Creative Brain Week 2023

Launched as a series of online and in-person events at Trinity College Dublin, Creative Brain Week 2023 explored and celebrated how brain science and creativity collide to address the challenges of non-communicable diseases. Themes of the week included conflict, imagination, and joy, with sessions by over 100 expert speakers from around the globe, coming together at one of the leading university hubs for the interdisciplinary study of neurology and creativity. The Lab’s Founding Co-Directors Christopher Bailey, Dr Nils Fietje, and Dr Nisha Sajnani participated in person, and the Lab’s Yazidi Cultural Archives project, which emphasizes the healing role of the arts in post-conflict mental health, was showcased as part of the Creative Brain Week exhibition within the university. Christopher Bailey also spoke at the opening of REALTA, the arts and health headquarters in Waterford, Ireland.

6 March 2023 | Prologue to Creative Brain Week 2023

Leading figures from the arts, science, social development and digital fields outlined the territory of Creative Brain Week alongside the opening of an exhibition featuring the Lab’s Yazidi Cultural Archives project.

7 March 2023 | Theme of Day: Conflict

Discussions during the day (contributed to by Lab Founding Co-Director Dr Nisha Sajnani) included the impact of conflict and its long-term associated health consequences, identifying ways in which creative solutions can aid wellbeing, and psychological practices for improved post conflict health outcomes.

8 March 2023 | Theme of Day: Imagination

Starting off with reflection on the events of previous days, day 3 included discussion of new research-based practices that would help drive more effective health outcomes.

9 March 2023 | Theme of Day: Joy

This day included discussions surrounding the positive impact of joy on those with Down syndrome, the benefits of equitable and shared learning, and bridging the gap between creative practices, neuroscience, and greater global shared wellbeing.