Billionaire Kenneth C. Griffin Donates $10 Million to Miami’s PAMM Amid State Funding Cuts for the Arts

The Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) is experiencing a surge in financial support following a generous donation from a local billionaire known for his philanthropic efforts in the arts. Kenneth C. Griffin, the founder and chief executive of Citadel, has donated $10 million to the museum, which comes as a gleam of hope amidst the funding cuts threatening Florida’s art scene. According to

Artnet News

, Griffin’s donation was disclosed during PAMM’s annual Art of the Party gala event, where the billionaire was awarded for his contributions to the arts. “The Pérez Art Museum Miami is a world-class arts and cultural hub that enriches our great city,” Griffin said, also stating that “I am proud to support this outstanding institution in unison with the broader Miami community.”

The gift is targeted at enhancing PAMM’s exhibitions and educational programs. It will also fund the new Kenneth C. Griffin Gallery, poised to be the museum’s largest exhibition space. But the timing of the donation juxtaposes sharply against a backdrop of broader political moves by Griffin, who has seen victory in his support of the Republican control in Congress. Yet, at PAMM’s gala, a space celebrating diversified cultural expression, these political undercurrents seemed momentarily coalesced in a common purpose. As the museum’s namesake, Jorge Pérez, mentioned in an interview with Bloomberg, “I’m a Democrat, Ken’s a conservative and art is art,” suggesting that despite divisive political landscapes art could serve as an intersection for unlikely alliances, as detailed by

Artnet News.

This year’s gala didn’t just bolster PAMM’s coffers; it also forged ahead in recognizing artistic talent. Colombian artist Delcy Morelos was celebrated with the $50,000 Pérez Prize, a token of the museum’s commitment to diverse cultural narratives. The event, which raised $1.5 million overall, culminated with a DJ performance by artist José Parlá, whose exhibition “Homecoming” is set to open at the museum, as reported by

The Art Newspaper

.

Amidst an atmosphere of reduced state arts funding, philanthropic actions like Griffin’s play a particularly crucial role. Governor Ron DeSantis has vetoed a hefty $32m in state arts funding for fiscal year 2025, casting a pall over Florida’s cultural institutions. Jorge Pérez, articulated his disappointment in a statement obtained by The

Art Newspaper

, stating, “This is just a horrible message to send.” Griffin’s donation, therefore – coming as other Miami institutions also pursue expansions – signals not just support for PAMM but a broader advocacy for the arts which, in the face of governmental reticence, hinges more and more on private generosity.

Miami’s growing art scene gains attention as the city prepares for Art Basel Miami Beach in December.

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