We want to inspire you to create work that communicates neuroscience findings in a creative and interactive manner. In our quest to spread the word about the brain through art, this year we have chosen the theme of...

There are plenty of pleasurable things that we can do in life and undoubtedly most of us would have a few pleasures that we become fond of because they bring us joy and satisfaction. Let’s name a few: eating chocolate, going shopping, playing sports, dancing in the rain, cooking a delicious meal, slowly sipping a glass of wine, renovating our room, having a nap under the sun, creating an artwork, playing video games, working on something we love, travelling the world or just loving someone!

It is possible that very few people, however, know how the centres of pleasure in the brain work. Independently of the basic functions, evolution has developed areas in our brain with the purpose of providing us with a pleasurable sensation. They form what neuroscientists call the “reward circuit". Part of this circuit is called 'Nucleus Accumbens' that provides the motivation and the passion to do what we want to do. It is in this area that a particular chemical gets released when we enjoy –or about to enjoy- something. This chemical is called Dopamine (also known as the chemical of desire). Every time we do something we like, dopamine gets released in the brain and we feel good!

Over the coming months, we will be publishing short pieces of how the pleasure centres of the brain work, so stay tuned by subscribing to our blog to get this valuable information which may hopefully inspire your work! In the meantime, let your imagination fly with this fascinating theme of “Life pleasures & the Brain".