Our Mission
To promote the understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity through art.
Our Goals
To connect people and cultures through the common languages of heart and art --"heART" and to inspire people to become better Global Citizens by expanding their perspectives of the world.
Belas Artes exposes the community to the wealth of human expressions that make up our city and enrich our global heritage. We encourage recognition and respect for the world’s cultural pluralisms by highlighting the inspirational and unique contributions of each culture we feature.
To accomplish our mission we develop themed exhibitions of international and local art and multicultural festivals that focus on: visual art, music, dance, poetry, documentaries, food, and educational workshops. Belas Artes also offers an array of diversity education programs that we provide at our facility, or through partnerships with St. Louis schools, corporations, and other nonprofit organizations.
To accomplish our mission we develop themed exhibitions of international and local art and multicultural festivals that focus on: visual art, music, dance, poetry, documentaries, food, and educational workshops. Belas Artes also offers an array of diversity education programs that we provide at our facility, or through partnerships with St. Louis schools, corporations, and other nonprofit organizations.
Our Inspiration
The inspiration for Belas Artes' principles is drawn from UNESCO's Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity. Article 7 of the Declaration states:
"Creation draws on the roots of cultural tradition, but flourishes in contact with other cultures. For this reason, heritage in all its forms must be preserved, enhanced and handed on to future generations as a record of human experience and aspirations, so as to foster creativity in all its diversity and to inspire genuine dialogue among cultures.”
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
Why Art?
Art is a vehicle used by communities throughout time to communicate and represent cultural lifestyles and values. Art also inspires new ways of perceiving the world as a medium that can transcend the boundaries of age, ethnicity, gender, and time. Belas Artes offers a stimulating environment that promotes the first-hand experience of culture and encourages our visitors to become active citizens in the community and ultimately better citizens of the world.
