José Bedia: 2025 Michael Richards Award Recipient

Oolite Arts announced that José Bedia has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Michael Richards Award, one of Miami's highest honors for visual artists. A globally recognized artist who has redefined contemporary Cuban art, Bedia will be recognized during the 7th ceremony of The Ellies, in April 16, 2025, 6 to 10 pm at ICA, Miami (the former de la Cruz Collection building).
Named in memory of the late artist and Oolite Arts alumnus Michael Richards (1963-2001), the award recognizes an artist who has built a distinguished body of original work and made a lasting impact on Miami's arts community. Selected by a nomination committee, the artist receives $75,000 to support their artistic practice and creative growth.
“José Bedia is a pioneer in contemporary art. His work speaks to longing, darkness, and hope that is in all of us,’’ said John Abodeely, President and CEO of Oolite Arts. “His long and productive career reminds us of the power of creativity to bring people together. Oolite could not be more honored to recognize his lifetime of innovation and to celebrate his impact on communities through generations.”
To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Oolite will award an additional $100,000 through the 2025 Ellies. With this year's awards, Oolite has given $3.6 million in Ellies support to artists and teachers since 2018.
The Ellies honor artists' meaningful impact on the community, support working artists with grants to realize significant visual arts projects and bring their ideas to life, and channel much-needed travel stipends for teaching artists to have access to professional opportunities.