Jorge Pérez explores art's vital role in business and community development at IE University
In conversation with Carlos Urroz, Pérez defined art as a tool to grasp reality through vision and critical thinking.
IE School of Humanities hosted Jorge Pérez in the context of the ARCO Contemporary Art Fair in Madrid. The Latin American businessman, art collector, and philanthropist shared his inspiring career journey with a sizable audience of IE University students.
In conversation with Carlos Urroz, former director of ARCO and Thyssen Bornemisza Art Contemporary, Pérez defined art as a tool to grasp surrounding reality through vision and critical thinking:
"Art is a way to understand the present, the past, and the future in a different way than history books and business books tell."
Jorge Pérez, CEO The Related Group
Pérez is Currently CEO The Related Group, a Miami-based real estate development company that seeks to educate and inspire, incorporating museum-quality art and noteworthy cultural experiences throughout its developments. He has held numerous top management roles in the past while maintaining an active philanthropic portfolio through his contributions to the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), which houses works donated by Pérez from significant artists such as Diego Rivera and Joaquín Torres-García.
When asked about how art can shape a community, he reflected on the importance of art in the creation of buildings and highlighted the key role of curators in The Related Group. Pérez also referenced Miami as an example: "Miami was a tourist city, but art has transformed it, becoming a global center for arts and culture."
Cheering students to pursue their passions diligently, Pérez drew parallels between art and entrepreneurship. In line with his philanthropic work, Pérez has also signed onto The Giving Pledge by Warren Buffet and Melinda and Bill Gates. He noted that while art collectors do not traditionally engage in giving, he encourages "making art giving more prevalent."
Pérez also engaged in a conversation with the audience, addressing challenging questions from students from the Arts & Business Club and different schools within IE University. Their dialogue underscored the significance of art in societal discourse and its symbiotic relationship with business and community development.
Catalina Tejero, Vice Dean of the IE School of Humanities, concluded the event by stating: "We are fortunate to welcome inspirational figures like Jorge Pérez: business leaders who encourage us to view the world through a multifaceted lens and recognize the value that the arts can bring to both our professional careers and personal lives".