Ambassador
James Lambert
It is my privilege to present this publication as a testament to the vitality and sustainability of the OAS AMA | Art Museum of the Americas. The AMA serves as the principal instrument of cultural diplomacy of the OAS. AMA’s mission is founded on the notion that the arts are transformative for individuals and communities. This guiding principle promotes the core values of the OAS by providing a space for cultural expression, creativity, innovation, dialogue, and learning, while highlighting themes such as democracy, development, human rights, justice, freedom of expression, and innovation. AMA’s work advances the InterAmerican agenda, drawing on contemporary arts to showcase a constructive vision of the future of the Americas via local and hemispheric cultural exchange. Along the way, through programming ranging from temporary exhibitions to studio and gallery visits throughout the Americas, AMA has grown the prominent art collection that is treasured today by so many members of the public who we as an institution are dedicated to serving.
As a masterful collection, it is associated with the representation of fundamental artistic trends that have developed in Latin America, including new figuration, geometric and lyrical abstraction, conceptual art, optical and kinetic art. Artists such as Cundo Bermúdez, Fernando de Szyszlo, Agustín Fernández, José Luis Cuevas, Alejandro Obregón, Raquel Forner, Rodolfo Abularach, Alfredo da Silva, artists of the Joaquín Torres García Workshop, Ernesto Deira, and Jorge de la Vega had their first solo exhibitions in the United States in the Gallery of the Pan American Union, now the OAS. The art program outgrew its space, moving into the present-day AMA in 1976. The museum has provided valuable support throughout the years in the expansion of an academic field of modern and contemporary art of Latin America and the Caribbean in the United States.
In 2016 the AMA became part of the OAS Secretariat for Hemispheric Affairs in order to strengthen the museum’s mission and governance structure, and to better serve as the OAS’ main instrument for public diplomacy. This publication is a key component of our new strategic plan to boost AMA as a vital tool in promoting knowledge of and citizen engagement with the core issues of the OAS.
Today, AMA continues and expands this rich cultural trajectory with dynamic exhibitions and educational programs highlighting the art of all the countries of the Americas. AMA’s engagement of museums outside of the U.S. strengthens ties among all OAS member countries.
Ambassador James Lambert
Secretary of Hemispheric Affairs
Organization of American States
