How do we recognize depression? How do we experience it, how do we understand it, and most importantly, how can we talk about it without fear or shame?
These are just a few of the essential questions that will be explored during “The Gift of Emotions”, a public discussion focused on mental health, taking place on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Cărturești Bookstore in ParkLake Shopping Center, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Participation is free, based on prior registration via the following link or by email at: contact@empowerartists.org
The event aims to create a safe and honest space for dialogue around depression – a topic often avoided, yet increasingly relevant in today’s world. According to the World Health Organization, over 33 million adults in Europe are affected by major depressive disorders. In Romania, official statistics reflect only a small percentage of diagnosed cases, pointing to the stigma and lack of emotional education that contribute to underdiagnosis and social isolation.
“The Gift of Emotions” is an invitation to reflect, connect, and empathize. The conversation will be moderated by writer Marius Chivu and will feature guests from diverse professional backgrounds, all united by a common concern for emotional well-being.
Speakers:
Cinty Ionescu – visual artist
Simona Trifu – psychiatrist
Diana Onilă – psychologist and psychotherapist
Ioana Necula – CEO, Genesis College
Special Guests:
Ada Galeș – actress
Horia Tecău – former professional tennis player, Olympic medalist
This event is part of the cultural project “Breaking the Silence: A Visual Narrative on Emotions Left Unspoken”, organized by the Empower Art & Artists Association. Its central component, the “Breaking the Silence” exhibition, brings together 13 emerging and established artists active on both the Romanian and international art scenes, to create a shared space for dialogue and interaction around the emotional and psychological states associated with depression – and healing through art.
The exhibition is hosted at ParkLake Shopping Center in Bucharest and is open to visitors daily until October 7, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Entry is free.
This cultural project is co-funded by the Administration of the National Cultural Fund (AFCN). The project does not necessarily represent the position of the AFCN. AFCN is not responsible for the content of the project or the way its results may be used. Responsibility lies entirely with the beneficiary of the funding.
Main Partner: ParkLake Shopping Center
Institutional Partners: UNArte Bucharest, Genesis College
Supporting Partners: TED’S Coffee, Cărturești, Humanitas
Media Partners: RFI Romania, Radio România Cultural, Empower Artists, Urban, The Institute, Feeder, Amo News, ArTeVezi, Modernism, IQads
