Dia Art Foundation is a contemporary art organization in New York City that Dia owns and operates. Dia is internationally known for presenting challenging artworks by artists who often challenge the conventions of art making.
Dia was founded in 1974 by Heiner Friedrich, Philippa de Menil, and Helen Winkler. The three had previously worked together at the Menil Foundation in Houston, where they organized groundbreaking exhibitions of contemporary art, such as the first solo exhibitions in the United States for artists Joseph Beuys and64 Mario Merz.
Dia’s mission is to foster the appreciation of art through direct experience with works of exceptional quality. Dia presents both historical surveys and cutting-edge contemporary work in all mediums.
