Art & Mindfulness Night Academy: Awe & Wonder

How can we experience awe and wonder again in an overstimulated world? In the second edition of the Art & Mindfulness Night Academy, we explore this question and discover how art can help us awaken these feelings within ourselves.

Awe often arises in the presence of something that feels greater or more complex than what we usually understand. It encourages openness, humility, and a sense of connection. Wonder deepens this openness, sparking curiosity to explore the unknown and to keep learning. That is exactly what we invite you to do this evening.

Drawing on perspectives from psychology, philosophy, and empirical aesthetics, we explore the themes of awe and wonder and practice ways to deepen our attention, strengthen our wellbeing, and open ourselves to new perspectives – in a museum, at a concert, or in our everyday lives.

LEARNING MODULES

• Entering Awe & Wonder: Pathways into Art Experience with Dr. Corinna Kühnapfel

• Finding Wonder Within with Michael ‘‘Curse’’ Kurth

• Beyond the Screen: Reconnecting with the Senses
with Saskia Wheeler

• Art & Mindfulness with Yousef Hammoudah

SCHEDULE

18:30 – Doors Open

19:00 – Yousef Hammoudah: Introduction and short meditation

19:20 – Saskia Wheeler: Social media and the impact of live experiences

19:30 – Dr. Corinna Kühnapfel: Entering Awe & Wonder – Pathways into Art Experience

19:55 – Q&A with Corinna Kühnapfel

20:05 – Break

20:25 – Opening of the second half: music performance by Monica Mussungo and Ralf Heidel

20:45 – Saskia Wheeler: How does Awe and Wonder feel to you? (Responses are written up on the live screen)

21:15 – Michael ‘’Curse’’ Kurth: Finding Wonder Within

21:40 – Q&A with Michael ‘’Curse’’ Kurth

21:50 – Yousef Hammoudah: Closing

ABOUT THE EVENT

As modern life grows faster and more complex, mental health is under increasing strain. The Art & Mindfulness Night Academy is a new cultural format that consciously slows things down – and sharpens your perception.

This four-hour learning experience is designed to transform how we experience art and life – through neuroaesthetics, mindfulness, artistic experience and psychoactive insight.

During the evening, leading experts guide you through dynamic lectures, share hands-on tools, and interactive exercises. Inspiring viewpoints from our artists add to the experience and unlock new perspectives while stimulating new ideas.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Yousef Hammoudah (Mindfulness Coach and Identity Strategist)

Yousef Hammoudah has practiced mindfulness for over 20 years and is a certified Mindfulness Coach. As Founding Director of Fotografiska Berlin and Global VP for Brand Development and Community, he combines psychology, art, and mindfulness to create transformative experiences. He is the author of Die sieben Säulen des Seins and his guided meditations on Insight Timer have been listened to more than 400,000 times.

Saskia Wheeler, MA, MSc (Psychology of the Arts, Neuroaesthetics & Creativity)

Saskia Wheeler is a researcher, writer, and speaker in neuroaesthetics. She explores how art and design influence emotional experience, human connection, and wellbeing. With a degree in neuroaesthetics from Goldsmiths, University of London, she works at the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and design. Together with scientists and creative teams, she develops experience centred spaces that foster resonance, connection, and belonging.

Dr. Corinna Kühnapfel (postdoctoral researcher specializing in neuroaesthetics and empirical aesthetics)

Dr. Corinna Kühnapfel explores how and why experiences of art become moving, meaningful, or transformative. At Technische Universität Berlin, she studies the role of wonder in the perception of art as part of the ERC funded Affective Aesthetic Cognitivism and Wonder project. She previously earned her PhD from the University of Vienna. As co-founder of EDGE e.V., she connects art and neuroscience through exhibitions, workshops, and public events.

Michael “Curse” Kurth (Bestselling author, Systemic Coach and Rapper)

 Michael “Curse” Kurth is one of the most influential voices in German hip hop. As a rapper, author, coach, and podcaster, he explores questions of identity, meaning, and personal development. In his podcast Meditation, Coaching & Life, he explores ways to cultivate mindfulness, creativity, and inner strength. His new book Bad Meditators Club shows how meditation can be made accessible for everyday life, with depth and a generous dose of humor.

About the performers

Monica Mussungo

Born in Angola and raised in Lisbon, Berlin based singer songwriter Monica Mussungo is known for her emotive and transformative performances. Her soulful voice brings authenticity to original compositions, covers, and jazz improvisations. Closely associated with cultural collectives such as A Song For You, she has performed at XJAZZ Festival Berlin, CaixaForum Barcelona, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, Münchner Kammerspiele, Somerset House and We Out Here Festival in the UK.

Ralf Heidel

Ralph Heidel is a Berlin-based composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist working across electronic music, jazz, pop and contemporary art. Moving between club culture, concert stages and interdisciplinary productions, he collaborates as a musical director, producer and creative partner on international projects. His distinctive sound combines atmospheric electronics with organic instrumentation, shaped by a strong sense of structure, texture and detail.

Please be aware

Please note that photos, videos, and audio recordings will be taken during the event and may be used for marketing and communication purposes, including social media, website, press, and printed materials. By attending the event, you consent to the possible use and publication of such recordings.

If you do not wish to appear in any recordings, please speak to our team or the host on site.