HEAL Center for the Arts

HEAL Center for the Arts is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that is a multi-disciplinary, and multi-art center of arts learning, and performance for youth in St. Louis, MO. The Center fosters a rich, and diverse cultural perspective of the arts through high quality instruction for youth specializing in instrumental and vocal music.

The inspiration for HEAL comes from the founder's (Harvey Lockhart) experience growing up in Miami, FL., where he discovered the power of the arts which nurtured his aspirations for the future. The African Heritage Cultural Arts Center was Harvey Lockhart's place where he first discovered his love for the arts through the instruction and mentoring he received in music, art, theater, dance, and photography. While band director at Riverview Gardens High School and Performing Arts Coordinator of Secondary Education for the district, Harvey realized the lack of professional arts training and opportunities for his students and many other young people living in low-income areas of St. Louis, Missouri. Recognizing the opportunity to reach more students by tapping into the fertile arts community in St. Louis, and by creating an arts center that is open to children of all ages, HEAL was created.

Founded in 2015, HEAL Center for the Arts was awarded 501(c)(3) status in December of 2016. Located in Grand Center, with incubator support from the Kranzberg Arts Foundation, HEAL operates in partnership with local school districts and arts organizations to provide a safe and supportive space where all students, especially those of urban communities, have access to high quality mentoring, tutoring and arts education.