A Portrait and Short film Exhibition Celebrating the Lives and Stories of People with Down Syndrome

[St. Louis, MO] – The Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis (DSAGSL) is proud to announce the grand opening of Belonging, a moving photography and videography exhibition celebrating the lives, experiences, and individuality of people with Down syndrome and their families. This inspiring installation will debut at the Regional Arts Commission (RAC) at the Foundry on March 21, in honor of World Down Syndrome Day, before embarking on a multi-year journey to various locations.

Belonging: A Portrait and Short film Exhibition Celebrating the Lives and Stories of People with Down Syndrome by Randy Bacon, Debuts on March 21st – World Down Syndrome Day

Belonging is a powerful collection of portraits and stories of local families from Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois. The exhibition highlights the beauty of human connection, the brilliance of unconditional love, and the universal need to belong. Through stunning photography and videography, Belonging challenges societal stereotypes by showcasing the diverse personalities, passions, and vibrant lives of individuals with Down syndrome.

Renowned photographer and filmmaker Randy Bacon—known for his compelling portrait, commercial, and documentary photography—has masterfully captured these moments. Bacon, co-founder of the nonprofit 8 Billion Ones, is dedicated to using photography and storytelling to illuminate the uniqueness of every individual. His work has been featured in exhibitions across the U.S. and internationally, and he brings his passion for storytelling to this heartfelt project.

“Ultimately, my photographic, humanitarian work is there to motivate us as humanity to engage in conversations (even difficult ones) and challenge us to do better for each other in these increasingly fragile and volatile times… to realize just how incredibly special and important each ‘one’ is in this world of over seven billion people,” says Bacon.

The Belonging exhibition blends storytelling, portraits, and videography to showcase each individual’s essence—from moments of joyful self-expression to quiet reflections of strength and resilience. The exhibition also highlights the extraordinary devotion and love of caregivers who pour their time and energy into advocating for, guiding, and nurturing their loved ones.

In a world where assumptions often shape how we perceive others, Belonging shifts the narrative. This exhibition underscores the fundamental truth that every individual—regardless of ability—has a story worth telling, a life worth celebrating, and a place where they truly belong.

We invite the community to experience this remarkable exhibition and celebrate the beauty of belonging together.

EXHIBITION OPENING EVENTS AT RAC ST. LOUIS AT THE FOUNDRY

Thursday, March 20| 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and 2:00 PM- 4:00 PM | Media Exhibition Preview
The media is invited to preview the exhibition. In attendance will be Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis, Erin Suelmann, and Belonging artist, Randy Bacon.

Friday, March 21 | 5:30-7:30 PM | Exhibition Partner and Sponsor Reception
A grand opening and private cocktail reception will be held for exhibition participants, sponsors, and supporters, featuring a Q&A session with Randy Bacon and viewing of the documentary at Alamo Drafthouse.

Saturday, March 22 | 10:00 AM-5:00 PM | Family Event
To commemorate World Down Syndrome Day and the opening of Belonging, families, friends, and community members are invited to an open house event. Activities include a red-carpet welcome and short film screening starting at 10:00am at the Alamo Drafthouse. This free event is open to the public.

March 22 – April 6 | Regular Business Hours | Exhibition Open to the Public

The exhibition will be featured at the Regional Arts Commission (RAC) at the Foundry for all to enjoy and can be viewed for free, anytime during RAC’s regular business hours.

SUPPORTING THE EXHIBITION

Belonging has been made possible through the generous support of presenting sponsors FSI and The Regional Arts Commission.  Thank you also our Belonging partners Heartland Coca-Cola, Safety National, Wayne C. Kaufmann Charitable Foundation, Flooring Systems Inc, Technology Partners, Alamo Drafthouse, Matt and Natalie Kane, Greg and Kim Szczepen, Barry and Alicia Haith, Keith Hediger & Family in honor of John Hochgrebe, Carol Valenta, as well as an anonymous donor.

Belonging is a traveling exhibition, and we are still pursuing additional sponsorships and host locations. Organizations interested in featuring the exhibition at their venue or supporting its expansion are encouraged to reach out to Executive Director, Erin Suelmann – Erin@dsagsl.org.

ABOUT DOWN SYNDROME

1 in 691 babies are born with Down syndrome, making it the most commonly occurring genetic anomaly. It occurs when a person is born with three copies of chromosome 21, instead of the typical two copies.  People with Down syndrome are participating in general education, community-based employment, and integral members of our communities.

ABOUT THE DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION OF GREATER ST. LOUIS

The Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis is a non-profit organization that serves, supports, and celebrates the lives of individuals with Down syndrome, and their families, through every stage of life. We envision an inclusive community in which all people with Down syndrome can reach their full potential.