Museums as Spaces for Wellbeing – Art & Mindfulness Talks
With Saskia Wheeler, Dr. Corinna Kühnapfel & Kristina Barekyan
How can art museums foster wellbeing, learning, and connection? Moderated by neuroaesthetics researcher Saskia Wheeler, this conversation brings together neuroaesthetics researcher Dr. Corinna Kühnapfel and Fotografiska’s Cultural Events & Programming Manager Kristina Barekyan. Bringing together scientific research and museum practice, they explore the role of museums as spaces for slowing down, learning, and meaningful engagement – looking at how museum experiences, from physical spaces and programming to digital approaches, can support wellbeing and shape the way we engage with art.
About the moderator
Saskia Wheeler is a researcher and designer at the intersection of neuroaesthetics and spatial design. She translates neuroscience insights into spaces that enhance well-being in hospitality, culture, and wellness. With a Master’s in Psychology of the Arts (Goldsmiths), she collaborates on immersive art, spatial experiences, and design projects.
About the speakers
Dr. Corinna Kühnapfel
Dr. Corinna Kühnapfel is a postdoctoral researcher in neuroaesthetics (TU Berlin, AAC_Wonder project). She studies how art creates moving, transformative experiences. Her PhD (University of Vienna) explored bodily movement and installation art. Co-founder of EDGE e.V., she bridges art and neuroscience through exhibitions and events.
Kristina Barekyan
Kristina Barekyan is Cultural Events & Programming Manager at Fotografiska Berlin, curating and managing a programme at the intersection of art, education, and community. With MAs in Art History (MSU) and Art Management & Cultural Policy (Goldsmiths), she previously worked with documenta, the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, the V&A Museum, and the Pushkin Museum. She is the author of a publication on digital learning and education in museums (NEMO).