Pérez Family’s Historic Donation Strengthens Tate’s Global Art Collection
- wgclients01
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Tate, one of the world’s leading art institutions, has received a significant donation from Jorge M. and Darlene Pérez, made through The Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation. This generous gift to the UK cultural institution includes a major painting by Joan Mitchell, a multimillion-dollar endowment to support curatorial research focused on African and Latin American art, and a collection of key works by artists from across Africa and the African diaspora.
Jorge M. Pérez, a prominent art collector known for his commitment to expanding access to the arts in Miami and beyond, has established himself as a Latin American collector with a truly global influence. The highlight of the donation is Mitchell's Iva 1973, a six-meter-long triptych now on display at Tate Modern. This installation offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience major works by two iconic American modern artists—Joan Mitchell and Mark Rothko—in direct dialogue.
Mitchell, a central figure in Abstract Expressionism, is renowned for her bold and emotional style. This donation significantly enhances Tate's collection of her work, which previously included only prints and a smaller painting. Iva 1973 now resides in a gallery next to Rothko's Seagram Murals, allowing for a compelling comparison between two of America’s most influential modern artists.
Maria Balshaw, Director of Tate, emphasized the importance of the gift, calling it "one of the most important Tate has received." She continued, “Placing such a significant and valuable work in public hands is an act of incredible generosity. It is also an endorsement of Tate’s ability to share our collection with the broadest possible audience – particularly here at Tate Modern, the world’s most popular modern art museum – and to care for that collection for future generations.”
Arts Minister Sir Chris Bryant also praised the donation, highlighting its impact. "This spectacular gift of Joan Mitchell's masterpiece to Tate shows how much of a difference one person’s generosity can make. We are grateful for this donation and the work that went into making it possible. Our commitment is to ensure that art is for everyone, everywhere, and the Pérez family’s generosity guarantees that great art remains accessible while enriching our national collection."
Jorge M. Pérez and his wife Darlene have long supported the arts through their foundation, with past contributions to institutions such as Miami’s Pérez Art Museum. In addition to the painting, their donation to Tate includes a substantial endowment to support curatorial research in African and Latin American art. This endowment will fund new curatorial positions and further Tate’s ongoing commitment to these critical areas of art history.
The Pérez family’s gift also includes a collection of works by African and African diaspora artists, which will gradually be integrated into Tate’s collection in the coming years. These works, by artists such as Yinka Shonibare, El Anatsui, and Joy Labinjo, reflect the international scope of the Pérez Collection and support Tate’s goal to diversify its holdings and exhibitions.
Christa Blatchford, Executive Director of the Joan Mitchell Foundation, expressed her gratitude for the donation, noting that it aligns with Mitchell's centennial celebrations. The Pérez family’s contribution ensures that pivotal works like Iva 1973 will be preserved and available for public enjoyment for generations to come.