We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Diego Anaya a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Diego, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is Black Brick Project. In 2018, I expanded my studio space, which was exciting, but I soon realized that I wanted to share not just the physical space but also the experiences of being an artist in New York. This led me to create Studio 401 New York, a residency program where I invited artists to come to New York to develop a body of work and connect with galleries for solo exhibitions.

However, when COVID-19 hit, the residency was put on hold. During this time, I was working at EnZo Metalworks, a metal shop founded by William Nitzberg, who is now my partner in Black Brick Project. I was actively searching for spaces to either continue the residency or open a gallery, driven by my passion for supporting fellow artists and curating meaningful experiences.

When William was offered the space next door to EnZo, we had a conversation about expanding our vision. Instead of just expanding the shop, we decided to create a dedicated space for creatives—one that would serve as both a gallery and a cultural center. Black Brick Project was born from our shared commitment to fostering community and providing opportunities for artists.

Today, Black Brick Project is not only a gallery and studio space but also a vibrant cultural center where we connect creatives with the community. We offer programming, workshops, and events that encourage collaboration and showcase diverse artistic voices. This project has become a platform for sharing, teaching, and celebrating creativity, which makes it incredibly meaningful to me.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m an artist, curator, and the director of Black Brick Project. My journey into the arts is quite unconventional. I was born in Mexico and dedicated much of my early life to sports, particularly soccer, where I even pursued a professional career. While I always appreciated art in its many forms, it never crossed my mind as a path for me until a pivotal moment in my life.

After sustaining injuries that ended my soccer career, I began exploring new avenues. It wasn’t until my brother, Aldo Decaniz—a former soccer player turned fashion photographer and creative director of our clothing brand CEREAL—took me to an artist’s studio in Monterrey, Mexico, that I discovered my true calling. The moment I stepped into that studio, the smell of oil paint enveloped me, and I felt an overwhelming sense of belonging; it was as if I had found my home.

Interestingly, before I began painting, I unknowingly started collecting art. I was drawn to meaningful pieces from creatives I admired, which laid the foundation for my future as an art collector. I began painting in Mexico, and after moving to New York, my artistic journey truly took off. I exhibited my work not only in New York but also in places I never imagined I would visit, like Chile, Japan, and Taiwan. This experience solidified my commitment to the arts.

As I exhibited my own work, I also began organizing exhibitions, visiting friends’ studios, and curating shows, often without fully understanding the term “curation.” It became incredibly rewarding to connect with artists, share my insights, and bring their work to a wider audience. Over the past 15 years, this has become one of my greatest passions—visiting artists, engaging in conversations, and helping them showcase their work. I thrive on the challenge of selecting artists and pieces, as well as designing the museography to ensure each work conveys its message effectively and resonates with viewers.

Now, as the director of Black Brick Project, I have the privilege of supporting a diverse community of artists, musicians, performers, and creatives. It brings me immense joy to provide a platform for them, fostering collaboration and connection within the community.

What sets my work apart is my deep commitment to nurturing artistic voices and creating spaces where creativity can flourish. I’m proud of the vibrant community we’ve built at Black Brick Project and the opportunities we provide for artists to share their stories and connect with audiences. I want people to know that I’m dedicated to making a positive impact in the creative landscape.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Immigrating from Mexico to the United States was one of the most challenging yet transformative experiences of my life. Leaving my family and home behind to embrace a new journey meant missing significant moments—celebrations, births, and even farewells. Starting from scratch in a different country, especially one as vibrant and demanding as New York, was daunting. I arrived with little money and no established network, which made every step a struggle.

However, I learned that resilience is born from commitment and focus. Despite the challenges, I was determined to pursue my passion for art. I immersed myself in the creative community, began painting, and started collecting works from artists I admired. This initial struggle fueled my desire to not only succeed but to also uplift others along the way.

As I transitioned from being an artist to a curator and eventually the director of Black Brick Project, I encountered numerous obstacles. There were times when funding seemed out of reach and opportunities felt scarce. Yet, my dedication to supporting fellow creatives kept me motivated. I channeled my experiences into building a platform that connects artists with the community, helping them share their stories and work.

Through perseverance and a commitment to my vision, I’ve been able to create something meaningful and I take pride in the resilience that allowed me to turn challenges into opportunities for myself and others. My journey has taught me that with focus and determination, there is truly nothing that can stop you from achieving your goals.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I think to best support artists and creatives, society must actively engage in building a thriving creative ecosystem. One of the most impactful ways individuals can contribute is by collecting art. When people invest in the work of artists specially emerging artists, they not only support those creators financially but also validate their contributions to the cultural landscape. Collecting art helps ensure that artists can continue to develop their craft and share their voices.

In addition to collecting, funding programs and projects that support young artists is crucial. Grants, scholarships, and community initiatives can provide the resources needed for artists to explore their creativity without financial constraints. By investing in these programs, we empower the next generation of artists to take risks, experiment, and ultimately enrich our society with their unique perspectives.

Moreover, creating community is incredibly important. By fostering spaces where artists can share their work and teach one another, we cultivate an environment rich in collaboration and inspiration. Showing up and actively supporting artists through attendance at exhibitions, performances, and community events is vital. When people engage with art in person, they create a sense of connection that strengthens the creative ecosystem.

In essence, a thriving creative ecosystem relies on collective action—through collecting, funding, and building community. By prioritizing these efforts, we can create an environment where artists can thrive, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to our culture.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.blackbrickproject.com
• Instagram: @diego_anaya
• Other: https://www.diegoanaya.com