Before first light

“Everybody is wounded. And as long as we act as wounded people and react, the world is not going to be a better place. We all need to start from within.”

Chantal Robert·as she says it

First light · the mission, in their own words

Global Symphony for a United World is dedicated to uniting humanity through the power of Love, Kindness and Compassion.

A non-profit society founded in 2024 by two artists in the Slocan Valley, British Columbia.

Unity through Love, Kindness and Compassion

We are driven by a vision of a world where art becomes a bridge, connecting hearts, sparking understanding, and fostering healing. Through the therapeutic and emotional power of artistic expression, we seek to support individuals navigating life's challenges, whether they stem from pain, grief, stress, or fear. Our mission is to cultivate an inclusive and compassionate society, one that finds inspiration and unity in the shared human experiences that art illuminates.

Frantisek Strouhal and Chantal Robert

Our vision

Art as a universal language

We envision a world where art transcends boundaries, connecting individuals and communities in a shared journey of healing and growth. By nurturing moments of awareness and reflection, we aim to illuminate the beauty of interconnectedness and build a compassionate, inclusive society.

Inspiration

We believe that art opens doors to creativity and empowerment.

Compassion

We believe that everyone can gain from engaging in creative expression to enrich our understanding of ourselves and others.

Flexibility

We remain flexible, addressing challenges with strategic and effective responses to ensure our impact.

Unity

We acknowledge the importance of our interconnectedness with humankind, creation and the earth.

Contemplation

We acknowledge that practicing contemplation on a regular basis is foundational to the spiritual journey.

Acceptance

We embrace all those who are on a journey of healing, transformation, and connection.

Where the art becomes the giving

The art is more than something Frantisek makes. It is what helps make everything else possible. Each print is made slowly, by hand, over weeks, and each one carries something of the care and attention at the heart of GSUW. He also creates impressionistic photographs on 35mm film, combining several negatives into a single image. The prints and books are sold to help fund the music, gatherings, workshops, and other work GSUW offers freely.

How it began

The story of Global Symphony

Art Embracing Awareness

At Global Symphony for a United World, we are deeply inspired by the artistic philosophy of our founders, Frantisek Strouhal and Chantal Robert, whose concept of Art Embracing Awareness guides our mission. Their work explores existential themes and the harmony between the spiritual and physical realms. Both Frantisek's art and their inspirational writings serve as a medium for contemplation and peace, inviting interaction and personal reflection. This philosophy is why we use art as a tool for emotional healing and personal growth. By integrating this approach, we aim to create spaces where individuals can connect with their inner selves, and with others, helping foster a compassionate and inclusive society.

Through exhibitions, workshops, therapeutic sessions, and educational resources, we aim to provide opportunities for creative expression that align with Strouhal's and Robert's vision of art as a bridge between the spiritual and physical worlds. Our programs are designed to evoke emotions and inspire self-discovery, helping participants navigate life's challenges and find inner peace. Global Symphony for a United World exists to embody and extend their belief in the power of art and mindfulness to awaken awareness, transform lives, and unite communities.

A vision takes flight

Starting a new non-profit is much like planting a seed. It begins with a vision, a dream, and the desire to make a difference. For Global Symphony for a United World (GSUW), that dream was born from the minds and hearts of its founders, Frantisek Strouhal and Chantal Robert. Their shared belief in the transformative power of art to heal, inspire, and connect gave life to a mission that seeks to harmonize humanity through creativity.

GSUW is a place for those seeking emotional healing, personal growth, and unity, built by a team of dedicated people who bring their own talents and perspectives to the table.

Building something new

Starting a new non-profit is an exhilarating undertaking. It is a blend of hope, hard work, and the unyielding belief that change is possible. For the GSUW team, the organization's early days were filled with brainstorming sessions, creative exploration, and the thrill of shaping a vision into reality. Each member brought their own perspective, contributing to a collaborative environment where ideas flourished and dreams took shape.

The birth of a mission

At the heart of GSUW's inception was a shared desire to make art accessible as a tool for healing and unity. Frantisek and Chantal's philosophy of using art to awaken awareness became the cornerstone of the non-profit's programs. The team's first meetings were charged with energy as they envisioned a world where art transcends barriers and connects people across diverse backgrounds.

The launch

Founders Frantisek Strouhal and Chantal Robert launched GSUW to inspire global unity through love, kindness, and compassion. GSUW is driven by the belief that personal growth and mindfulness are key to creating a more unified, peaceful world. Through spiritual education, guided meditations, yoga, art, and community programs, it helps individuals connect with their inner selves while contributing to the collective well-being of humanity.

The GSUW mission is simple: “When individuals grow in love, compassion, and self-awareness, they naturally extend that energy to their families, communities, and the world.”

“We realized that the more we nurtured our minds, bodies, and spirits, the more connected we felt to others,” Frantisek and Chantal shared. “We wanted to create a space where people could come together, support one another, and experience the profound impact of unity on a personal and global scale.”

The programs they set out to offer:

  • Yoga and guided meditations: group sessions that foster inner peace and collective consciousness.
  • Art exhibitions: celebrating the unifying power of art, fostering empathy, connection, and cultural understanding.
  • Art therapy: guided sessions that use creative expression as a tool for emotional healing and self-discovery.
  • Community events: gatherings that bring people together to practice kindness and compassion in action.

“At GSUW, we believe that by nurturing our inner selves, we can create ripples of love and compassion that extend far beyond us,” said Frantisek Strouhal. “Together, we can build a more peaceful, unified world.”

Challenges and triumphs

Building something new is not without its challenges. The team faced the many complexities that come with establishing a non-profit, from legal formalities to securing initial funding. Each obstacle was met with determination and a collaborative spirit. Every small victory, whether it was finalizing the mission statement, launching the first workshop, or receiving positive feedback from participants, fueled their commitment and passion.

Seeing it come together

There is unparalleled joy in witnessing a vision come to life. For the GSUW team, each milestone stands as a testament to their dedication and belief in their mission. The first GSUW art exhibition, where attendees shared stories of how the experience moved them, was a moment of profound fulfillment. The launch of the yoga and meditation programs brought a new dimension to their offerings, integrating physical and emotional well-being with artistic expression. Every step forward is celebrated as a collective achievement, a reminder of the power of teamwork and shared purpose.

What comes next

The GSUW story is just beginning. With a strong foundation and a dedicated team, the society is ready to expand its reach and deepen its impact. Plans for future programs, collaborations, and initiatives are already underway, driven by the team's vision of creating a global symphony of unity and healing. For those who believe in the transformative power of art and the importance of fostering connection, GSUW offers a way to make a meaningful difference: one brushstroke, one melody, one act of compassion at a time.

A letter that arrived

Dear Frantisek and Chantal

Thank you for walking this journey with me. Your openness, courage, and curiosity remind me daily that healing is possible when we face ourselves with compassion.

This work is not mine alone: it lives through your reflections, your stories, and your willingness to seek truth beneath the surface. Together, we are nurturing a more aware and compassionate world.

With gratitude,

Gabor Maté, M.D.

a message to the founders, shared with the GSUW community

What a funder needs in one look

Every line here is verified or absent.

Founded
2024
Registered
Federally, and in British Columbia, XS0081519
Registered charity
No. Gifts are not tax deductible, and we say so wherever we ask.
What last April cost
A $1,000 grant, about $1,000 in gifts, and the founders covered the rest
The boundary
Artists, not clinicians. Nothing here replaces care.

“We embrace all those who are on a journey of healing.”

Chantal Robert and Frantisek Strouhal·from their written pages

Come and see for yourself

The gatherings are free, the writings are open, and the door has no ticket booth.

See the programsRead the writings