Del Vaz Projects, from the Persian phrase دست و دلباز (dæst ō del bāz) meaning open-handed and open-hearted, was founded in 2014 as an intimate exhibition platform located in the guest bedroom of Jay Ezra Nayssan's apartment in west Los Angeles. The mission was to provide a space that would serve as an incubator for both emerging and established artists and their alternative proposals, preserving and nourishing the unique and vibrant pulse of the city's arts community.
Through an organic, intuitive and open dialogue with artists, Del Vaz Projects quickly evolved into a dynamic venue that not only hosted exhibitions but also screenings, performances and workshops as well as informal home-stays for visiting artists, curators, performers and writers from around the world.
Since its founding, Del Vaz Projects has become internationally regarded as one of the most important and integral alternative spaces in Los Angeles. Its exhibition program, centered around the domestic setting, has served as a catalyst for both recognized and underrecognized artists by creating a more personal and meaningful discourse around artists' practices. Del Vaz Projects has also played guest at a number of historical sites throughout Los Angeles such as Beyond Baroque, Looff Hippodrome, Thomas Mann House, and Villa Aurora as well as several acclaimed galleries including Hauser & Wirth; Balice-Hertling, Paris; Galerie David Giroire, Paris; Marc Selwyn Fine Art, Los Angeles and M+B, Los Angeles.
Since 2021, Del Vaz Projects has been operating exclusively as an arts non-profit within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As a curatorial platform, the organization provides opportunities to artists and the public through a variety of activities that include but are not limited to: exhibition programming; artist-stays; publications and public events and workshops.
To obtain a Public Inspection Copy of our 2022 Tax Return, please email info@delvazprojects.com with your request.
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