We were thrilled to present our non-profit organization, Hopeart, at the Department of Theatre Studies, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), as invited speakers for the course “Teaching Practice in Education and Community II” on 6 May 2025. This inspiring event allowed us to share our mission and ongoing work in hospitals, institutions, and care facilities with an exceptional group of students and their visionary professors.
The presentation, hosted by Associate Professor Clio Fanouraki and Lecturer Ilia Lakidou, provided a meaningful platform to discuss the transformative power of art. We highlighted how Hopeart uses theatre and creative expression to connect, uplift, and bring light to communities where hope is most needed.
We showcased our “No One Forgotten” (NOF) project, a groundbreaking initiative funded by the European Union’s “Creative Europe” program, which brings together Greece (Hopeart and Action Synergy), Italy (Accademia di Belle Arti di Napoli), Portugal (Associação Vo’Arte), and Belgium (Locative Media Supercluster) to promote inclusive performing arts (theatre, music, painting, and dance) for people with disabilities using our “Art of Connection” method. During the presentation, we shared a short video featuring rehearsals and the performance Homo Empathycus – The Age of Colours, created at the culmination of the NOF program, presented at the 3rd Nevronas FESTival, and performed in 10 institutions for people with disabilities from November 12 to December 6, 2024. Additionally, we introduced our upcoming “Art for the Prevention of Mental Health Problems” (MPAS) project, a pioneering effort supported by the EU’s “Creative Europe” program, uniting Hopeart (Greece), Omphalos (Italy), Proyecto Nagual (Spain), and AYPB (Bulgaria) to foster mental health through artistic initiatives. The warm welcome and engaging discussions with the students and faculty made this a truly memorable experience.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Clio Fanouraki and Ilia Lakidou for their kind invitation and to the Department of Theatre Studies for their inspiring commitment to art in community building. Together, we continue to amplify voices and foster hope through the universal language of art.
Stay connected with us at www.hopeart.gr to learn more about our work and upcoming initiatives!
