YEARS
20
OF SUPPORTING LATIN AMERICAN ARTISTS AROUND THE WORLD
Founded in 2002 by Ella Fontanals-Cisneros, The Cisneros Fontanals Art Foundation (CIFO), has spent the last two decades championing contemporary Latin American art, cementing its importance in global artistic discourse. CIFO’s commitment to fostering cultural exchange and elevating the work of Latin American artists has led to the growth of a unique and influential platform that supports artists at all stages of their careers. This long-standing dedication has made CIFO a central figure in the international art community, contributing significantly to the recognition of Latin American talent on a global stage.
Ella Fontanals-Cisneros, a Cuban-born, Venezuelan-raised philanthropist, art collector, and entrepreneur, has been a passionate advocate for the arts since the 1970s. Her journey into the world of art collection began with a deep appreciation for Latin American works, which laid the foundation for her expansive collection today. Over the years, her focus has expanded to include a wide range of international contemporary art, but her dedication to Latin American artists remains a core aspect of her vision.
In establishing CIFO, Fontanals-Cisneros sought to create a platform that would not only showcase the talents of Latin American artists but also provide them with the resources and visibility necessary to thrive. The foundation has achieved this by organizing exhibitions, creating educational programs, and, most notably, awarding grants and commissions to artists. Through these efforts, CIFO has emerged as a key force in supporting innovative artistic practices and in advancing a global dialogue on the cultural, social, and political issues facing Latin American societies.
Supporting Artists: The Grants & Commissions Program
One of CIFO’s most impactful initiatives has been its Grants & Commissions Program, which provides financial support to emerging, mid-career, and established Latin American artists. The program encourages artists to create new works that push the boundaries of their artistic practice and address critical themes of identity, politics, and society. By doing so, CIFO has helped cultivate a generation of artists who are not only skilled in their craft but also engaged in shaping important cultural conversations.
Since its inception, CIFO has granted more than $2 million to over 150 artists, allowing them to bring their visions to life on an international scale. The foundation’s support extends beyond financial assistance; it also includes curatorial guidance and exhibition opportunities at prestigious institutions worldwide. This holistic approach ensures that artists have the tools they need to reach broader audiences and gain the recognition they deserve.
Through the Grants & Commissions Program, artists such as Rosemberg Sandoval, a pioneer of Colombian performance art, and Adrián Melis, a multidisciplinary Cuban artist, have been able to create ambitious new works that challenge conventional artistic practices. These artists, along with many others, have benefited from CIFO’s commitment to promoting artistic freedom and innovation.
Building a Global Collection
The Ella Fontanals-Cisneros Collection, which is housed under the auspices of CIFO, is one of the most important collections of contemporary art in the world. It includes over 2,500 pieces of art, with a strong focus on geometric abstraction from Latin America, contemporary video, modern photography, and installation art. Artists represented in the collection range from internationally renowned figures like Marina Abramović and Ai Weiwei to pivotal Latin American artists such as Gego, Lygia Clark, and Helio Oiticica.
The collection is not simply a private repository of artwork; it is a dynamic, living entity that is regularly exhibited at museums and galleries across the globe. Works from the Ella Fontanals-Cisneros Collection have been loaned to institutions such as the Tate Modern in London, the Museo Reina Sofía in Madrid, and the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston. These long-term loans ensure that the art is accessible to a wide audience and that the voices of Latin American artists are part of the global artistic conversation.
CIFO’s Impact Beyond Latin America
While CIFO’s primary mission is to support Latin American artists, its influence extends far beyond the region. Over the years, the foundation has fostered collaborations with institutions in the United States, Europe, and beyond. This international presence has helped bridge the gap between Latin American art and global audiences, allowing for a richer exchange of ideas and a broader appreciation for the diversity of artistic practices in the region.
In 2011, CIFO expanded its reach into Europe, furthering its mission to promote Latin American art on an international stage. This expansion allowed the foundation to engage with new audiences and offer Latin American artists more opportunities to exhibit their work in prestigious European institutions. Through these efforts, CIFO has not only raised the profile of individual artists but also contributed to a greater understanding of the cultural and historical contexts from which their work emerges.
Marking 20 Years of Success
In 2022, CIFO celebrated its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of significant contributions to the art world. To commemorate this milestone, CIFO awarded five Latin American artists in the Achievement, Mid-Career, and Emerging categories, recognizing their artistic innovation and cultural impact. The awarded artists, including Rosemberg Sandoval (Colombia), Jhafis Quintero (Panama), and Andrés Ramírez Gaviria (Colombia), represent the cutting edge of contemporary Latin American art.
This 20th anniversary celebration highlighted the enduring relevance of CIFO’s mission and the foundation’s unwavering commitment to supporting artists at every stage of their careers. Over the past two decades, CIFO has not only provided critical financial support to artists but also offered them a platform to engage with global audiences, fostering a deeper appreciation for Latin American art and culture. Under the leadership of Ella Fontanals-Cisneros, the foundation has fostered a rich cultural exchange between Latin America and the rest of the world, helping to shape the trajectory of contemporary art. As CIFO looks toward the future, it will continue to champion the voices of Latin American artists, ensuring that their work remains a vital part of the global artistic conversation for years to come.