September 4, 2015 was a special day for Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), and one that this institution will never forget.

That’s when PAMM’s Board of Directors announced the appointment of our fearless leader Franklin Sirmans as the museum’s director, and we’ve never looked back. He then began his tenure in October 2015.

PAMM’s mission is to be a leader in the presentation, study, interpretation, and care of international modern and contemporary art, while representing Miami-Dade County and reflecting the unique viewpoint of its peoples. With Sirmans’ extensive background from numerous large institutions, such as the Menil Collection in Houston to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, he continues to electrify the communities he serves.  

Today, the Miami-Dade County School Board recognized Sirmans. Presenting the proclamation was Mari Tere Rojas, school board member representing district six. In attendance was superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Alberto M. Carvalho.

“I am truly honored to be here receiving this honor and very proud to be the director of Pérez Art Museum Miami at this point in time,” Sirmans said. “And of course, we are the museum of Miami-Dade County. We are inextricably linked to Miami-Dade County and the public school system.”

This past March, PAMM proudly announced the launch of the PAMM Student Pass in partnership with Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS), granting all M-DCPS Pre-K-12th grade students free admission to the museum.

“The arts are indeed indispensable to the human condition. In facilitating and enabling access to the arts, you are, quite frankly, elevating the humanity of our community,” said Carvalho.

Watch the full video from Sirmans’ proclamation above.

Curious about PAMM’s robust education programs? Learn about our free educator professional development tools, public school tours, family programs, and more.