BILBAO.- The III Xabier Sáenz de Gorbea Prize for Artistic Dedication has been awarded to Petra Pérez, founder and director of the renowned Galería Vanguardia in Bilbao. The prestigious honor acknowledges her commitment to contemporary art, particularly Basque art, over a distinguished career spanning four decades. The jury, composed of Miguel Zugaza, Beatriz Herráez, Frantxi López Landatxe, and artist Sonia Rueda, emphasized her unwavering dedication and the pivotal role her gallery has played in promoting artistic innovation.

Highlights of the Award Decision

• Recognition for Commitment: Pérez’s 40 years leading Galería Vanguardia were celebrated as a testament to her personal and professional dedication to contemporary art.

• Promotion of Diverse Art Forms: Her work has supported a wide range of artistic expressions, from video art and performance to emerging technologies.

• Support for Artists: Pérez has been instrumental in showcasing both emerging and established talents, contributing significantly to the Basque and international art scenes.

Petra Pérez: A Life Dedicated to Art

Born in La Rioja in 1952, Pérez pursued studies in applied arts and earned a degree in Fine Arts from the University of the Basque Country. Her career is marked by a passion for contemporary art, which she has championed through her leadership of Galería Vanguardia since its establishment in 1984.

Over the years, Pérez has been deeply involved in the art community:

• She participated in Talking Galleries, an international platform for art market discussions.

• She co-founded and presided over the Association of Contemporary Art Galleries of Euskadi (AGACE) for eight years.

• Her advocacy for gender equality in the arts was recognized in 2014 when she received the MAV Award from Mujeres en las Artes Visuales.

Galería Vanguardia: A Cultural Beacon

Originally opened in Getxo, the gallery moved to Bilbao in 1987, where it continues to thrive near the Guggenheim Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts. The gallery’s mission is to support avant-garde artistic languages and mediums, hosting a mix of emerging and established artists.

Key achievements of the gallery include:

• Hosting exhibitions such as "Baraja de artistas vascos", which introduced notable Basque artists like Pello Irazu and Dora Salazar.

• Representing a prestigious roster of artists, including Elena Asins, Roger Ballen, and José Manuel Ballester.

• Participating in major international art fairs like ARCO Madrid, Art Cologne, and LA Art Show.

The Legacy of the Xabier Sáenz de Gorbea Prize

Named after the influential art historian and critic, Xabier Sáenz de Gorbea (1951–2015), this biennial award was established in 2020 to honor outstanding contributions to visual arts. It is supported by a €10,000 prize from Sáenz de Gorbea’s legacy. Previous recipients include painter Marta Cárdenas and artist Juan Luis Goenaga.

Sáenz de Gorbea was a pioneer in Basque contemporary art. His career included roles as a university professor, gallery founder, and government advisor. He was also a prolific writer, contributing to the development and appreciation of Basque art through critical essays and exhibition catalogs.

Continuing a Vision for Contemporary Art

Petra Pérez’s contributions echo Sáenz de Gorbea’s commitment to artistic excellence. Her efforts have not only elevated individual artists but also fostered a vibrant cultural ecosystem in the Basque region.

As Galería Vanguardia celebrates its 40th anniversary, Pérez remains a vital force in ensuring that contemporary art continues to innovate and inspire. With this well-deserved recognition, her legacy as a champion of creativity is further solidified.