Belén R. Sialer is a writer and multidisciplinary creative. Born and raised in Lima, Perú, she currently resides in Vancouver, Canada, on the unceded, ancestral, and traditional territories of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples.

Moved by all forms of art, she is deeply inspired by those bold enough to be vulnerable and aspires to do the same. Her poetry has been published in The Capilano Review, SOMOS (Brown University’s Latinx magazine), and more. In 2022, she was longlisted for Room Magazine’s Poetry Contest, completed a Master's of Fine Arts course in Advanced Poetry, and attended The University of British Columbia’s Creative Writing Summer Residency as an undergraduate student. The MFA course provided an invaluable environment for giving and receiving feedback, which has significantly enhanced her editing and refinement process, allowing her to continuously improve her skills.

Her writing explores contradictions—such as the yearning to be seen, deeply and fully known, while remaining unperceived. As well as themes of identity, family dynamics, the mother-daughter bond, love, desire, and dreams. She captures the intensity of emotions, the weight of loneliness, the turmoil of uncertainty, and the complexity of human relationships, often drawing from both lived experience and fiction. Following the practice of one of her professors, she tries to find joy in the mundane. The ordinary can be absurd enough to be beautiful and meaningful if we let it.

Though she primarily writes poetry, she is eager to continue exploring other creative avenues, such as fiction, screenwriting, and graphic novels. Through meeting her or reading her work, you will encounter everyone who has touched her life. In her free time, she loves getting together with friends to brainstorm creative projects, doing collages, watching movies, and going for walks. When her body allows, she enjoys going to the gym, Pilates, and yoga—some of her favourite activities. When rest is needed, meditation practice is her go-to for nurturing both body and mind.

Additionally, Belén advocates for anti-racism, intersectional feminism, and decolonization. She firmly believes in the power of art and artists to influence the world for the better and that everyone has a role and responsibility toward each other and the environment. Understanding how multiple layers of identity interact to create both privilege and marginalization, she aims to use her creative practice to challenge these systems of power and inspire change.

Her journey in Canada began at 18 when she moved to Toronto on her own to attend the University of Toronto. After her first year, the weather took a toll on her health, and she decided to relocate to Vancouver, where the climate was kinder and the academic programs were equally top-notch. She completed a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Creative Writing at The University of British Columbia.

Belén has a deep interest in human cognition, the interaction between the brain and substances, and the urgent need for a better healthcare system—particularly in the realm of mental health and substance use disorders. She is passionate about initiatives that destigmatize mental illness and make mental health care more accessible.

Currently, some of her favourite writers include Ocean Vuong, Ada Limón, Chen Chen, and Mary Oliver. Lately, she has been listening to artists like Samia, Unflirt, Asi Kemera, Japanese Breakfast, and Bad Bunny. In addition to writing, some of her favourite art forms include photography, fashion and film. Her favourite most recent seen movie is I’m Still Here, which presents an outstanding performance by Ferananda Torres.

As a movie lover who believes in cinema's power as a form of storytelling that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, she appreciates films that explore complex characters. The human experience is nothing new, yet movies surprise us, move us, and make us feel seen. Movies like I’m Still Here, which feature intense performances and thought-provoking narratives, fuel her desire to continue experimenting with storytelling in her creative practice.

Belén is always eager to connect with fellow creatives and share ideas. She believes in the importance of collaboration and the power of community in nurturing innovation. Whether it is through brainstorming sessions, collaborative art projects, or meaningful conversations, she sees creativity as a way to bring people together and build stronger, more inclusive networks. As someone who values both personal growth and collective action, she seeks opportunities to engage in projects that not only challenge her own creative boundaries but also have a positive impact on others. If you are looking to collaborate or simply have a conversation about art, culture, or the creative process, Belén would love to hear from you and exchange thoughts.

In a few words, Belén is a chocolate lover (having at least one piece a day), a black-iced coffee all-year-round enthusiast, a paint nights organizer with friends, and a soft fire spirit (Sagittarius). She invites you to once in a while return to the devoted child who never wondered about limits—and create.