It was established in 2001 by the Indian painter Sayed Haider Raza, the foundation creates venues for diverse artistic expressions by promoting conversations through presentations, panel discussions, concerts, and theatre.

It has been hosting events such as publications, seminars, lectures, concerts, recitals, and art exhibits, with a focus on the younger generation.

By awarding grants and providing assistance to up-and-coming artists and organisations that advance the arts across the nation, the foundation is continuing this tradition.

The foundation was also pivotal in organizing a series of shows in India in 2022, the centenary year of Raza's birth, in three Indian private museums.

[8][9] The Raza Foundation under Vajpeyi guidance, has created an ecology of exploring, supporting and experiencing arts and legacy through seminars, concerts, exhibitions, fellowships, books, and journals.

The Raza Foundation embraces Indian classical dance forms, music, literature, and modern art, and it organises several events in 20 locations every year.

[9][11] The foundation works with public organisations to increase the audience for literature, art, classical dance, and music.

[2] The organisation has published 200 Hindi books on Gandhianism, philosophy, the arts, culture, poetry, translations, and biographies as of Raza's centenary year in 2021.

The recent third edition of the festival was held in Delhi in collaboration with the India International Centre and Naad-Chakra Trust of Pt.

The festival features performances by renowned artists, including rudra veena recitals and renditions of rare ragas like Adbhut Kalyan.

[6] Seven yearly memorial lectures honouring the following masters: Daya Krishna (philosophy), Kumar Gandharva (music),[15] Kelucharan Mohapatra (dancing), Agyeya (poetry), Habib Tanvir (theatre), and V. S. Gaitonde (visual arts).

By offering a forum for both established and arising artists to present their work and ideas, Art Matters pursues to foster creative thinking and innovativeness through these events.

Kumar Gandharva', was penned by poet and litterateur Dhruv Shukla and co-published by Setu Prakashan and Raza Foundation in April 2023.