Mission

At Luma Haus, we are a group of individuals who share a common vision: to enhance the quality of our relationships and the connections we build with those around us—meaningful connections that transcend generations, gender, race, and social status. By strengthening these connections, we believe we can contribute to a more cohesive and supportive community.

Core Team

Strategic Planning & Organizational Leadership – Anna Pantazi ensures that Luma Days is insight-driven and impact-focused.

Artistic & Technical Expertise – Grigorios Tantanozis ensures that cultural programming is both high-quality and inclusive.

Community Development & Social Support – Veronika Rickhaus integrates family-oriented and community-building initiatives.

Financial & Operational Sustainability – Janine Glas guarantees that Luma Haus can develop into a viable long-term institution.

Vision

As modern life becomes increasingly isolating, research suggests that technology use can influence our capacity for empathy. While some studies indicate that social media may enhance cognitive empathy in certain contexts, others highlight concerns about its effects on emotional regulation and deep interpersonal connections. Given these mixed findings, it is crucial to explore how we can cultivate meaningful, in-person connections that strengthen empathy and emotional well-being.

Additionally, the Harvard Study of Adult Development, an 85-year-long research project, found that the quality of one's relationships is the most significant factor influencing happiness and longevity. This study revealed that individuals with strong social connections experienced better health and lived longer than those who were less connected (Waldinger & Schulz, 20231).

We aim to counter this growing disconnection by creating a community center in the heart of Aarau—a space designed to cultivate authentic relationships through shared experiences. Our vision includes:
✔ Workshops on human connection, communication, and creativity.
✔ Culinary experiences to bring people from different cultures together through shared meals.
✔ Art exhibitions that foster cultural exchange.
✔ Performing arts as a medium for storytelling and emotional engagement.
✔ Activities for children, ensuring intergenerational interaction.

To refine and test these ideas, we are launching a series of festival days featuring workshops and events focused on connection, empathy, and communication. These events serve a dual purpose:

Engaging the community in meaningful experiences.
Assessing our concept, collecting feedback, and refining our approach for future events.

We are starting with two festival days as an initial phase, allowing us to gather insights on what resonates most with participants. This feedback will guide the development of additional festival days throughout the year, ensuring that each iteration is shaped by real community needs and experiences.