Qian-Hui Yu joins artist residency at ACAVA Spode Works Studios, Stoke-on-Trent.

We are pleased to welcome animation director and illustrator Qian-Hui Yu as one of the three recipients of this year’s ACAVA Hosts: Three Counties Open Residency. Based in Stoke-on-Trent and originally from Guilin, China, Qian’s residency began on 7 April 2025 and will continue through early May, culminating in a public exhibition of her recent work.

Qian’s multidisciplinary practice spans 2D frame-by-frame animation, editorial illustration, and ceramics. Her work brings to life vibrant, imaginative worlds through expressive character design, rich colour palettes, and hand-painted textures. Inspired by nature, dreams, and surreal moments of everyday life, she creates playful and whimsical visual narratives.

Most recently, Qian completed Statue in the Garden, a short animated film funded by the BFI Network with support from the National Lottery, and produced by Animate Projects.

Throughout her residency at ACAVA Spode Works Studios, Qian will continue to develop her practice from a dedicated studio within the building. She plans to host an exhibition and screening of her animation work in the onsite gallery space in early May.

This residency is part of ACAVA Hosts: Three Counties Open Residency, a partnership between ACAVA, Keele University, and the Three Counties Open Art Exhibition. The programme offers a month-long, fully supported residency to three artists each year, providing access to studio space, a supportive creative community, and professional development opportunities including talks, workshops, and public exhibitions.

Learn more about the programme here. Visit Qian’s website here and Instagram here.