Patron Yan Du Brings Asian Focus to London Art World with New Space on Bedford Square
The mega‑collector and art advocate’s Bloomsbury‑based initiative aims to foster transcultural dialogue through exhibitions, residencies, and experimental programming. Save to My Ocula
This October, London’s Bedford Square will welcome a new non-profit project space dedicated to supporting artists of diverse Asian backgrounds and diasporic experiences.
The initiative—named YDP, or Yan Du Projects—has been founded by mega-collector and art patron Yan Du who hopes it will foster transcultural dialogue through exhibitions, residencies, and experimental programming.
YDP’s inaugural exhibition will launch from its 18th-century townhouse location with a solo show by Chinese artist Duan Jianyu, known for her painterly reflections on modern life.
The space will host up to three exhibitions annually, alongside performances, film screenings, and talks, with a flexible approach tailored to artists’ needs.
The project will also offer annual residencies, providing artists with an on-site studio and space to showcase works-in-progress. Thai artist and photographer Harit Srikhao will be the first recipient this autumn.
Du previously launched Asymmetry Art Foundation in 2020—a London-based non-profit dedicated to supporting Sinophone curatorial practices.
The Foundation has partnered with leading institutions, including Chisenhale Gallery, Whitechapel Gallery, the Courtauld Gallery, Delfina Foundation, and Goldsmiths.
Artreview’s Power100 list last year ranked Du 100th in terms of art world influence. —[O]
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