José Ortiz-Pagán, a Puerto Rican artist based in Philadelphia, is renowned for his dedication to using art as a tool to address social change. Throughout his career, he has initiated community art projects in the city, aiming to develop strategies of resistance to empower individuals and communities. Ortiz-Pagán recontextualizes spirituality as a means of resistance, creating meaningful experiences that honor and validate diverse communities within various diasporas.

One notable project orchestrated by José, was "A Solitary Procession." This ritual provided a space for individuals to mourn their loved ones with dignity, amid death and the impossibility of holding space for our deceased loved ones.

In 2023, José organized the performance "Summoning of Memory," where he brought together neighbors from Philadelphia's Kensington neighborhood to envision a procession that empowered them to reimagine self-agency through the development of a powerful collective memory.

José Ortiz-Pagán's significant contributions have been recognized through prestigious awards such as the NALAC Catalyst for Change Fellowship and the Artworks grant from the Philadelphia Foundation and the Forman Arts Initiative. His artwork has been featured in various exhibitions worldwide, including the Trienal Poligráfica in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the International Printmaking Biennial in Taiwan ROC, and the Bronx Latin American Biennial, to mention a few.