Interview: Evanthia Sakellari, University of West Attica

Students: At first, we would like to know who you are and what you do?

Evanthia: My name is Evanthia Sakellari. I come from Athens, Greece. I am Associate Professor at the Department of Public and Community Health, University of West Attica, Athens.

S: What was the professional path to your current position?

E: My professional path has been through mental health and public health. I ended up in academia because I like being involved in new development projects and I enjoy teaching, as the interaction in the physical and virtual classroom is very motivating and empowering.

S: How did you come to be a part of the ARTHEWE developer team?

E: I got the invitation from a TUAS member, and I was very happy to be able to get involved in this project. I have learned so much!

S: What do you think well-being is? Why do you think it’s important to promote creative wellbeing? What kind of things you find especially significant?

E: Well-being can be so many different things depending on my day. I can’t say that if you ask me again later, I would reply the same. For me, wellbeing, today is seeing the blue sky on this sunny day and enjoying a good conversation with colleagues. At the moment wellbeing is very much connected to physical health (due to the pandemic situation) and less to our mental health….Creative wellbeing can be a key to health promotion and quality of life since it offers a way to enjoy the everyday things, it contains empathy and connection with your physical and social environment… Art makes you feel better. I strongly believe that this approach allows you to growth personally and further the communities.

S: What kind of things do you enjoy in your free time? Do you have any hobbies in regard of arts and culture?

E: I like reading, watching films, visit museums and go to concerts and theatre, as well as spending time with family and friends. All these help me relax. Arts and culture help me open my eyes and reflect further.

S: Do you have any greetings that you want to send to the readers of the ARTHEWE website?

E: I would like to send my warm sunny greeting from Greece to all and invite them to follow our journey through the website and social media.