Lifestyles Magazine/Meaningful Influence cover subject Miami philanthropists Jorge M. Pérez and wife Darlene donate Joan Mitchell masterpiece to Tate Modern, sparks renewed call for British arts giving

In a powerful affirmation of the global impact of values-driven philanthropy, longtime Lifestyles Magazine/Meaningful Influence supporters Jorge and Darlene Pérez have gifted a landmark painting by abstract expressionist Joan Mitchell to the Tate Modern.

The work, a six-meter triptych titled Iva (1973), now graces the museum’s gallery opposite Mark Rothko’s Seagram Murals, marking a new chapter for the celebrated London institution.

The piece, valued in the millions, not only represents a monumental acquisition for Tate, but also reinforces the Pérez family’s unwavering belief in democratizing access to world-class art.

The gift has prompted renewed dialogue around philanthropy in the arts, with Tate director Maria Balshaw calling for British collectors to embrace the American ethos of charitable giving that Jorge Pérez has so consistently modeled.

“For decades, the Pérez family has stood as a beacon of meaningful giving,” said Balshaw. “This donation changes the national collection forever. It’s an act of extraordinary generosity that exemplifies what it means to build cultural legacies that benefit the public.”

For readers of Lifestyles Magazine / Meaningful Influence, the Pérez name is synonymous with visionary real estate development and the kind of philanthropy that shapes communities, tells untold stories, and brings people together across borders and backgrounds.

Their long-standing friendship with this publication is rooted in shared values: purpose, impact, and legacy.

Jorge Pérez, chairman of The Related Group and a Miami icon, is no stranger to transformative giving.

In 2011, he helped reinvent the Miami Art Museum with a historic $35 million gift—$20 million in funding and $15 million in Latin American art from his own collection—renaming it the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM).

Today, that museum is a cultural anchor in South Florida and a model of inclusion, particularly in its championing of Latin American, Caribbean, and African diaspora artists.

And yet, Pérez’s commitment to the arts extends far beyond naming rights.

Jorge and Darlene have supported a wide network of initiatives through their Family Foundation, from the CreARTE artist grants to El Espacio 23, a hybrid art space and community incubator housed in a former warehouse in Miami’s Allapattah neighborhood.

It is open to the public and designed to inspire dialogue around identity, social justice, and creativity.

“We believe art has the power to transform communities,” Jorge Pérez told Lifestyles in a 2021 cover story. “It’s not about what hangs on your wall—it’s about what art can do for the world around us.”

This latest gift to Tate Modern was as intentional as it was generous. Iva, named after Mitchell’s dog, brings the celebrated artist into the Tate’s permanent collection at scale for the first time.

Joan Mitchell, long revered in the U.S. and France, has historically been underrepresented in British institutions. Her style, characterized by intimacy, intensity, and emotion, has been effectively conveyed in the new format.

Darlene Pérez emphasized the importance of celebrating women in the arts. “Women artists play a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape,” she said. “It’s pivotal that we support and celebrate their contributions. By championing Mitchell and her legacy, we hope to inspire greater visibility and opportunity for women artists worldwide.”

This message resonates deeply with our readership, most of whom share a personal commitment to uplifting underrepresented voices through their philanthropic, community, and business leadership.

The Tate’s Maria Balshaw did not mince words about the significance of this act. “We missed the boat,” she admitted, referencing the gallery’s lack of Mitchell’s work until now.

“This has taken an act of truly extraordinary generosity. It’s a model for what is possible when private passion meets public good.”

For the Pérez family, giving fosters culture, education, and equity.

“My family and I have always believed in the power of public art in enriching communities,” Jorge stated.

“Tate has been instrumental in making art accessible to all. We are honored to contribute to that mission.”

The Pérez family’s philanthropy is marked by intentionality, inclusivity, and vision across museums, studios, local grants, and global institutions. Their generosity continues to serve as a living case study in meaningful influence, a reminder that legacy is not just what we leave behind but what we build for others to inherit.

Their newest contribution not only transforms a museum wall but also spurs action.

For cultural leaders and fellow philanthropists around the world, Jorge and Darlene Pérez have once again raised the bar, proving that when giving is guided by purpose, the impact can be as enduring as the art itself.