ancient Olympia, Aristotle’s Lyceum) and connects innovative forces around the world in pursuit of a new narrative for humanity. Its methodology is embodied in the Delphic Cube, a holistic approach grounded in the values of sustainability and regeneration, democracy, education, inner transformation, science and technology, and art.

Highlights and full sessions coming soon to the World Human Forum YouTube channel.

For more information: https://eleusis.worldhumanforum.earth/

Organised by

World Human Forum

Under the auspices

Region of Attica

In collaboration with

NeuroArts Blueprint Initiative; Your Brain on Art; University Mental Health, Neurosciences and Precision Medicine Research Institute “Costas Stefanis”; International Network of Ancient Asclepieia – Routes of Healing; Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities; Columbia Global Center Athens

Sponsors

Helleniq Energy, National Bank of Greece, ELPEN, Bank of Greece

Official Airline Partner

Aegean Airlines

Supported by

Municipality of Eleusina, 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture, Ephorate of Antiquities of West Attica, Ephorate of Antiquities of Argolida

Special thanks

Rtdeco, Viewmaster Events, Dipnosofistirion, Paradise Plants, Pelargos Natura