Today we’d like to introduce you to Billy Tartour.
Billy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Opa Projects didn’t start with the idea of opening a traditional gallery — it started with a desire to build relationships around art.
My background combines art history and the art market, and over the years I worked closely with private collectors, helping them navigate contemporary art with confidence and curiosity. What always mattered most to me was not just the artwork itself, but the context: the conversations, the trust, and the way art fits into people’s lives.
When I moved to Miami, I felt there was room for a gallery that reflected the city’s energy. A space that takes art seriously, but feels open, relaxed, and connected to architecture, design, and lifestyle. Opa Projects was born from that vision.
Today, Opa Projects focuses on emerging and mid-career artists and on a new generation of collectors — international, curious, and eager to build meaningful collections without the intimidation of the traditional gallery model. The gallery is both a platform and a meeting point, where exhibitions naturally extend into private moments, dinners, and conversations beyond the walls.
Opa Projects is growing with a clear direction, but also with the rhythm of Miami: dynamic, intuitive, and always evolving.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road — and honestly, that’s the point.
Miami is a city that moves fast and doesn’t hand out credibility easily. Building a young gallery here means showing up every day, creating momentum, and earning trust through consistency and relationships, not just through a strong artistic program.
One of the biggest challenges has been understanding that in Miami, visibility alone isn’t enough. You have to create real experiences, meaningful connections, and a sense of direction that people want to be part of.
I see those challenges as fuel. They’ve pushed me to think bigger, act sharper, and build Opa Projects with intention and ambition — step by step, in rhythm with the city.
Still building. Still learning. And just getting started.
We’ve been impressed with Opa Projects, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Opa Projects is a contemporary art gallery based in Miami, but more than that, it’s a platform built around relationships, taste, and access.
We specialize in emerging and mid-career contemporary artists, with a strong focus on discovery and long-term vision rather than trends. Our price range is intentionally accessible for Miami, allowing new and established collectors to engage with contemporary art in a confident and natural way.
What sets Opa Projects apart is the way we operate. We don’t see the gallery as a static space, but as a living ecosystem. Exhibitions are just the starting point — they extend into private viewings, dinners, studio visits, and conversations that connect art with architecture, design, real estate, and lifestyle.
I’m personally very involved in every step, from working closely with artists to advising collectors one-on-one. Many of our clients are first- or second-time buyers, and I’m proud that Opa Projects often becomes their entry point into collecting — a place where they feel guided, not intimidated.
Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is the community we’re building. A new generation of collectors, creatives, and entrepreneurs who are curious, international, and engaged. Opa Projects is growing with a clear direction: to become a reference in Miami for contemporary art that feels relevant, human, and connected to the way people actually live.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Clarity of vision.
Knowing where you’re going — even when the path isn’t linear — changes everything. It helps you make better decisions, build stronger relationships, and stay consistent over time. In a city like Miami, where everything moves fast, clarity is what keeps you focused and relevant.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.opaprojects.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opa.projects?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/105987134/admin/dashboard/
Image Credits
David Hoheb, World red eye
