Education and Art: A Bridge for the Skills of the Future

1. Music and Film

Presenter: Effie Ratsou

In this workshop, middle & high school educators will be introduced to simple and accessible tools that can help them guide their students in composing music for film. The material may include scenes from movies, video animations, or short clips.

Workshop structure:

Introduction: Overview of the basic principles and structural elements of film music.

Practice: Familiarization with music technology tools suitable for beginners in composition for image.

Creation: Individual or pair work to compose a short piece of music for a small clip, video animation, or film scene.

Objectives:

For participants to become familiar with basic techniques and creative approaches to film music and to understand the interaction between music and image.

To gain hands-on experience with music technology tools.

To explore the dynamic relationship between image and sound through the creation of a small project.

To examine ways in which music can be integrated into educational programs, fostering students’ creativity, collaboration, and artistic thinking.

Effie Ratsou is a composer and holds a PhD from the Department of Music Studies at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Film Music Composition, as well as a Master’s degree from Middlesex University in London. She composes music mainly for film and theatre. Her works have been performed and recorded by distinguished musicians and orchestras. She teaches at the IMDP and MYP of the American College of Anatolia. Since 2012, she has been the academic director of the Music Technology and Production program at Metropolitan College of Thessaloniki, which operates in collaboration with the University of East London (UEL).

2. Art & Technology: creating works of art using technology as the main “material”

Presenters: Dimitris Michalaros & Thomas Floros

This workshop is aimed at educators of all specialties and levels. Participants will become familiar with the Scratch environment, enabling them to create, from scratch or otherwise, creative projects and works of art, interactive or not. Scratch is a free visual programming environment designed specifically for children and beginners. The platform provides a wealth of ready-made projects from users, which anyone can explore to see how they were created, gain inspiration, and modify to suit their own needs.This workshop is aimed at educators of all specialties and levels. Participants will become familiar with the Scratch environment, enabling them to create, from scratch or otherwise, creative projects and works of art, interactive or not. Scratch is a free visual programming environment designed specifically for children and beginners. The platform provides a wealth of ready-made projects from users, which anyone can explore to see how they were created, gain inspiration, and modify to suit their own needs.

Participants will be divided into groups, and each group will select or create a text that fits their idea/concept, possibly drawing from material they teach daily. The groups will identify the images, thoughts, and emotions generated by their text (narrative and content) and will be tasked with transforming them into works of art, using Scratch and other tools. These artworks will then be linked to their text via hyperlinks.

Next, the text will be connected to an interactive creative project or installation in the physical space, using the Makey Makey kit, which will interface with Scratch. Makey Makey is ideal for demonstrating to educators how technology can become a creative learning tool, turning this connection to the physical environment into a playful experience.

Some examples include:

• Interactive artwork: touch different points on a board to trigger stories or music.
• “Twister mat” creation: each color functions as a button.
• Interactive map: touch a country/city to hear information.
• Math quizzes: buttons act as answers, providing immediate feedback.
• Scientific experiments: introduction to basic principles of electricity and circuits.
• Collaborative activities: e.g., two students hold different parts of a circuit for it to work.
• Games for students with motor difficulties: creation of simple, customized controllers.

Dimitris Michalaros was born in Megara and lives and works in Athens. His research focuses on the applications of new technologies in art (visual arts), such as robotic/kinetic sculpture, net-art, and more. Since 2008, he has held a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, with an emphasis on art and technology. In 2005, he graduated from the Department of Visual and Applied Arts (Painting) at the School of Fine Arts of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He has taught at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in the United States. Since 2017, he has been a Visual Arts teacher / MYP Visual Art Teacher at the Psychico College Junior High School – Athens College.

Thomas Floros studied at the National Technical University of Athens and subsequently worked in various fields, such as programming and project management, first in Greece and shortly thereafter abroad. In recent years, he has been active in education, teaching Computer Science. Recently, he completed a Master’s degree in Immersive Technologies at Democritus University, as well as additional training related to Artificial Intelligence.  

3. ART FEELINGS: Where Art Meets Psychology

Presenters: Dimitris Michalaros & Zafi Koslidou

This workshop is aimed at elementary and middle school teachers.

Through discussions, participants will have the opportunity to recognize, process, and express emotions and thoughts with the help of art, share experiences, and cultivate inner values. They will be introduced to the spirituality, tenderness, strength, and ethical dimension of artistic expression, using it as a means of inner storytelling.

The workshop will focus on students’ expression through art. Specifically, it involves creating masks and a spatial installation with the ultimate goal of producing a pantomime performance.

The masks will be painted on both sides (front and back).
The front side will represent what others see in you—or more precisely, what each of us allows others to perceive about ourselves.The back side will represent what very few people know about us or what we choose to hide from others.

The installation will include a projection in the space.
The projection will be displayed via a projector, using an image chosen by each participant from the internet or through ChatGPT, reflecting the world we live in.

In the final part of the workshop, participants will be invited to express themselves kinesthetically through pantomime, conveying the emotions and symbolism that have emerged from the activities (discussion and mask creation).

Dimitris Michalaros was born in Megara and lives and works in Athens. His research focuses on the applications of new technologies in art (visual arts), such as robotic/kinetic sculpture, net-art, and more. Since 2008, he has held a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, with an emphasis on art and technology. In 2005, he graduated from the Department of Visual and Applied Arts (Painting) at the School of Fine Arts of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He has taught at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in the United States. Since 2017, he has been a Visual Arts teacher / MYP Visual Art Teacher at the Psychico College Junior High School – Athens College.

Zafeiria Koslidou is a counseling psychologist and special educator. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at the University of Ioannina and holds two master’s degrees from Northern Illinois University. Her experience in the fields of mental health and education includes interventions with students facing a variety of emotional, developmental, and academic difficulties, as well as counseling for parents and adults. She has taught at universities in Greece and abroad, participated as a speaker in training sessions and seminars for educators and parents, and for the past twenty years has worked as a psychologist and special educator at the Junior High School of Athens College.

4. Shaping Heritage: Re-Creating Neolithic Goddess Figurines in Clay

Presenter: Christine Willis

Through the medium of clay, I would like to start with the Neolithic period and discover the many different goddesses that were created in very different parts of the world. This would include the earliest cultures of Cucuteni in Romania, Cycladic figurines, Neolithic figurines from Cyprus, early figurines from South America, including Peru and Argentina and look at what all of these have in common with each other and what was the motivating force behind their creation.

Through the medium of clay, each participant will have the opportunity to re-create several of these figurines.

Christina Lansdale Willis was born in Thessaloniki. She was introduced to ceramics through an apprenticeship with traditional potters in Sifnos. She completed her studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz (Bachelor of Fine Arts with a specialization in ceramics). She holds a master’s degree from the International Hellenic University in Thessaloniki, specializing in Black Sea and Ancient Greek ceramics. Her work is inspired by ancient Greek and Byzantine ceramic art.

1981–1985: She taught at the Ceramic School of EOMMEX in Charilaou, Thessaloniki.
In 1981, she founded the Ceramics Department at the American Farm School, where she continues to teach to this day. She also teaches ceramics to adults at the “Anagennisi” Rehabilitation Center. She resides in Lakkia, Thessaloniki.

5. Bringing Geometry and Physics to Life Through Dance

Presenter: Christine Pagidou

A unique opportunity for all educators to discover how movement can enhance learning — without having to do a single dance step themselves!

Christina Pagidou teaches dance in the Anatolia/Pinewood IBDP Diploma Programme as well as at Pinewood American International School, and she serves as the CAS Coordinator of the IBDP programme. She graduated from the Andromachi Kafantari Higher Professional Dance School, specializing in Dance Therapy, and holds an MA in Choreography from the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. Her teaching and artistic work focuses on connecting creativity with the development of 21st-century skills and broadening educational experiences through dance and the arts. She recently presented an example of this approach at the IB Global Conference in Dublin.

6. Cubist Portraits – Recyclable Materials & Murals – Social Messages

Presenter: Marios Simopoulos

Two workshops, each lasting 1.5 hours, will be conducted with a focus on arts.

The first workshop, titled “Let’s Create Our Own Cubist Portraits,” is an educational activity inspired by the work of Pablo Picasso. Using cardboard, which participants will cut and paint, they will create faces and portraits influenced by Picasso. These works will then be mounted on bases made of skewers and thick cardboard to resemble sculptures (images will be projected). Through this activity, children will understand that materials often considered waste can be transformed into works of art. They will also learn that recyclable materials, such as milk cartons, cardboard, and other everyday objects, can be used in art, reducing expenses while simultaneously protecting the environment.

The second workshop, also lasting 1.5 hours, will focus on murals that have been implemented in primary schools. The goal is for students to realize how a cold, lifeless, gray wall can be transformed into a work of art that communicates messages to the educational community and beyond. Through this process, it is important for children to recognize how powerful a painted wall can be and how effectively it can communicate messages to society.

Marios Simopoulos is a graduate of the School of Fine Arts at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, specializing in painting. For the past 19 years, he has worked as a visual artist and educator in primary education in Thessaloniki, while also creating numerous murals in public and private spaces. Recently, he was invited to present his work at a TEDx event organized by Aristotle University.

7. Τhe Pulse Art Project (workshop in English)

Part 1: The Observatory of Arts in Education

Presenters: Michalis Mountantonakis & Theodosia Bitzou

This inspiring co-creation workshop will help shape the future of the Observatory of Arts in Education for Cultural Awareness and Expression. This dynamic session brings together educators, artists, cultural professionals, policy makers, and citizens to imagine and build innovative ways of accessing arts education resources. Explore, test, and design features like smart keyword search and interactive data exploration. Experience firsthand how the Observatory will support multilingual and collaborative documentation. Every voice matters—your ideas will directly influence a vibrant hub that meets the real needs of an arts education community. Let's create a tool together that empowers and connects us all.

Dr. Michalis Mountantonakis is an Affiliated Researcher at FORTH and Teaching Staff at the Computer Science Department, University of Crete. He holds a PhD in Computer Science (2020) and his research focuses on Semantic Web, Linked Open Data, and Cultural Heritage Data. He has published over 50 papers and received the SWSA Distinguished Dissertation Award for his doctoral work.

Theodosia Bitzou is an Architectural Engineer (NTUA) with a Master’s degree from École des Ponts ParisTech. She has worked at FORTH-ICS since 1988, managing CAD projects and contributing to the Cultural Informatics Laboratory. Her interests include digital design, cultural heritage applications, web design, and education.

Part 2: Scientific illustration, a bridge between art, science and awareness

Presenters: Pilar López & Tania Gallego, with support from Raül Toran from ISGlobal

This demonstration workshop (30 min aprox.) explores scientific illustration as a unique discipline that combines scientific precision with artistic creativity. It is based on the close observation of nature, serving as a tool for learning, documentation, and environmental awareness.

Dra. Pilar López has spent more than 30 years leading, coordinating teams and designing scientific outreach programs for all audiences at the National Museum of Natural Sciences MNCN-CSIC (Madrid, Spain), with a special emphasis in recent years on accessibility and gender perspective, as well as developing strategies for their dissemination.

Tania Gallego holds a degree in Geology and a master's degree in Journalism and Scientific Communication. She has been associated with the MNCN since 2011 as a member of the MNCN's educational team and over the years has come to coordinate and design educational activities and lead outreach projects.

8. SciArt

Presenters: Maria Paliachani, Dr. Sapfo Fotiadou, Dr. Lamprini Malletzidou, Dr. Eleni Petridou, Anastasios Molochidis

The SciArt workshop is designed for secondary education teachers who wish to explore an interdisciplinary teaching approach that connects art with science. Using materials developed within the framework of the European ERASMUS+ project “Promoting 21st Century Skills through an Inclusive STEAM Approach for Cultural Heritage”, participants will become familiar with archaeometric methods (optical and electron microscopy, elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction), the results of which will be integrated with the cultural and historical context of artworks.

Through practical examples and hands-on participation, teachers will discover ways to actively engage their students in exploratory STEAM activities that enhance 21st-century skills: creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration (the 4Cs).

The SciArt Lab brings together distinguished scholars and educators from diverse fields who collaborate in the design and implementation of innovative actions in education and research.

Maria Paliachani – Philologist at the Experimental School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (A.U.Th.).

Dr. Sapfo Fotiadou – Science Teacher at the Experimental School of A.U.Th.

Dr. Lamprini Malletzidou – Physicist, Research Associate at the Athena Research Center.

Dr. Eleni Petridou – Laboratory Teaching Staff at the Laboratory of Physics Education and Educational Technology (A.U.Th.).

Anastasios Molochidis – Associate Professor (ret.) at the Laboratory of Physics Education and Educational Technology (A.U.Th.).

This interdisciplinary team contributes to bridging science, education, and society, fostering new perspectives in learning and collaboration.

9. Magical Journeys in Art and Creative Writing

Presenter: Katerina Tzavara

Intended for Primary Education teachers.

Inspired and guided by the best-known visual and poetic works of Greek painters and poets, participants (individually and in small groups) will engage in original artistic and cross-disciplinary activities, as well as creative writing games using artworks and poems as a backdrop. Through this process, they will create collages, paper figures, and short texts (captions, short stories, haiku, poetic forms), drawing on principles for creatively approaching works of art and literature.

The activities can be implemented in both formal and non-formal education settings (schools, workshops, libraries, museums).

During the workshop, worksheets and a theoretical framework will be provided, and digital training material will be sent afterward. By attending the workshop, participants will be able to use artworks with innovative teaching methods and a clear methodology, as proposed in the instructor’s educational books and in the Skills Labs. They will also be able to create short stories and poetic texts with their students through a creative engagement with these works.

10. Soundscapes of Odyssey (canceled)

Please be advised that "Workshop 10 - Soundscapes of Odyssey" has had to be canceled due to a serious health issue. We will contact those of you who have registered for this workshop and you will be able to choose another workshop from those available. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Presenter: Olga Stefa

Through practical examples and hands-on participation, teachers will discover ways to actively engage their students in exploratory STEAM activities that enhance 21st-century skills: creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration (the 4Cs).

Olga Stefa is a music teacher and Head of the Arts Department at Anatolia College. She studied piano, flute, and advanced music theory, holding a Flute Diploma as well as Degrees in Harmony, Counterpoint, and Fugue. Since 2003, she has been teaching at Anatolia, where she works in the MYP program, conducts music ensembles, and designs artistic and educational projects. She has presented music productions and participated in masterclasses with internationally acclaimed musicians.

11. Zine Workshop (workshop in English)

Presenters: Kate Janes & Myrto-Helena Pertsinidi

This 3-hour workshop introduces school teachers to the creative world of zines as an artistic and educational tool. Participants will explore the history and evolution of zines, from grassroots publishing to their current use in education and culture. Through hands-on activities, teachers will learn how to design and create their own zines, while discovering ways to integrate this medium into different subjects. By the end of the workshop, participants will gain practical ideas to make learning more interactive, engaging, and student-centered, using zines to foster creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression in the classroom. The workshop is particularly relevant for middles & high school teachers. Subject areas that would benefit most include: Art, English, English Literature, Greek, Biology, Geography, and History.

Kate Janes was born and raised in England and has over a decade of experience teaching English and Fine Arts. She holds a TEFL Certificate from The TEFL Academy (UK), a Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Art and Design with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) from Canterbury Christ Church University (UK), a Master’s degree in Fine Art from Central Saint Martins, London, and a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art from the University for the Creative Arts, Canterbury (UK). Kate is committed to nurturing her students’ artistic and linguistic talents, inspiring them to explore their potential, express their individuality, and develop both critical and creative thinking.

Myrto-Helena Pertsinidi is a project manager and trainer/facilitator with extensive experience in coordinating and implementing international projects. She has successfully led initiatives in which she designed and delivered workshops, training sessions, and presentations for diverse audiences. Her work focuses on creative storytelling, cultural heritage, and innovative learning methods, always promoting participation and collaboration. With a strong background in non-formal education, Myrto empowers educators, young people, and cultural practitioners to explore new tools and approaches, making learning more interactive, inclusive, and impactful.

12. Mind the Gap

Presenter: Vicky Karaiskou

"Mind the Gap" will explore how our cultural interpretative frames create blind spots in our thinking about our inherited past and the present. It will draw on participants’ experience on how they understand reality and will focus on how applying artistic creativity unveils tacit perceptions, expands imagination, and challenges limiting views. Art is fundamentally about envisioning what doesn't yet exist. The workshop will support participants to understand how practicing learning through artistic expression trains the brain to test different perspectives and think beyond the present, actively imagining potential futures they wish to live in.

Vicky Karaiskou is an Associate Professor at the Open University of Cyprus and Chair Holder of the UNESCO Chair on Visual Anticipation and Futures Literacy towards Visual Literacy. She has been a visiting professor at universities in Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, and Sweden, and an Andrew J. Mellon Distinguished Visitor-in-Residence in the Fine Arts at Macalester College, USA. Her research explores issues of art and power; visuality and visual literacy; cultural and national memory and identities; and commemoration. Her current project, Futures of the Past, examines the implications of collective narratives for how we imagine the future and navigate the present. More on her work can be found at https://vickykaraiskou.com/