LOEWE FOUNDATION and Studio Voltaire have today announced Hong Kong-based artist and independent publisher, Beatrix Pang, as the recipient of their inaugural year-long international residency.

Launched in March 2021, the LOEWE FOUNDATION / Studio Voltaire Award celebrates talent, creative thinking and individuality within contemporary art practice.The international recipient for 2023 is visual artist, cultural producer and independent publisher Beatrix Pang. In 2011, Pang founded Small Tune Press which publishes and produces artists’ books and zines. Pang also founded the independent publishers’ collective ZINE COOP to promote zine culture in Hong Kong and Queer Reads Library, a mobile library creating space for queer inclusivity and visibility in Hong Kong and theAsian Diaspora.

Beatrix Pang said:‘I cannot believe I have been granted this life-changing opportunity. My research at Studio Voltaire will involve various engagements with creative individuals from independent publishing, the queer community, artists, curators, activists, archivists and South London locals. Through these interactions, I will open up dialogues and exchange ideas on art production, publishing and archiving practices. I am so grateful to LOEWE FOUNDATION and Studio Voltaire for giving me the chance to live and learn in London for a year.’

This will be Pang’s first artist’s residency in Europe. They will be based at Studio Voltaire from January 2023. Via the award, Pang will receive:A £25,000 stipend to support living costs and accommodation.A rent-free studio at Studio Voltaire for the 12–month duration of the residency. Budget for travel, equipment, materials and production.Bespoke professional development and mentoring programme. Hong Kong-based–institutions Para Site, Asia Art Archive and M+ were invited to nominate four artists to apply for the award. Applications were selected by Para Site’s Executive Director and Curator Billy Tang, Studio Voltaire’s Director Joe Scotland and Curator (Studios and Residencies) Maggie Matić.

The LOEWE FOUNDATION / Studio Voltaire Award works to increase and strengthen equitable representation and access, and amplify artistic voices across class, race, gender, sexuality and disability. In 2021, seven UK–based artists were awarded with two years of support through rent-free studio space, professional development opportunities and bursaries. The awardees were Ayo Akingbade, Ufuoma Essi, Adam Farah, Nnena Kalu, Djofray Makumbu, Josiah Moktar and Curtly Thomas.