MISSION
Opus 1 Foundation builds arts-powered initiatives to create systemic, sustainable solutions to social, economic, and environmental challenges, transforming global communities through creative innovation that delivers real-world impact.
We are a global network of artists, advocates, philanthropists, and policymakers committed to uplifting individuals and communities facing marginalization, inequality, and crisis. Guided by our core values — inclusivity, innovation, and impact — we design and implement projects, programs and events that respond to the world’s most pressing issues.
Our programs cultivate local leadership, amplify underrepresented voices, and foster cross-cultural dialogue. We collaborate with grassroots organizations, government agencies, and global institutions to ensure our work is community-rooted and globally resonant.
Our work is guided by urgent questions:
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How can the arts unlock the potential of children and young people worldwide?
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How can the arts be a catalyst to end poverty, hunger, disease, and inequality?
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How can the arts drive action for environmental justice and climate resilience?
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How can the arts unite people of all backgrounds to build a more connected, peaceful world?
We hold ourselves to the highest standards of transparency and accountability, earning the trust of those we serve and those who support us. At the heart of our mission is a belief in the arts as a powerful force — to heal, to inspire, and to drive lasting change.
This is our vision: a world where acts of arts are not a luxury, but a lifeline — and every person has the opportunity to thrive.
MOVEMENT
We believe that transformative social movements are driven by empowered individuals, resilient institutions, and bold, innovative ideas often requiring the courage to embrace high-risk opportunities. While our focus areas have evolved over the years, these core principles remain the foundation of our work and are central to our vision of how meaningful change unfolds. This unwavering commitment has not only distinguished Opus 1 Foundation but has also fostered a profound and lasting impact across the communities we serve.
VISION
A Vision for Our Future: 2030 builds on this legacy, adapting to an increasingly complex world. Global challenges— climate change, economic inequality, political unrest, and displacement— are intensified by technological advancements and shifting social dynamics. We recognize the growing demand for inclusion and justice, as marginalized voices seek recognition and opportunities to shape their futures.
In response, Opus 1 is reimagining how the arts can drive change. We are embracing innovative technologies like immersive media, virtual and augmented reality, and Web3 solutions to expand our reach and deepen our impact. This strategy calls for visionary, effective, and principled leadership that upholds our foundational values while embracing new approaches.
Our five-year path centers on empowering local communities and building partnerships across sectors. By elevating local voices, we aim to foster dignity, agency, and resilience. While deepening our community engagement, we will continue to operate as part of a global network committed to systemic change.
As the way people engage with art and activism evolves, so will our approach. This strategy emphasizes inclusion, particularly of underserved youth and underrepresented artists. Through creative programs and volunteer-driven projects, we will continue to harness collective action for good, ensuring the arts remain a vital force for building a more equitable, sustainable, and peaceful world.
VALUES
We approach our work with a sense of urgency, understanding that meaningful change requires sustained commitment to those living and working closest to the challenges. To foster this change, we prioritize strengthening civil society at all levels, championing the participation of individuals from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. Collaboration is central to our efforts, as we work closely with governments, the private sector, academia, and the creative community, leveraging the arts as a powerful catalyst for dialogue, understanding, and transformation.
Our culture is rooted in trust, constructive dialogue, and leadership that inspires innovation and excellence. We are committed to listening, learning, and modeling openness and transparency in all we do. Accountability is at the heart of our work — whether to one another, our charter, the organizations we partner with, our sector, society at large, or the laws governing our nonprofit status.
Through the arts and beyond, we seek to build a more inclusive and equitable world.