bardoLA is a Los Angeles based nonprofit arts organization dedicated to:
advancing international dialogue in arts and culture
bringing art to public spaces
creating and producing cultural events
supporting the local creative community by way of partnering with like-minded entities
bardoLA is inspired by the Tibetan Buddhist concept of bardo as the astral state of the soul between two lives on Earth. According to Tibetan belief, this transitional space of bardo is a place of great potential for liberation and enlightenment: when one's consciousness is not bound to a physical body it is believed to be open to transcendental insight. However, bardo is also a potentially dangerous ground as its uncertain vastness likewise allows for our less desired traits to rise to the surface and challenge us.
In its essence, bardo is a place of change where our usual way of life becomes suspended: one that can be both exhilarating and challenging, but, fundamentally, it is an environment that provides us with an opportunity to grow.
bardoLA’s work contemplates this ancient concept of the in-between space through projects that cultivate creative exploration and risk taking, artistic collaboration on an international level, and innovation fueled by curiosity and a sense of wonder.
bardoLA, while based in Los Angeles and dedicated to supporting our city's vibrant creative community, is not attached to any traditional exhibition space, striving instead to remain fluid and open to change, and thus free to move and manifest in diverse environments.
bardoLA was born on the summer solstice, June 21, 2014.
While our work manifests across the globe, we are headquartered on the unceded lands of the Fernandeño Tataviam, Chumash and Gabrielino Tongva peoples. We honor their ancestors and offer our gratitude for their continued stewardship of the lands and waters colonially known as Los Angeles.
+To support the work of bardoLA please click here.
