Patricia Phelps de Cisneros has long been on a mission to elevate Latin American art in the global arena, and her recent initiatives prove she’s not slowing down. A landmark donation to MoMA, which led to last year’s "Chosen Memories" exhibition, brought Latin American modernism and contemporary narratives to one of the world’s most influential art institutions, showcasing artists exploring collective and personal memory and ensuring these voices are heard on an international stage. 

Phelps de Cisneros has also been a vocal advocate for women in Latin American art—a cause she underscored in a recent speech at the Pérez Art Museum Miami, where she celebrated the often-overlooked impact of female artists in the region. This dedication to amplifying underrepresented voices and re-centering art history is a hallmark of her approach, reinforcing her legacy as a champion for Latin American cultural narratives. Through the Colección Patricia Phelps de Cisneros loan program, Cisneros is furthering her influence by lending key works by Latin American masters like Jesús Rafael Soto and Carlos Cruz-Diez to museums worldwide in an initiative that not only supports cross-cultural dialogue but also guarantees that Latin American art remains accessible and relevant on the global stage. 

"Heading into 2025, the Colección Patricia Phelps de Cisneros is working to address the challenges of preserving born-digital materials and archives related to Latin American art and culture," she tells Observer. "Through this new initiative and by collaborating with library and museum networks, we’re ensuring the presence, accessibility and longevity of these resources. This bilingual effort is designed to support scholars, educators and anyone curious to learn more about art, bridging cultural and language gaps and building a sustainable model for sharing and preserving these digital resources." With this focus on education, representation and accessibility, Phelps de Cisneros is setting a lasting standard for how private collections can influence and expand the art market.