International Symposium 27 – 29 September 2023, IRIS Factory, Elefsina
Drawing upon the power and the spirit of the land of Elefsina, the groundbreaking international symposium titled “How to Change Our Mind, to Change the World” takes place on 27, 28 & 29 September in the old IRIS factory, with the participation of distinguished speakers, researchers and artists from all over the world. The central theme deals with the different ways of evolving, both on an individual and social level, towards a higher level of consciousness, in order to address contemporary global challenges and contribute to the protection of life on our planet. In parallel, the audience has the chance to participate in exciting discussions, experiential workshops and artistic activities.
The event takes place in the framework of 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture and is organised by the World Human Forum. This symposium is the first in a series of annual meetings aiming to re-establish Elefsina as a point of reference on a global scale in matters of consciousness, self-development and connection with the self, with others and with nature.
Under the moderation of artivist Gina Belafonte, historian, author & broadcaster Bettany Hughes and World Human Forum president & co-founder Alexandra Mitsotaki, the following themes will be explored, combining a unique blend of scientific rigour and artistic insight leading to a visionary approach.
• Values and prerequisites for an ecological civilization
• Combining ancestral and modern wisdom
• The return of the feminine
• The road to Eleusis – Α timeless journey
• Different approaches to consciousness elevation and human flourishing
• Healing the soul – A scientific approach on the case of psychedelics
The programme will include notable experts from various fields such as Andrew Koh, archaeological scientist, director of the ancient pharmacology programme at Yale University, choreographer Sasha Waltz, author and researcher Brian Muraresku, ethnomusicologist Christopher King, archaeologist Popi Papangeli, Fred Barrett, head of the Johns Hopkins Psychedelic Research Centre, Ivy Ross, artist & vice president of hardware design at Google, Susan Magsamen, founder and executive director of the International Arts + Mind Lab, part of the Pedersen Brain Science Institute at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Anthony Bossis, clinical psychologist and clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at NYU School of Medicine, James Bridle, writer, artist, and technologist, and Bonna Wescoat, director, American School of Classical Studies at Athens.
The symposium will also feature captivating musical experiences led by world-renowned soprano Marlis Petersen and rising star pianist Kiveli Doerken, acclaimed lyra player Sokratis Sinopoulos, and singer/duduk player Zelişah Kızılkan, culminating on the last day of the programme with the performance of the Human Requiem, a unique version of Brahms’s German Requiem.
“We are convinced that the world needs a new Eleusis. With the opportunity offered by the choice of this ancient sacred site as cultural capital of Europe for 2023 we are convinced that it can once again guide humanity in these challenging times,” says Alexandra Mistake.
The Symposium will take place at the old IRIS Factory, recently renovated to a cultural hub, in Eleusis, from 27 to 29 September.
This first edition of the Symposium is dedicated to the memory of barrier-breaking singer and activist Harry Belafonte.
Information/ Programme
“How to Change our Mind, to Change the World”
27, 28 & 29 September 2023
Wed 27.9.2023 | 16:00-21:00
Unveiling a Modern Narrative of Transformation and Unity
Thu 28.9.2023 | 11:00-19:30
Combining Ancestral & Modern Wisdom
Fri 29.9.2023 | 10:00-18:30
A Scientific Approach to Healing the Soul
Tickets
· Day pass for sessions: 25€
· Holistic experience 3-day pass: 300€ (limited places available)
3-day pass includes:
• entrance to all sessions
• symposium dinner in collaboration with Yale – Peabody Museum and Greek Chef Lefteris Lazarou: Αncient Greek recipes revisited
• ticket for “Human Requiem” performance on Fri 29.9 at the Archaeological Site of Elefsina
• limited edition gift bag
• welcome dinner
• farewell cocktail
• 2 lunches
• transports to and from Eleusis
Access to Elefsina
#21km
Just 21km from the center of Athens, one of the most important sacred cities of antiquity, the city of the Eleusinian Mysteries and birthplace of Aeschylus, Elefsina is the fourth European Capital of Culture hosted in Greece. You can access Elefsina in the following ways:
Via car or motorcycle via Attiki Odos or Athinon Avenue, just a 25-minute drive from the Athens city center.
Via bus (lines 845 and 871 from Piraeus, line 876 from the “Agia Marina” metro station and line 878 from Acharnai).
Via the suburban railway (Magoula Station and then bus line 863).
Via KTEL (intercity public transport bus service -> line Megara – Nea Peramos – Eleusis; starting point at Asomaton Square, Thission).
