Our Mission & History
Celebrating Arts, an Utah 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was originally founded in 2006 to build bridges of international friendship and understanding between young people in the United States and China through arts performance. Across almost two decades, the organization has developed relationships with major arts organizations in China, sponsored and conducted 14 international tours, and inspired a spirit of cultural exchange and friendship between many young people in the two countries. In light of its expanding reach and larger vision, the organization (known as Celebrating Children & Youth: U.S. & China since 2010) is now also known as Celebrating Arts.
Celebrating Arts is headed by a volunteer board consisting of Laurie Haupt, President; Kirsi Jarvis, Vice President, Melissa Pope, Secretary, and Paul Winkelman, Creative Director. Over the course of 18 years, the organization has been responsible for giving more than 400 youth unforgettable exchange experiences in one another’s countries, while striving to build valuable friendships and diplomatic ties between the U.S. and China. More than 35 formal performances and 25 informal performances have been presented in China or the United States to share culture and build friendship.
Learn more about Celebrating Arts’ past exchanges and events, as well as our upcoming tour to China in October 2025.
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