Artistic workshop, organized as part of the
ART ON PRESCRIPTION PILOT RESEARCH RPOGRAM
September 2025 – February 2026
“Art on Prescription” is a pilot research program organized by the Ministry of Culture. It introduces a range of art-based activities with beneficial effects in the field of mental health, aiming to promote the well-being of citizens. The program is implemented by the University Research Institute of Mental Health, Neuroscience and Precision Medicine “Kostas Stefanis”, in collaboration with cultural institutions (https://www.artprescription.gr/).
The Canellopoulos Museum contributes to the program with an artistic workshop titled “Windows into the past: exploring the secrets of a museum”. Through a series of interactive activities, participants explore the meaning and significance of selected archaeological objects and seek connections between the past and the present. At the same time, they learn the various stages of museum work, from conservation to exhibition. The workshop aims to foster reflection, dialogue and creativity. It is addressed to individuals diagnosed with non-affective psychosis/schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (F20–F25).
The activity takes place over the course of 12 weekly sessions, each structured in three stages:
1. Observation and exploration
At the beginning of each session, participants observe and handle copies of selected museum exhibits. Guided by specialized museum educators, they learn about the history, technology and symbolism of the various objects.
2. Creative expression
In the second stage, they engage in creative activities (sketching, drawing, clay modeling, collage-making etc.). These hands-on experiences provide a means of self-expression inspired by the artifacts they have explored.
3. Discussion
In the final stage, participants take part in a reflective discussion. With the support of specialized psychologists, they are encouraged to share the thoughts and emotions they experienced throughout each session.
In the final two sessions, participants are involved in organizing a small “exhibition” featuring their own artworks, created over the course of the program.
AIMS OF THE PROGRAM
Each session is designed with distinct objectives, defined by the psychologists of the program, according to the guidelines of the Research Team. The main goals of the project are to enhance participants’ ability to recognize and express emotions, to promote emotional well-being, autonomy and self-esteem, to challenge stereotypes and reduce stigma, to provide opportunities for social interaction and motivation, to strengthen cognitive skills and to foster creativity.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
The program includes two groups of participants, each attending 12 weekly sessions:
1st group: September 18 – November 27, 2025
2nd group: December 4, 2025 – February 26, 2026
Sessions take place every Thursday, 15.30-17.00.
PROGRAM COLLABORATORS
George Sakkelaris (Psychologist – Mental Health Coordinator)
Sofia Papaspyropoulou (Psychologist – Assistant Mental Health Coordinator)
Ioanna Zacharopoulou (Archaeologist/Museologists – Artistic Production Manager)
Marilena Carabatea (Archaeologist – Coordinator Management and Supervisor)
INFORMATION
https://www.artprescription.gr/
The project “Pilot Actions of Art on Prescription” is implemented within the framework of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan “GREECE 2.0” and is funded by the European Union – Next Generation EU.
