Championing Art and Culture

Ayala Foundation Chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala and the Zobel de Ayala family were among the recipients of the prestigious Sorolla Medal, given by the Hispanic Society of America earlier this month in New York City. 

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition on behalf of the Zobel de Ayala family,” FZA said in his acceptance speech. “We look forward to a continuous collaboration with the Hispanic community in areas of common interest, particularly those that can advance a deeper appreciation and understanding between our cultures and people.” 

FZA was recognized for his advocacy in the field of art and culture through Ayala Foundation, the social development arm of the Ayala group of companies which serves communities through programs in education, sustainable livelihood, and love of country. He concurrently chairs the board of advisers of Ayala Museum, a leading private institution of art and history in the Philippines.  

The Hispanic Society of America was founded in 1904 to establish “a free, public museum and reference library for the study of the art and culture of Spain, Portugal, Latin America, and the Philippines.” Since 1924, it has awarded the Sorolla Medal—named in honor of renowned Spanish painter Joaquin Sorolla—to distinguished individuals and institutions with significant contributions in the fields of philanthropy, art, literature, and culture. 

Aside from FZA, other recipients of the 2023 Sorolla Medal were Dr. Carlos Zurita, the Duke of Soria and co-founder of the Duke and Duchess of Soria Cultural Foundation; and Cuban-born philanthropist and art collector Ella Fontanals-Cisneros.