Yuen Fong Ling announced for Collections in Dialogue 2027

We are thrilled to announce that Sheffield-based artist Yuen Fong Ling has been awarded our 2027 Collections in Dialogue co-commission, in partnership with the British Library. 

Made possible by funding from Jerwood Art Fund Commissions, Ling will create new works that explore the collection of artists’ books held at the British Library, alongside sculptural works from the collections of Leeds Museums and Galleries and the Henry Moore Institute Research Library, for an exhibition at Leeds Art Gallery from May to October 2027.

Ling’s proposal was selected from nearly 60 applications submitted by artists in the Yorkshire and Humber region. Inspired by his own family history of migration to the UK from Lai Chi Chong in Hong Kong, Ling’s commission will challenge the myths, stereotypes and social expectations that have been portrayed in historical narratives by reframing the stories of British-Hong Kong families. He will explore the revealing and concealing of such histories, inspired by the creative possibilities of artists’ books and the forms that they take, focusing particularly on ‘the fold’.

Drawing on research into the collections, Ling will bring these ideas together in an exhibition that presents new artworks alongside artists’ books from the British Library, folded sculptural forms from the Leeds Museums and Galleries collection, and social history artefacts from the Chinese community.

On the news, Ling, said:

"I'm so excited to be selected for the Collections in Dialogue commission. It's a unique opportunity to make new artwork and simultaneously curate some inspiring artworks from the special collections. My project will interweave the stories of my family's migration from Hong Kong to the United Kingdom, the relationship between the artist book form and the folding fan, and how preparatory models and maquettes become sculpture. And it all starts with the simple fold of a piece of paper..."

Jerwood Art Fund Commissions offer a rare opportunity for an artist and museum to work together on a fully funded, ambitious commission. A partnership between Art Fund and Jerwood Foundation, the programme enables museums and galleries to collaborate with early- to mid-career artists on new work, covering the full costs of delivering and presenting commissions. The programme aims to further artists at pivotal stages in their careers, while enriching public collections through new contemporary art.