SNF Nostos

STAVROS NIARCHOS FOUNDATION

Parallel Happenings

Vamvakou Revival Immersive Experience

22-25/6, Between Conference sessions & during the weekend, Alternative Stage GNO

Vamvakou Revival Immersive Experience

Spending time in nature has been shown to help with mental health challenges like anxiety and depression. At the 2023 SNF Nostos Conference, attendees will have the opportunity to travel into nature without leaving the city.  

During breaks between sessions, the SNF Nostos Immersive Experience screens will be brimming with trees, streams, and animals, offering an opportunity for the sort of rejuvenation that only nature can provide.  

Behind the Vamvakou Revival Immersive Experience is the Vamvakou Revival team, which hails from the village of the same name located on the western side of Mount Parnon in Greece’s Peloponnese. The Vamvakou Revival project is supported by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). 

A few words about Vamvakou Revival 

Have you ever thought about what life would be like in an idyllic spot in the verdant forest, away from the buzz of the city—but with access to technology, virtual reality, all kinds of cultural and sporting events, employment opportunities, and the possibility of building the future with your own hands and a community from scratch?  

Vamvakou Revival, established in August 2018, aims to bring new life to the village of Vamvakou by tapping into the history, human capital, and natural wealth of the region, with collaboration and support from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). The organization was founded by a group of friends with strong ties to Vamvakou. Their vision for the sustainable development of the village ultimately aims to bring a greater number of permanent residents to the community. By creating job opportunities and modern, comfortable living conditions, they hope to see Vamvakοu bustling with families and children, and to hear the school bell ring once again. The initiative’s main pillars are tourism, innovation, agri-food, culture, and entrepreneurship. The team hopes Vamvakou will serve as a model for similar projects throughout Greece and internationally. 

Will you dare to make a change?