The Armory Show Introduces New Museum Acquisition Prizes and Expanded Programming for 2026 Edition

Fostering Artistry and Curatorial Excellence: A New Vision for the Armory Show

The Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) Acquisition Prize: Championing Caribbean Art

The Armory Show's upcoming edition will inaugurate the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) Acquisition Prize, an initiative that will annually dedicate $20,000. This fund is specifically allocated for acquiring artworks for PAMM's permanent collection, with a particular emphasis on works that contribute to the Green Family Foundation Caribbean Cultural Institute. The prize will focus on selections from the fair's Focus section, which this year highlights artists with strong connections to the Caribbean, as curated by María Elena Ortiz from the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.

The Bronx Museum Acquisition Prize: Nurturing Emerging Talent

In parallel, the 2026 Armory Show will also introduce the Bronx Museum Acquisition Prize. This prize will provide $15,000 at each fair to facilitate the acquisition of new works for the museum's permanent collection. The selections will be made from the Presents section, which is dedicated to showcasing works from 55 emerging galleries. This initiative underscores the Armory Show's dedication to supporting the growth and recognition of nascent artistic voices.

A Director's Vision: Expanding Cultural Footprints and Community Ties

Franklin Sirmans, the director of PAMM, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting that the prize will significantly expand the footprint of the Green Family Foundation Caribbean Cultural Institute. He emphasized the importance of growing the collection to reflect Miami's unique identity and its profound connections to Caribbean culture, aligning with the institute's long-term research, programming, and community engagement goals.

Empowering Diverse Voices: The Bronx Museum's Gratitude

Shamim M. Momin, director and chief curator of the Bronx Museum, conveyed deep appreciation for the new Acquisition Prize. She highlighted its role as a vital investment in the museum's mission to champion diverse voices in contemporary art and offer critical support to artists during pivotal moments in their careers. Momin affirmed the prize's significance in helping the museum expand its permanent collection in alignment with its foundational principles.

Showcasing Large-Scale Installations: The Platform Section

Beyond the new prizes, the Armory Show has revealed further details regarding its September iteration. The Platform section, renowned for its large-scale installations, will be curated by SculptureCenter's Jovanna Venegas under the theme “Passages and Threshold.” This section promises to feature compelling works from a diverse group of artists, including María Magdalena Campos-Pons, Hew Locke, Bony Ramirez, Lucia Hierro, Valerie Brathwaite, Margarita Cabrera, and Curtis Talwst Santiago.

Exploring Form and Material: The Armory Sculpture Section

The Armory Sculpture section will present an array of thought-provoking pieces by celebrated artists such as Sonya Clark, Rafael Ferrer, and Kaloki Nyamai. Additionally, the Armory Spotlight booth, featuring El Museo del Barrio this year, will host a unique participatory textile installation by Lulu Varona, inviting audience interaction and engagement.

Dynamic Performances and Engaging Evenings: Enhancing the Fair Experience

Marian Goodman Gallery will sponsor a new live performance titled Special Blue: Act I by Tavares Strachan, scheduled for September 24 and 25. The evening of September 25 will mark the debut of Armory After Hours, from 7–9pm, which will include a vibrant processional performance led by DJ Foreigner, paying homage to the fair's Caribbean focus and creating an immersive cultural experience for attendees.

A Comprehensive Vision for Connection and Engagement

Kyla McMillan, the director of The Armory Show, articulated the fair's overarching ambition: to create a more interconnected experience for its audiences. With adjusted dates and an extended Armory Week, new and expanded initiatives are being introduced to enhance visibility and engagement for artists, galleries, curators, and collectors. From the innovative Armory After Hours to the returning Platform and continuous programs like Armory Live, this year's edition aims to solidify The Armory Show's role as an essential hub for artistic exploration, discovery, and exchange within the global art community.