Culturefix Awardees

Visual Artist

Renowned contemporary artist Jeffrey Gibson is known for merging his Choctaw-Cherokee heritage with global resistance themes - creating vibrant works that incorporate painting, performance, sculpture, textiles, and video to celebrate historically marginalized identities and cultural diversity.

Music, Television, and Film Stars

Gloria and Emilio Estefan are visionaries in the entertainment industry whose work spans acting, performing, producing, writing, and philanthropy. Having produced chart-topping hits and shaping the careers of countless superstars, the Estefan’s have played a critical role in the global rise of Latin music - fostering global understanding and connection through culture.

Sports Envoy and Chief Program Director, Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project

Former World Cup champion and Olympic medalist with the U.S. women’s national soccer team, Lorrie Fair has made strides in global sports diplomacy - promoting conflict resolution, women's empowerment, and educational access in over 13 countries while using sports to foster equity and inclusion.

Opera Singer

Recognized worldwide as one of today’s most exciting vocal stars, Denyce Graves has captivated audiences across the globe with her rich vocalism and elegant stage presence. She has performed at leading opera houses and has enchanted audiences across four continents.

Conceptual Artist

Conceptual artist Hank Willis Thomas explores themes of perspective, identity, commodity, media, and popular culture. Having been exhibited across the globe, Thomas's art reexamines American history and challenges representations of race and visual culture.

Photographer and Artist

Ecuadorian photographer and artist Felipe Jácome combines mixed media and documentary photography to explore human mobility and human rights issues. His work has been recognized internationally, with exhibitions in London, Amsterdam, Paris, Beirut, Geneva, Quito, and Washington, DC

Photographer and Dancer

Acclaimed classical dancer and portrait photographer, Svitlana Onipko has performed in countries across the globe. After the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, she collaborated with Felipe Jácome on Unbroken: Ukraine’s Ballerinas, portraying dancers juxtaposed against the brutality of war.

Architect

Renowned for his blending of traditional Japanese design with American Modernism, Shigeru Ban is celebrated for his innovative humanitarian work building temporary shelters in disaster-stricken areas. His environmentally-friendly designs have garnered global recognition - showcasing his commitment to sustainable architecture and humanitarian aid.

Michelin-Starred Chef

Michelin-starred celebrity chef and founder of Elcielo Restaurants in Medellín, Bogotá, Miami, and Washington, D.C., Barrientos is renowned globally for his blending of culinary arts with other disciplines to create unique dining experiences. He has been recognized as the youngest chef in Latin America’s 50 Best.

CEO and Co-Founder, Artolution

As the CEO and Co-founder of Artolution, Joel Bergner has organized community-based public art initiatives in conflict-affected communities worldwide. As a renowned muralist, Joel has trained local artists to lead arts-based youth programs - impacting thousands of children annually.

Conceptual Artist

Renowned for her incisive text-based art displayed in public spaces and international exhibitions, including the Venice Biennale and Guggenheim Museums, Jenny Holzer’s work is recognized globally for its ability to counter ignorance and violence with humor and kindness.

Visual Artist

Teresita Fernández’s monumental works draw inspiration from the natural world and historical references to colonization and violence. She was the first Latina appointed to serve on the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts and has been recognized globally for her conceptual practices.

Musician

For more than three decades, Jean-Yves Thibaudet has performed globally - recording over 50 albums and builing a reputation as one of today's finest pianists. He has collaborated in film, fashion, and visual art and was the first Artist-in-Residence at the Colburn School in Los Angeles.