12 years of SNF Nostos

Conference

SNF Nostos Conference 2023 was organized in collaboration with the journalism nonprofit iMEdD, focusing on the pressing issue of mental health. It all started when the SNF Dialogues, in collaboration with the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University, welcomed renowned experts in the field to delve into this highly critical and challenging issue. Afterwards, researchers, professionals and activists gathered at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) to discuss the progress of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Initiative (CAMHI), while personalities such as Goldie Hawn, Glenn Close, Harold S. Koplewicz, Sander Markx, but also former US President Barack Obama shared valuable insight and stories.

Release Athens X SNF Nostos

It’s true. The most powerful musical collaboration of the summer took place in the context of an event on Mental Health that was open to all. After all, what better release than a high-energy concert? Release Athens joined forces with SNF Nostos and two stages flooded with excited people, ready to enjoy even more headliners, more stages, more music!

SNF Nostos Run & parallel activities

With the motto Release. Rethink. Refocus on Mental Health, the annual SNF Run, impressive laser shows, parties and a series of fun parallel activities rounded off SNF Nostos 2023, making it as multidimensional as its theme: mental health.

Conference

SNF’s partnership with journalism nonprofit iMEdD is now a reality and SNF Nostos Conference took on a new life. The theme for 2022 was Health and the event included a presentation of the architectural models of the three new hospitals designed by the Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW) and included in SNF’s Global Health Initiative (GHI).

Landmark Moments

- Use of two spaces in the SNFCC, the NLG lobby and the GNO Alternative Stage

- SNF Dialogues discussion with the SNF Nostos Youth Advisory Committee, which was established for the 1st time

- Announcement of three new major grants, totaling more than $200 million

Music makes the Nostos world go round

Artists such as Jorja Smith, Good Job Nicki and Locomondo gathered at the SNFCC’s Great Lawn and gave us unique performances, officially marking the start of the summer.

SNF Nostos Run & parallel activities

An inclusive basketball game at the Greek National Opera (GNO), interactive art installations, VR experiences, exhibitions on public health, impressive drone shows and the annual SNF Nostos Run brought people closer together and helped lift their spirits. But what definitely left a lasting impression on those who were there, was the DJ set by Laternative that lasted until the morning and put a bow on the two enlightening and interesting days, in the most ideal way.

Conference: Humanity and Artificial Intelligence

In a year when all of us were in dire need of face-to-face contact, SNF Nostos was moved to August and thus constituted a first step towards a return to beloved habits, even within those unprecedented conditions. SNF was celebrating 25 years of grantmaking and the theme of SNF Nostos Conference was “Humanity and Artificial Intelligence,” bringing together audiences and experts from different fields from around the world. There, they explored the ways in which the inevitable evolution of artificial intelligence will benefit humanity.

Music, SNF Nostos Run, and lots of fun

After a year and a half of no live performances, the Great Lawn welcomed names like Burna Boy, ΜΕΛΙSSES, Fotini Veletsiotou and Good Job Nicky. At the same time, for the first time in Greece, each concert culminated in a spectacular drone show, with 200 individual drones executing a majestic choreography.

In addition to the mind, SNF Nostos has always engaged the body. This was once again the case in 2021, with the SNF Nostos Run remaining a staple and engaging 2,021 participants, while SNF Nostos guests also had the opportunity to enjoy a climbing wall and kayaking on the Canal. Less traditional activities included the SNF Nostos Hackathon και and a Minecraft-based creative building challenge. The renowned South African artist, William Kentridge, also presented his performance Sibyl for the first time in Greece.

RetroFuture

The pandemic temporarily transformed the then called Summer Nostos Festival and the SNF Conference, transporting them to the digital realm. Under the thematic title “RetroFuture,” and presented by iMEdD Managing Director, SNF Dialogues Executive Director and Journalist Anna-Kynthia Bousdoukou, the event featured an open dialogue on issues such as the role of philanthropy and artistic institutions in the midst of the crisis, recovery from psychological trauma and the creation of an ideal world in the post-COVID era.

Entertainment and sports in the digital realm

When the world freezes, sports and the arts can keep us warm. SNF Run was held virtually and nearly 900 runners from around the world recorded their miles online.

At the same time, the days were filled with tons of music and performances by Greek and international artists, such as the comedic musical duo from Canada Choir!Choir!Choir!, ΜΕΛΙSSES and the Theater of War: The Oedipus Project, while the audience as able to enjoy highlights from previous Summer Nostos Festivals such as the iconic live performance by Stereo Nova at the 2018 SNFestival.