MUS-E® Training brings Art to Ilioupoli’s schools
3–4 September 2025 | Ilioupoli, Athens
Earlier this September, the International Yehudi Menuhin Foundation (IYMF), following a proposal by the Foundation’s Communications Advisor in Greece, Ms. Louisa Anastopoulou and the collaboration with the Museum of Greek Children’s Art (MEPT) and the Education Advisor PE70 of the 1st Athens Primary School, Nikolaos Efstathiou, introduced the MUS-E® Programme to three schools in Ilioupoli through a two-day educational seminar.
Held at the 5th Primary School of Ilioupoli and co-funded by the European Union, the training welcomed 45 enthusiastic teachers and artists from the 5th, 15th and 20th Primary Schools to explore how the MUS-E® methodology fosters creativity and collaboration.
Filled with music, movement, colour, and laughter, the event highlighted how the arts can transform education—not as an additional subject, but as a way of teaching, learning, and connecting, while preparing the ground for the introduction of the Programme in Greece.
A Journey into Creativity
The seminar opened with greetings from school principals and Efstathiou, who emphasised the importance of developing the 4Cs—Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking, and Creativity.
From there, the teachers and artists were taken on a journey into the world of Yehudi Menuhin and MUS-E®. Executive Vice-President of IYMF, Marianne Poncelet, and Senior Project Manager Bianca Rubino introduced the Foundation’s mission, while Efthimios Angelakis, Artistic Director of MUS-E® in Oeiras, Portugal, demonstrated how children, teachers, and artists can learn side by side, presenting the guidelines and practical insights of the MUS-E® Programme.
Held at the 5th Primary School of Ilioupoli and co-funded by the European Union, the training welcomed 45 enthusiastic teachers and artists from the 5th, 15th and 20th Primary Schools to explore how the MUS-E® methodology fosters creativity and collaboration.
Filled with music, movement, colour, and laughter, the event highlighted how the arts can transform education—not as an additional subject, but as a way of teaching, learning, and connecting, while preparing the ground for the introduction of the Programme in Greece.
One teacher reflected afterwards:
“I realised the need for opportunities for creative and aesthetic expression of learning, which happens naturally through the integration of the arts in education.”
Workshops that Sparked Joy
Across the two days, teachers and artists became children again—singing, dancing, painting, and playing with ideas.
Music teacher Pavlos Charonis used music and games to explore health and nutrition.
Visual artist Nikos Koniaris reimagined Aristophanes’ Lysistrata through costume design with simple materials.
Comic creator Elias Kollias guided participants to create comics on everyday life, the environment, and cultural heritage.
MEPT Director Athanasia Sklirou led a playful drawing exercise, “Having Lunch with the Artists”.
Dancer Konstantina Barkouli Gavri and visual artist Markellos Kolofotias introduced Bauhaus and the Triadic Ballet through movement and painting.
Visual artist Theodoros Chiotidis inspired participants with stop-motion animation featuring a wandering trash can visiting UNESCO monuments.
Between the artistic sessions, Efthimios Angelakis engaged participants with activities to relax, move, and connect—reminding teachers and artists that these tools can easily be brought into the classroom.
One participant put it simply:
“I felt like a kid in a classroom again. The training gave me so many new ideas, and I am excited about MUS-E® starting in my school.”
Reflexions in a circle
The seminar concluded with an evaluation circle where teachers, artists, and organisers shared their experiences and expressed their excitement to bring the arts into their classrooms. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive:
“Best seminar I have ever attended. I felt very connected with the people.”
“Teaching and learning become easier when you use the arts.”
“The playful part inspired me. I want to bring this joy into my classroom.”
Looking Forward
The seminar proved that art is not an addition to education—it is a pathway to deeper learning, wellbeing, and collaboration. Feedback highlighted inspiration, joy, and a renewed belief in the power of creativity.
As one participant beautifully summed it up:
“How important is art in education. I’m happy this happened at the beginning of the school year—it gave me plenty of fresh ideas!”
Executive Vice-President Marianne Poncelet concluded by thanking all partners and expressing her enthusiasm for the launch of MUS-E® in Greece, represented by the Museum of Greek Children’s Art MEPT (National Programme Manager: Louisa Karapidaki).
Thanks to the vision and support of Mrs. Louisa Anastopoulou, Communication Advisor in Greece for the IYMF, the dedication of the Museum of Greek Children’s Art MEPT (Mrs. Louisa Karapidaki and Mrs. Athanasia Sklirou), Education Advisor PE 70 of the 1st Athens Primary School, Mr. Nikolaos Efstathiou, and the enthusiasm of schools, teachers and artists, the MUS-E® Programme will soon begin to flourish in Ilioupoli’s schools.
Learn more about MUS-E®: MUS-E® Website
Museum of Greek Children’s Art: MEPT Website
