The Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) has awarded its annual Pérez Prize to New York–based artist Javier Téllez, accompanied by an unrestricted $50,000 grant. The prize was presented at the museum's Art of the Party Fundraiser on November 15. Téllez, known for film, installation, and collage works addressing marginalization of immigrants and people with disabilities, was recognized for his empathetic and imaginative practice. His recent film "Amerika" (2024) responds to the displacement of Venezuelans, reflecting his own background as a Venezuelan-born artist living in New York.
The Pérez Prize matters because it highlights the role of strategic private philanthropy in supporting underrepresented voices in the art world. Endowed by the family foundation of collector and patron Jorge Pérez, the award not only provides significant financial support but also amplifies Téllez's work, which challenges power structures and promotes social change. The prize underscores PAMM's commitment to expanding visibility for artists who address urgent social issues, reinforcing the museum's position as a platform for art with civic impact.