SESC São Paulo’s actions are guided by its educational nature and the pursuit of social welfare based on a broad understanding of the term culture. In this sense, the spaces and contents offered by the institution has the intention to stimulate a wider cultural access and promote an individual autonomy and critics.

Educational initiatives and experiences are the core of the SESC São Paulo visual arts program, which is present in all venues and focuses mainly on contemporary art. The program includes exhibitions, workshops and courses on Brazilian, Latin-American, International, Folk Art, History of Visual Art, Architecture and Design, Illustration, Cartooning and Photography.

During the years SESC has presented exhibitions of acknowledged artists such as Joseph Beuys, Olafur Eliasson, Isaac Julien, Marina Abramovic, Bob Wilson, Sophie Calle, and many others.

In addition to this, SESC Sao Paulo maintains a collection of art works with about two thousand pieces that make part of different shows carried out by itself or by partners.