With the exhibition “ARTismby HER-autism” the Herakleion-based  HER-autism group participates in the largest inclusive and accessible ART FESTIVAL in our country, the 3rd NEVRONAS FESTival. For the third consecutive year, the Festival presents artists with or without disabilities, popular singers and inclusive art/visual art groups, giving the opportunity to all to enjoy, at will and fully accessible, Theatre, Music/Concerts, Dance, Films, Exhibitions, Workshops, Inspirational Speeches and Discussions. Initiated by Nikos Pagidas, co-founder of the online Portal for Disability, nevronas.gr, NEVRONAS FESTival tends to become an institution and has already been distinguished as best practice in the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Awards 2024 with Platinum and Gold awards.

In the spirit of functional coexistence for all of us and the right of visible participation of people with disabilities in society, the voluntary citizens’ movement HER-autism Heraklion welcomes the outreach and promotion of neurodiverse artists. It supports the inclusive five-day creation of meaningful experiences for all our disabled and non-disabled fellow human beings, and participates throughout the duration of the art festival (8-12 November) with paintings and 3D works by four young (in age) artists, Stefanos Sfakianakis (STEF), Katerina Rapani, Maria Hadjinikolaou and Idomeneas-Minas Papadakis. 18 selected works of theirs invest the ARTismby HER-autism exhibition, which is accompanied by 11 more -inclusive and accessible to all disabilities- art exhibitions at the Mechanourgio, the largest hall of the building complex “Technopolis” of the Municipality of Athens in Gazi.

ARTism Exhibition Curator: Angeliki Baltatzi (Curator of Exhibitions at the Historical Museum of Crete, co-creator of HER-autism); Maria Volanaki (Visual Artist, volunteer of HER-autism)

STEFANOS SFAKIANAKIS

Stefanos, 26 years old from Heraklion, Crete, is a versatile artist who has been developing his vocation in painting, dance, theatre and singing from an early age. Under his stage name “STEF”, he begins to form his artistic identity early on, utilizing his talent in various fields of art. At the age of 13, he has his first exhibition at the Basilica of St. Mark’s, organized by the Municipal Gallery under the auspices of the Municipality of Heraklion. This exhibition takes place on the occasion of the Paralympic Games in Heraklion and highlights his unique ability to express emotions and ideas through painting. In 2014, Stefanos undertook the illustration of two books by Katerina Manousaki on autism, making a significant contribution to raising public awareness on this topic. At the same time, his love for painting leads him to win the first prize in a painting competition at the Heraklion Labour Centre, on the theme of Labour Day, proving his talent and perseverance. Stefanos, on the autism spectrum, continues to inspire and impress with his artistic achievements, setting an example for many.

Stefanos Sfakianakis

MARIA HADJINIKOLAOU

The youngest of the group is Maria, who is 13 years old from Heraklion and grows up in a bilingual family. A happy and outgoing child who loves colours, painting and music from a very young age. She sees the world from her own perspective and this diversity is reflected in her works, as an inspiring reminder that there are no boundaries and obstacles among us, only goals , in the direction that pleases and fills us.

Maria Hadjinikolaou

KATERINA RAPANI

Katerina is 17 years old and lives with her family in Agios Nikolaos, Crete. In her colourful paintings, trees and the sea play a leading role in her artistic themes in connection with her great love, NATURE. Painting lessons are a recent addition to her life. She loves other Fine Arts, such as music, singing (she is a member of the children’s choir of the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos) and takes dance lessons. In her artistic journey, she takes part for the first time in the exhibition “APOKODIKOPOISI 2SYN2” (2023) of the Museum of School Life of the Municipality of Chania in collaboration with the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos. Her works are presented at the Municipal Gallery of Agios Nikolaos and are included in the printed catalogue of the exhibition. She is a student at the Agios Nikolaos School of Fine Arts with parallel support.

Katerina Rapani

IDOMENEAS-MINAS PAPADAKIS

The 18-year-old Idomeneas is from Heraklion, Crete. He is a third grade student and likes clay sculpting, painting, comics and computer games. He plays tennis and is a boy scout. Idomeneas has a well-developed empathy and is particularly sensitive to issues of justice and equality.

Idomeneas-Minas Papadakis