27.09
Program
Doors open
Welcome to #UNFINISHED24!
Check in with our amazing volunteers at the entrance
of the UNFINISHED Garden to get your badge and all the info you need to start your PRAXIS journey. In collaboration
with Orange, we invite you to disconnect from your devices
and fully immerse yourself in the moment in the House of Ideas. Step into the spirit of Via Transilvanica trail, immerse yourself into the magic of a confession booth, write a letter to a stranger or simply wander and relax. The bars are already open and our journey together awaits.
From Awe to Action
JASON SILVA & sign-language translated by Denis Blidariu
Jason Silva, Emmy-nominated storyteller and host of Brain Games, kicks off UNFINISHED with his latest work and research right at the intersection of technology, creativity, and human flourishing. Known for blending philosophy and wonder, Jason challenges us to not just envision a better world but to actively shape it. By connecting consciousness, tech, and mental health, he urges us to apply our beliefs through action—turning awe into praxis in an increasingly complex and digitized society. This opening talk, to be continued and deepened each day of #UNFINISHED24, sets the stage for a weekend of deep reflection and transformative ideas.
→ Please be mindful of the few dedicated front row seats!
Body/Technology
Grace Boyle & sign-language translated by Denis Blidariu
Join artist Grace Boyle as she takes us through a decade
of sensorial praxis, and raises questions about intelligence,
our bodies, and how our biological and ecological realities will sit alongside technological futures. Grace will share her stories of creating multisensory virtual reality experiences
with Indigenous groups in the Amazon jungle, crafting musical narratives with scent, and using artificial intelligence in human group dreaming sessions in the towers of medieval castles. Grace will also introduce her latest installation, a robotic performance unfolding for the first time at UNFINISHED.
→ Please be mindful of the few dedicated front row seats!
The Soft Power of Loneliness
Monika Jiang & sign-language translated by Denis Blidariu
Loneliness isn’t something to be feared or cured—it’s the quiet force that can transform us. In this keynote, explore with writer, facilitator, and community builder Monika Jiang, how our shared experience of loneliness is an invitation to return to what truly matters: our relationships, our interconnectedness, and the deep care that lies beneath the surface in an increasingly isolated world.
→Please be mindful of the few dedicated front row seats!
UNFINISHED Love Stories I: CHOICES
Daniel Jones & Dana Rogoz
Do you ever wonder how does stepping into someone else’s narrative allow us to explore parts of our own? Even though each love story is unique, certain feelings—longing, loss, joy, uncertainty—are universal. Come find the common ground by witnessing the performance of UNFINISHED Love Stories, submitted by members of our community and selected by Daniel Jones. The stories selected for this first sessions focus on the choices we make – that may not always seem right in the short term, but they are often the ones that shape a more fulfilling lifetime. Let’s gather to hear, feel, and reflect on love, which is not an event. It’s a practice.
Live music by Mǎlina Șerbânescu.
Opening Aperitivo
Sip, savor and socialize with friends, old and new. Taste experience brought to you by Lidl.
•Prosciutto wrapped pears with blue cheese crumble
•Veggie spinach wraps with hummus
and harissa spiced cauliflower
•Cheese, corn and chilli empanadas
•French onion stuffed potatoes
•Sweet pastries
Prepared with care – don’t waste it!
Come Away With Me
Awa Ly
Awa Ly’s music invites us to reflect and take action through the power of sound. Her songs speak of human connection, resilience, and the courage to engage with the world around us. Rooted in her Senegalese heritage and French upbringing, Awa’s voice carries the essence of the four elements—earth, air, water, and fire—each note resonating with their unique vibrational frequencies. Her music, much like these natural forces, has the power to heal and realign, creating a space where introspection meets transformation. Through the elemental flow of her sound, Awa reminds us that change begins on a personal level, and that by tuning in to these frequencies, we can awaken our inner strength.
Nightpulse
Andi Moisescu
Return to the Factory’s dance floor with Andi Moisescu, an old-school DJ who knows how to keep the vibe alive. Known for blending classic beats with an electronic twist and for his unwavering support of underground culture, Andi creates a space where everyone feels at ease. No matter your taste, his timeless tracks bring us together, making the dance floor a place of pure connection—no judgments, just rhythm. Unite through music.
Morning Boot Camp
Tiberiu Ușeriu
Experience a fully rounded and wholesome morning with Tibi Ușeriu, and dive into the daily practices – from workout
and recovery to nutrition – that enable the mind and body
to reach extreme levels of athleticism. This practical workshop will encompass a workout session (running and stretching), ice baths as well as breakfast, prepared according to the athlete’s usual routine. Towels kindly provided by Lidl; but be sure to bring your workout clothes and swimsuit!
→ 18 years-old minimum
→ Registration for this experience has closed. We encourage you to join other workshops that are first come, first serve.
FUEL FOR PRAXIS: Breakfast
Wether you like to start your day on the sweet or salty side,
we have your back! Wake up and nourish your body at
the communal table with delicious bites powered by Lidl
and the courtesy of Lăptăria cu Caimac.
• DIY: yogurt bowl with nuts, seeds, fruits
•Cheese and fruits plates
•Quiche lorraine
•Spinach chicken quiche
•Tortilla de patatas
•Zucchini frittatas
•Raspberry & chocolate muffins
•Cherry croissants
Prepared with care – don’t waste it!
From Being to (Conscious) Doing
AVISEK MAJUMBAR
Our actions aren’t just shaping the world around us, but also remodelling our inner zen den. This Yoga session is an explorative journey on how we can convert our ‘doing-ness’ from impulsive to conscious actions and intentional acts. This Yoga session invites you to engage in a self-exploration journey about how to make your actions more conscious by applying the principles of Hatha Yoga & Yogic psychology.
→ Family-friendly | Bring your own yoga mat
→ No pre-registration necessary | First come, first seated
Embodied Flow Yoga
Roxana Corojan
Imagine flowing on your mat just the way you aim to move through Life. A bravespace for playful exploration — embodying our values, our intentions, our creative expression in a lighthearted way. Roxana will remind you to trust your body’s wisdom and enjoy its intricacies. A fusion of centering meditation, opening postures, and a dynamic flow to liberate you in body, mind and spirit. Let’s nurture ourselves through mindful movement, infused with Traditional Chinese Medicine principles & Vinyasa Yoga, and embrace creative freedom through a gentle holistic approach. For curious movers of all backgrounds. Less mind, more heart.
→ Family-friendly | Bring your own yoga mat
→ No pre-registration necessary | First come, first seated
On the Steps of Jane Jacobs: A Walkshop
Lior Steinberg
Jane Jacobs (1916–2006) revolutionized the world of urbanism. She published in 1961 The Death and Life of Great American Cities against the expansion of expressways and roads. Her book became a cornerstone of new urbanism, as it lays the foundation for how human-scaled, people-friendly neighborhoods should be built. In this walk, we’ll look for the elements Jacobs claimed are so important for liveable neighbourhoods. The twist? The tour guide is not a local, and he’s not going to bore you with dry historical details. Instead, he’ll share his knowledge about Urbanism & Jane Jacobs. Together, you will explore Jacob’s principles for better cities function in the Romanian capital.
→ Family-friendly | All ages welcome!
→ Registration for this experience has closed. We encourage you to join other workshops that are first come, first serve.
The Map is Alive
Nicolas Triboi & Adelina Butnaru
Ready to see the city with new eyes and discover hidden wildlife? This is exactly what Nicolas Triboi does by guiding us to create a living map of the entire UNFINISHED Garden, in collaboration with designer Adelina Butnaru. In this hands-on experience, you have the unique opportunity (and responsibility!) to explore and document every life form—from plants to birds and insects—that contribute to this rich urban landscape. Whether you’re a plant enthusiast, a curious observer, or someone looking to deepen your connection with nature, this workshop offers a chance to learn from one of the leading voices in landscape architecture and contribute to the collective care-taking of this beautiful green oasis we are lucky to host UNFINISHED in.
→ Family-friendly
→ Registration for this experience has closed. We encourage you to join other workshops that are first come, first serve.
Loaf Lab: A Sensory Exploration of Bread
LARA SCHÜTZ
What is your first memory related to bread? What aromas flood your mind when you think of the bread you ate in your childhood? Do you believe that a scent can be heard? These are just some of the questions that will guide the experience with Lara Schütz. She will engage you with the PRAXIS of bread making and tasting, going through the essential steps, familiarize you with all its smells and aromas, enriching our palate and knowledge about our own preferences. We will also discuss why words create value when we talk about bread. Join us to break bread and explore how Lara’s praxis challenges the boundaries between learning and doing.
→ 16 years old minimum
→ Not wearing perfume is mandatory
→ Registration for this experience has closed. We encourage you to join other workshops that are first come, first serve.
The Way of Tea
Lera Zujeva
Join us for Chadao Tea Ceremony to stop and slow down
during the business and vibrance of the amazing gathering that UNFINISHED is. Tea invites us to become grounded, and inhabit the body as much as possible. To start living from the embodied awareness, from the full bodied presence. It is the way of Dao—resting in awareness where all form arises. And yet experiencing it as one and the same. We will slow down, feel, sense, and be the presence that we are with the gentle Medicine of Tea.
→ Family-friendly [but please mind that tea ceremonies
are observed in silence: bring your child accordingly!]
→ Registration for this experience has closed. We encourage you to join other workshops that are first come, first serve.
Morning Sparks
JASON SILVA
Let Jason Silva boost your morning with a moment of awe and kick off a few questions for our last day of #UNFINISHED24.
→ Please be mindful of the few dedicated front row seats!
Imaginarium—A Creative Adventure for All Ages
Alexandru Adam
This workshop is designed to spark your child’s creativity while fostering meaningful connections between parent and child. Together, you’ll embark on an exciting journey of discovery, where both of you will collaborate to unlock the full power of your imagination, strengthening your bond through shared creativity and fun.
→ Family-friendly | Children 5-12 years old welcome!
→ No pre-registration necessary | First come, first served.
Love as Practice: Writing UNFINISHED Love Stories
Daniel Jones in conversation with Nicoleta Rădăcină
Everyone has a love story. Yes, even you! And no, you don’t need to be a writer to tell it. Join us for a truly practical workshop, where Daniel Jones will guide you through writing your own tiny love story – emphasizing the qualities of an insightful and personal real story that involves other people as well, fostering a vulnerable yet safe space for sharing personal journeys. Whether you think you’re not “good” at writing or have never put pen to paper, this workshop is for you.
→ 16 years old minimum
→ Registration for this experience has closed. We encourage you to join other workshops that are first come, first serve.
Play as Practice
DANIEL HIRSCHMANN
Daniel Hirschmann, artist, educator, and founder of Hirsch & Mann, examines how technology and art intertwine to shape everyday experiences. With an eye for blending creative expression and practical challenges, Daniel shares his journey of using interactive technologies to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Join him as he discusses how artistic thinking and technological innovation can reshape how we engage with the world around us.
Snap Back to Reality, Here Comes Gravity
Timmy Ghiurău
Timmy Ghiurău, innovation leader at Volvo Cars and co-founder of The Point Labs, known as the New Immersive Bauhaus, shares insights into the intersection of design, technology, and human experience. With over a decade of spearheading innovations in XR, AI, and autonomous vehicles, Timmy explores how immersive technologies can reshape the world around us and unlock new ways of life, by hacking our environment and design systems. Discover how futurist thinking and creative technology drive innovation and push the boundaries of possibility.
Elemental Voices
Awa Ly
Dive into the ancient practice of sound healing with Awa Ly. Using her voice and Koshis, Awa guides you through a soothing acoustic journey, blending singing and sound bath, that touches the nervous system and encourages deep relaxation release. Her gentle, rhythmic approach invites you to quiet your mind and find peace through the power of vibrations. Let this be a moment of healing, connection, and serenity.
→ Family-friendly | 15 years old minimum
→ Registration for this experience has closed. We encourage you to join other workshops that are first come, first serve.
Crossing Wires
DANIEL HIRSCHMANN & Timmy Ghiurău in conversation with Lauren Celenza
In this conversation and crossed Q&A, Daniel Hirschmann and Timmy Ghiurău respond to each others’ work, delving into the intersections of immersive technology, human experience, and creative innovation. Connected by Lauren Celenza, this discussion explores how XR, AI, and cutting-edge design are reshaping industries, breaking boundaries, and imagining new realities. From hacking environments to crafting the future with tech, the three of them offer a glimpse into the art of building tomorrow’s world.
What Defines Humans in the Age of Intelligent Machines?
MARCELLO MARI
As artificial intelligence continues to advance, how do we define what makes humans unique? In this keynote, Marcello Mari will explore the key traits that distinguish humans from intelligent machines and delve into the potential for collaboration between AI and humanity. Can humans flourish in a world increasingly shaped by AI, and what role can decentralized technologies play in ensuring AGI develops benevolently? Through a fascinating journey into two of the most transformative technologies of our time, Marcello will illustrate how they can drive the next phase of human evolution and foster decentralized, open-source communities that empower society as a whole.
NOURISH & CONNECT: Lunch
Recharge with a delicious array of dishes, perfect for energizing your festival adventure.
Gather, savor, and enjoy! Taste experience brought to you by Lidl.
•Rye wraps with smoked salmon and cucumber
•Baked bean falafel with smoky tahini sauce
•Noodles buddha bowls
•Pesto pasta salad with tomatoes and mozzarella
•Chicken, broccoli and mushroom salad
Lovingly prepared – don’t waste it!
Everyday Equations (Work + Life)
Barbara Soalheiro
Barbara Soalheiro, creator of the Mesa method, brings her unique approach to tackling complex challenges at lightning speed through collaboration and real-time problem-solving. In this thought-provoking session, Barbara will explore contrasting perspectives on work—how fast, efficient problem-solving can coexist with deeper, slower reflection. By examining the relationship between work and life, she invites us to rethink our practice and environment, finding the balance between speed, purpose, and pleasure.
Community Circle: Listen, Play, Move
Monika Jiang
Step into an open space of exploration where we reconnect through movement, play, and active listening. This 90-minute workshop invites you to move beyond separateness and rediscover the simple, profound joy of being with yourself and others. Through playful connection, we remember what it means to be in community again.
→ Family-friendly | 14 years old minimum
→ Registration for this experience has closed. We encourage you to join other workshops that are first come, first serve.
Imaginarium—A Creative Adventure for All Ages
Alexandru Adam
This workshop is designed to spark your child’s creativity while fostering meaningful connections between parent and child. Together, you’ll embark on an exciting journey of discovery, where both of you will collaborate to unlock the full power of your imagination, strengthening your bond through shared creativity and fun.
→ Family-friendly | Children 5-12 years old welcome!
→ No pre-registration necessary | First come, first served.
The Praxis of Slow: Redefining Hospitality for a Conscious Future
Peter Conrads
How can we reshape our living and working environments to foster deeper connections and more meaningful experiences? Peter Conrads, founder of Slow, explores this question through the lens of the slow movement, regenerative agriculture, and adaptive reuse. By developing communal spaces around the world, Slow offers a more conscious, collaborative form of hospitality—where every action imprints the environment, fostering collective change. Join Peter as he shares insights on how we can rethink our economic models and success metrics by embracing a forward-thinking, sustainable mindset.
Elemental Voices
Awa Ly
Dive into the ancient practice of sound healing with Awa Ly. Using her voice and Koshis, Awa guides you through a soothing acoustic journey, blending singing and sound bath, that touches the nervous system and encourages deep relaxation release. Her gentle, rhythmic approach invites you to quiet your mind and find peace through the power of vibrations. Let this be a moment of healing, connection, and serenity.
→ Family-friendly | 15 years old minimum
→ Registration for this experience has closed. We encourage you to join other workshops that are first come, first serve.
Fast Meets Slow: Shaping Work & Life
Barbara Soalheiro & Peter Conrads in conversation with Lauren Celenza
Lauren Celenza brings Barbara Soalheiro and Peter Conrads back to the stage to respond to each others’ keynotes and together explore the interplay between rapid problem-solving and mindful, sustainable practices. Barbara’s Mesa method highlights efficient, collaborative approaches, while Peter’s Slow collective focuses on deeper, intentional design. This conversation delves into how merging these philosophies can shape meaningful and impactful working and living environments.
We Are Addicted to Cars, but There’s a Way out of It
Lior Steinberg
Is driving the new smoking? Urban planner and Humankind co-founder Lior Steinberg looks at how our society has become so obsessed with cars, and how we can use culture and early-life education to reverse this trend. Be prepared to reconsider your routine after this talk on reinventing mobility, planning for our children, and investing in better cities.
The Grape Laboratory
Costi Drăgan
What if your palate became the testing ground for discovery? Embark on a journey where tasting is an experiment, and each sip reveals more than just flavors—it reveals harmony, surprise, and complexity. How do subtle changes in temperature, oxygen, or pairing alter the character of wine? How do region, grape varietals, and winemaking techniques shape its expression? In this hands-on exploration, you’ll experience the nuances of Jidvei wines and learn how to elevate your tasting skills. Raise a glass and prep your palate—the key to unlocking a world of flavors.
→ Minimum age 18 years old
→ Registration for this experience has closed. We encourage you to join other workshops that are first come, first serve.
BREAK
The Way of Tea
Lera Zujeva
Join us for Chadao Tea Ceremony to stop and slow down during the business and vibrance of the amazing gathering that UNFINISHED is. Tea invites us to become grounded, and inhabit the body as much as possible. To start living from the embodied awareness, from the full bodied presence. It is the way of Dao—resting in awareness where all form arises. And yet experiencing it as one and the same. We will slow down, feel, sense, and be the presence that we are with the gentle Medicine of Tea.
→ Family-friendly [but please mind that tea ceremonies are observed in silence: bring your child accordingly!]
→ Registration for this experience has closed. We encourage you to join other workshops that are first come, first serve.
Circle Singing
Zeyla Tomlyn
Step into a safe space where your voice can shine freely. In this workshop, Zeyla Tomlyn will gently guide you to open your voice, connect to your innate inspiration, and join others in creating a spontaneous choir of multi-harmonic, improvised songs. Expect moments of dance, rhythm games, sound healing, and African-inspired grooves, all supported by the drums of Mircea Ardeleanu. Whether you sing or listen, you’ll rediscover the playful spirit within and experience the joy of making music together. No singing experience required!
→ Family-friendly | 12 year old minimum
→ Registration for this experience has closed. We encourage you to join other workshops that are first come, first serve.
Design by Nature
Marko Brajovic
When asked for his preferred designer, Marko Brajovic answers, “Nature: a 3.8 billion years old designer, with greatest experience in creating successful and resilient solutions”. Through his projects, Marko blends nature and architecture, showing how a design process mimics natural ecosystems. Discover how even commercial ventures, like furniture or hotels, or exhibitions and pavilions, can support a deeper connection to nature and create more sustainable environments. This talk invites you to rethink the way we design cities—seeing them as living, breathing forests— and imagine our deepest connection with Nature as a design process, ethical approach and final architectural product.
UNFINISHED Printshop
PRIMITIVPRINT
Refresh your old shirts and totes with an UNFINISHED touch through hands-on screen printing. This year, Alexey and his primitivprint workshop return with a focus on praxis—inviting you to create and engage in the practice of reimagining everyday items. Bring your garments, experiment with layers and colors, and explore the act of upstyling as a mindful, creative practice. It’s not just about emptying those overcrowded drawers (we get it)—it’s about discovering the power of DIY and giving new life to your favorite pieces.
→ Family-friendly | Bring your own shirts or totes!
→ No pre-registration necessary | First come, first served.
Imaginarium—A Creative Adventure for All Ages
Alexandru Adam
This workshop is designed to spark your child’s creativity while fostering meaningful connections between parent and child. Together, you’ll embark on an exciting journey of discovery, where both of you will collaborate to unlock the full power of your imagination, strengthening your bond through shared creativity and fun.
→ Family-friendly | Children 5-12 years old welcome!
→ No pre-registration necessary | First come, first served.
The Path that Unites
Alin Uhlmann Ușeriu & Tiberiu Ușeriu in conversation with RACHEL DONADIO & sign-language translated by Denis Blidariu
Join brothers Alin and Tiberiu Ușeriu in a candid conversation with journalist Rachel Donadio. Alin, the visionary behind Via Transilvanica, and Tibi, an extreme athlete and three-time 6633 Arctic Ultra winner, share their incredible journey. From childhood struggles to creating Romania’s first long-distance trail, their story is one of resilience, and of a deep commitment to connecting people and enabling deep social transformation through nature and community. Explore their world of endurance, adventure, and meaningful change.
This conversation mixes English and Romanian.
Bring your own headphones for translation if you need it!
→ Please be mindful of the few dedicated front row seats!
Book-signing
Tiberiu Ușeriu & Cărturești
Get your copy of 27 Pași signed by the inspiring Tibi Ușeriu! Whether you’re a fan or discovering his story for the first time, this is a great occasion to meet one of Romania’s most remarkable endurance athletes.
LIGHT DINNER: Bites & Drinks
Tasteful ingredients, colorful dishes, and good company await. Whether you’re catching up with friends,
making new connections, or simply savoring the moment, dinner is the perfect opportunity to mingle and indulge.
Powered by Lidl and the courtesy of Lăptăria cu Caimac.
•Caesar salad with grilled chicken wraps
•Cheese, corn and chilli empanadas
•Thai peanut noodle salad
•Pokeball with crispy chicken and veggies
•Tuscan mushroom ricotta mini tarts
Cooked with passion – don’t waste it!
Sonic Conversations: An Improv Dialogue
MARIUS LEFTǍRACHE & NIKITA DEMBINSKI
In a unique and experimental collaboration, Marius Leftărache and Nikita Dembinski come together for a one-of-a-kind performance that blurs the lines between electronic and acoustic sound. Expect an improvised musical dialogue where modular synths, small percussions, piano, and delicate vocals intertwine in real-time. This spontaneous exchange between two artists who don’t normally play together promises to push creative boundaries, blending analog and electronic elements in a captivating sonic exploration.
From the Earth, For the Earth—a Freedom Movement Journey
ANNIDA TATTVA
Immerse yourself in a dynamic mix of rhythms—from earthy grooves and tribal beats to electronic influences—as Annida guides you from somatic to ecstatic dance. Explore cathartic release, reconnect with your inner child, and embrace your authentic self within a supportive and non-judgmental space.
→ By artist recommendation, leave your shoes and drinks outside to enjoy the full experience!
Morning Boot Camp
Tiberiu Ușeriu
Experience a fully rounded and wholesome morning with Tibi Ușeriu, and dive into the daily practices – from workout and recovery to nutrition – that enable the mind and body to reach extreme levels of athleticism. This practical workshop will encompass a workout session (running and stretching), ice baths as well as breakfast, prepared according to the athlete’s usual routine. Towels kindly provided by Lidl; but be sure to bring your workout clothes and swimsuit!
→ 18 years-old minimum
→ Registration for this experience has closed. We encourage you to join other workshops that are first come, first serve.
Slow Color—A Botanical Journey
Adelina Toma
Join us for a hands-on workshop exploring the art of plant dyeing with locally sourced cotton. In this 4-hour session, we’ll immerse ourselves in a mindful, creative process that connects us to nature. Embrace imperfections and unpredictability as part of the journey, allowing the natural flow of plant dyes to guide the outcome. Engaging with the plant dyeing process can be meditative, involving repetitive actions and sensory experiences that induce a state of calm. As we work with nature’s palette, we’ll focus on the creative expression that emerges through the intimate connection between dye, fabric, and intention.
→ 18 years old minimum
→ Registration for this experience has closed. We encourage you to join other workshops that are first come, first serve.
FUEL FOR PRAXIS: Breakfast
Fuel up before an exciting day ahead! Taste experience brought to you by Lidl.
• DIY: yogurt bowl with nuts, seeds, fruits
• Cheese and fruits plates
• Quiche lorraine
• Spinach chicken quiches
• Tortilla de patatas
• Zucchini frittatas
• Raspberry & chocolate muffins
• Cherry croissants
Crafted with care – don’t waste it!
From Being to (Conscious) Doing
AVISEK MAJUMBAR
Becoming conscious of impermanence as our constant companion in life can modulate our actions and give a new perspective of how we act from moment to moment. This Meditative Yoga session will invite the participants to embark on a journey through postures, pause and presence.
→ Family-friendly | Bring your own yoga mat, cushion and willingness to explore ever present impermanence!
→ No pre-registration necessary | First come, first seated
In’Touch ~ Mindful Presence & Thai Yoga Massage Workshop
Roxana Corojan
This workshop is dedicated to those who seek to look deeper into the way we communicate through Touch. A sacred dance in between giver and receiver. Thai Yoga Massage, a deep full body treatment and dialogue in motion, is a melting pot of: “metta” – loving kindness, “vipassana” – meditation on insight, massage and yoga. Through its harmonious blend of supported restorative postures that cultivate stillness, yogic stretching using an “invisible” map of energy lines, and mindful touch – this practice creates a safe space enabling your body and mind to unwind, surrender, and compassion to flow. As said by Thich Nhat Hanh, “the father of mindfulness” – the most beautiful gift we can offer others is our presence.
→ Family-friendly | Bring your own yoga mat
→ No pre-registration necessary | First come, first seated
The Map is Alive
Nicolas Triboi & Adelina Butnaru
Ready to see the city with new eyes and discover hidden wildlife? This is exactly what Nicolas Triboi does by guiding us to create a living map of the entire UNFINISHED Garden, in collaboration with designer Adelina Butnaru. In this hands-on experience, you have the unique opportunity (and responsibility!) to explore and document every life form—from plants to birds and insects—that contribute to this rich urban landscape. Whether you’re a plant enthusiast, a curious observer, or someone looking to deepen your connection with nature, this workshop offers a chance to learn from one of the leading voices in landscape architecture and contribute to the collective care-taking of this beautiful green oasis we are lucky to host UNFINISHED in.
→ Family-friendly
→ Registration for this experience has closed. We encourage you to join other workshops that are first come, first serve.
Room of Whispers
Monika Jiang
Monika Jiang invites you into a guided experience of her interactive installation, Room of Whispers, which invites you into a quiet, reflective space. Two strangers will meet in silence, separated by a mesh, yet connected through the act of sharing. Step inside if you’re willing to explore the tender spaces of loneliness and connection, where words carry more than conversation, and silence holds stories. In this room, you will be asked to share moments of loneliness, with the audio being anonymously recorded to contribute to a growing collection of shared experiences. Thank you for being brave and tender.
The Way of Tea
Lera Zujeva
Join us for Chadao Tea Ceremony to stop and slow down during the business and vibrance of the amazing gathering that UNFINISHED is. Tea invites us to become grounded, and inhabit the body as much as possible. To start living from the embodied awareness, from the full bodied presence. It is the way of Dao—resting in awareness where all form arises. And yet experiencing it as one and the same. We will slow down, feel, sense, and be the presence that we are with the gentle Medicine of Tea.
→ Family-friendly [but please mind that tea ceremonies are observed in silence: bring your child accordingly!]
→ Registration for this experience has closed. We encourage you to join other workshops that are first come, first serve.
Imaginarium—A Creative Adventure for All Ages
Alexandru Adam
This workshop is designed to spark your child’s creativity while fostering meaningful connections between parent and child. Together, you’ll embark on an exciting journey of discovery, where both of you will collaborate to unlock the full power of your imagination, strengthening your bond through shared creativity and fun.
→ Family-friendly | Children 5-12 years old welcome!
→ No pre-registration necessary | First come, first served.
Morning Sparks
JASON SILVA & sign-language translated by Denis Blidariu
Let Jason Silva boost your morning with a moment of awe and kick off a few questions for our last day of #UNFINISHED24.
→ Please be mindful of the few dedicated front row seats!
Politics as a Taboo: Towards a New Understanding of Politics
Vlad Adamescu & Răzvan Petri & sign-language translated by Denis Blidariu
This talk, led by Răzvan Petri and Vlad Adamescu, explores how, in Romania and elsewhere, politics is often treated as a dirty word, to avoid discussing in polite society. The two founders of Politică la minut, a youth-focused civic initiative, investigate how this disconnect begins in school and continues into adulthood, resulting in a disengaged youth and a distrustful society. They will dive into the consequences of this apathy, including low voter turnout and the rise of anti-system parties, while offering pathways to move beyond this taboo and foster a healthier democratic practice.
→ Please be mindful of the few dedicated front row seats!
Raising the Future: A Family Dialogue
Bethany Koby & sign-language translated by Denis Blidariu
Bethany Koby, co-founder of Fam Studio, dives into the challenges and macrotrends shaping modern family life. Juxtaposing her rich experience and research in education technology to her own personal lens, she’ll explore the complexities families face today, from navigating uncertainty
to redefining generational boundaries. In a special twist, Bethany’s 12-year-old son Ash will join her on stage to ask questions, sparking a candid cross-generational conversation about parenting, technology, and the evolving dynamics of family life in a rapidly changing world.
→ Please be mindful of the few dedicated front row seats!
UNFINISHED Love Stories II: FAMILY TIES
Daniel Jones & Ana Ularu
Do you ever wonder how does stepping into someone else’s narrative allow us to explore parts of our own? Even though each love story is unique, certain feelings—longing, loss, joy, uncertainty—are universal. Come find the common ground by witnessing the performance of UNFINISHED Love Stories, submitted by members of our community and selected by Daniel Jones. This second session focus on the family ties that influence how we love ourselves and others and how we choose to show up in life. Let’s gather to hear, feel, and reflect on love, which is not an event. It’s a practice.
Live music by Evelina Andrieș.
Brunch
Time to savor fresh food and quality company.
Whether you’re reconnecting with familiar faces or meeting new ones,
lunch offers the perfect chance to recharge and enjoy the day.
Brought to you by Lidl, with the goodness of Lăptăria cu Caimac.
• Smoke salmon bagels
• Sesame bagel sandwiches with prosciutto and apple
• Pizza filled pastries
• Cheese pies
• Cheese, seeds and fruits plates
• Sweet pastries
Prepared with love – don’t waste it!
Book-signing
Daniel Jones & CĂRTUREȘTI
Join Daniel Jones for a special book signing session! Bring your own copy or purchase one on the spot from Cărturești. This is your chance to meet the author and engage in a memorable conversation.
White Cat
Zeyla Tomlyn
Experience the vibrant energy of Zeyla Tomlyn, celebrated as a Sound Healing Practitioner. Her performance melds Afrobeat, soul, and spontaneous improvisations, creating a dynamic and engaging experience. With her latest album “White Cat” highlighting her passion for global rhythms and healing, Zeyla, accompanied by her musical partner Mircea Ardeleanu, offers a concert that resonates deeply, blending audience interaction with soulful melodies.
Gallery Lab
JEAN-KENTA GAUTHIER in conversation with RACHEL DONADIO
Jean-Kenta Gauthier and Rachel Donadio explore the evolving role of galleries as experimental spaces, delving into the intersection of art, public space, and social commentary. With a focus on the power of multisensory experiences and the responsibility of representation, this conversation challenges preconceived notions of the art world and reveals how art can transform the way we engage with the world around us.
The Map is Alive
Nicolas Triboi & Adelina Butnaru
Ready to see the city with new eyes and discover hidden wildlife? This is exactly what Nicolas Triboi does by guiding us to create a living map of the entire UNFINISHED Garden, in collaboration with designer Adelina Butnaru. In this hands-on experience, you have the unique opportunity (and responsibility!) to explore and document every life form—from plants to birds and insects—that contribute to this rich urban landscape. Whether you’re a plant enthusiast, a curious observer, or someone looking to deepen your connection with nature, this workshop offers a chance to learn from one of the leading voices in landscape architecture and contribute to the collective care-taking of this beautiful green oasis we are lucky to host UNFINISHED in.
→ Family-friendly
→ Registration for this experience has closed. We encourage you to join other workshops that are first come, first serve.
The Car That Wanted to Be a Bike, book-reading
Lior Steinberg
Let’s change the way our children view cities and mobility. Bring yours to listen to The Car That Wanted to be a Bike, an illustrated book about the joy of cycling and the future of cities, read by its author, urban planner and Humankind co-founder Lior Steinberg. Follow Johnny, a lovely and friendly car, on his journey to become… a bicycle.
→ Family-friendly | All ages welcome!
→ No pre-registration necessary | First come, first seated
The Way of Tea
Lera Zujeva
Join us for Chadao Tea Ceremony to stop and slow down during the business and vibrance of the amazing gathering that UNFINISHED is. Tea invites us to become grounded, and inhabit the body as much as possible. To start living from the embodied awareness, from the full bodied presence. It is the way of Dao—resting in awareness where all form arises. And yet experiencing it as one and the same. We will slow down, feel, sense, and be the presence that we are with the gentle Medicine of Tea.
→ Family-friendly [but please mind that tea ceremonies are observed in silence: bring your child accordingly!]
→ Registration for this experience has closed. We encourage you to join other workshops that are first come, first serve.
Healing in Motion—a Multisensory Movement Journey
ANNIDA TATTVA & LILI SEEDS
Experience the liberating power of ecstatic dance and the sacred cacao ceremony with Annida Tattva and Lili Seeds. Ecstatic dance offers a movement-based meditation to freely express and explore emotions, while Lili’s cacao ceremony integrates Himalayan breathwork and ceremonial arts to deepen collective presence. Together, they create a space where dance, music, and cacao nourish both body and soul.
RE/SOURCE: The Conversation
Grace Boyle in conversation with Lauren Celenza & sign-language translated by Denis Blidariu
Bring all your questions and reflections to this closing conversation and Q&A session with artist Grace Boyle as she wraps up “RE/SOURCE”, the robotic installation you have witnessed taking shape across the entire festival. Together, we’ll dive deeper into her project and how it challenges our understanding of sensory experience and the future of human interaction with technology. This is your chance to engage directly with her and reflect on the unfolding of her unique robotic performance.
→ Please be mindful of the few dedicated front row seats!
Imaginarium—A Creative Adventure for All Ages
Alexandru Adam
This workshop is designed to spark your child’s creativity while fostering meaningful connections between parent and child. Together, you’ll embark on an exciting journey of discovery, where both of you will collaborate to unlock the full power of your imagination, strengthening your bond through shared creativity and fun.
→ Family-friendly | Children 5-12 years old welcome!
→ No pre-registration necessary | First come, first served.
→ In case of bad weather, this workshop will be moved to the nearby Workshop
Fire & Freedom
Ben Okri in conversation with RACHEL DONADIO
Sir Ben Okri, renowned poet and Booker Prize-winning novelist, explores freedom, praxis and the state of the world through poetry, readings from his works, and a conversation with journalist Rachel Donadio. Drawing from both poetry and prose, including poems from A Fire in My Head, Ben responds to the mood and challenges of the times and helps us reflect on the world and on ourselves through his unique lens. This event blends words, music, and dialogue, offering a unique insight into the intersections of literature and societal change.
Live music courtesy of the Conservatory of Bucharest.
Book-signing
Ben Okri & CĂRTUREȘTI
Join us for an exclusive book signing session with Sir Ben Okri, who’s books are a rich blend of magical realism and philosophical insight on topics like survival, identity and resilience. Whether you already have your own copy or want to grab one on the spot from Cărturești, this is your unique opportunity to connect with The Famished Road author in person.
Beyond Loneliness: From Alone to All One
Monika Jiang in conversation with Lauren Celenza & sign-language translated by Denis Blidariu
In this closing conversation, Monika Jiang and Lauren Celenza invite the audience to reflect on the power of connection and community. Together, they will explore the collective experience of loneliness, particularly across Monika’s workshops and installations, have resonated over the past two days. Through shared stories, letters, and audience reflections, this open debrief aims to transform loneliness into a pathway toward deeper connection. Join the conversation as we close out this year’s talks with togetherness and curiosity.
→ Please be mindful of the few dedicated front row seats!
UNFINISHED Printshop
PRIMITIVPRINT
Refresh your old shirts and totes with an UNFINISHED touch through hands-on screen printing. This year, Alexey and his primitivprint workshop return with a focus on praxis—inviting you to create and engage in the practice of reimagining everyday items. Bring your garments, experiment with layers and colors, and explore the act of upstyling as a mindful, creative practice. It’s not just about emptying those overcrowded drawers (we get it)—it’s about discovering the power of DIY and giving new life to your favorite pieces.
→ Family-friendly | Bring your own shirts or totes!
→ No pre-registration necessary | First come, first served
I Still Believe in Magic
Sanda Weigl & Shoko Nagai & BRAD CHRISTOPHER JONES & MARIE POHL
Join the legendary Sanda Weigl for an unforgettable evening of music that transcends time and borders. Accompanied by acclaimed musicians Shoko Nagai (piano, accordion) and Brad Jones (bass), and featuring special guest Marie Pohl, Sanda blends the folk and Roma songs of her native Romania with the influences of Weimar cabaret and contemporary jazz. This unique performance brings together powerful storytelling and improvisation, evoking the resilience and spirit of cultural heritage through a modern, global lens.
—> Please note that this event has been moved from the Garden Stage to the Auditorium due to weather!