China in Yorkshire

Commissioned by Leeds Museums and Galleries

In Leeds Yan Preston was employed by Leeds Museums and Galleries to work with Leeds Chinese communities. For over a year, Yan worked closely with curator Antonia Lovelace, Leeds Chinese Elders, Leeds Chinese Women’s Group, and the Yuk Ming Opera Group. Her role was to establish the contacts between the community and the museums; to research and develop creative themes that encouraged the community involvement; to design and deliver creative workshops; and to create her own artworks and photographs. Contributions from the community members, new works created by Yan, together with collections from Leeds museums formed two exhibitions:Chinese Treasures at Lotherton Hall from 7 June to 31 December, and China, Local and Global at Leeds Central Library, from 6-24 August. During the project Yan created her large photo installation 96 Lunch Boxes. Her work was also filmed by BBC One The One Show. The feature was broadcasted on the 7th August 2008 and received over 4 million audience. Yan Preston and Leeds Museums and Galleries would like to thank all the Leeds Chinese community people who gave their time and enthusiasm to the project. The festival was generously funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Arts Council.

'China in Yorkshire' was a museum and arts festival that took place during 2008 when China hosted the Olympics. Events, exhibitions and activities were held throughout 2008 in museums across the region to explore Chinese history, culture, science, art and medicine. China in Yorkshire showcased Yorkshire's most stunning Chinese and Chinoiserie collections and worked with many Chinese groups and individuals.

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