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 the Asian Diaspora. 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.

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.’

Billy Tang, Para Site’s Executive Director and Curator said; ‘It was a great honour to contribute to The LOEWE FOUNDATION / Studio Voltaire Award. This visionary initiative inspires a spirit of risk-taking, experimentation and crucial international exchange that will last long into the future. Pang has a strong commitment to working with grassroots communities via experimental practices from both Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. With this selection, we are thrilled that we can contribute to widening awareness and knowledge of Hong Kong artists from nuanced perspectives less visible internationally. Through the award, we are excited to extend the infrastructure of care and support towards vital practices that are increasingly marginalised.’

Maggie Matić, Studio Voltaire’s Curator (Studios and Residencies) said: ‘We are honoured to have the opportunity to work with such a talented and timely artist through LOEWE FOUNDATION’s generous support. Beatrix has incredibly exciting plans for the residency. It has been a complete pleasure to draw on the rich expertise of our partners, Para Site, M+ and Asia Art Archive, through the selection process. There was a great level of need amongst the nominated artists, and it is an important time to offer this level of support to artists in the region.’