PADDY LEUNG
Artist, Educator & Cultural Worker
I create participatory art projects and learning experiences that centre care, equity, and collective storytelling. My practice brings together art, education, and community engagement to support 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, racialized youth, and intergenerational connections.
Paddy Leung is a Toronto-based artist and arts educator working at the intersection of community care, cultural production, and social justice.
Their practice is rooted in collaboration, accessibility, and relationship-building, with a strong focus on 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion, youth engagement, and public participation.
Through workshops, exhibitions, and large-scale community projects, Leung creates spaces where people can connect, share knowledge, and imagine more caring futures together. Their work has been presented in galleries, schools, and public spaces in partnership with arts organizations, school boards, and community groups.
Available for Projects, Workshops & Commissions — across Canada & Internationally.
Yue Moon II
︎ Chinatown BIA & STEPS Public Art
︎ Community-engaged Arts & Multimedia Public Art Program
︎ Toronto, ON
︎ January - March 2021
︎ Community-engaged Arts & Multimedia Public Art Program
︎ Toronto, ON
︎ January - March 2021
Photograph by Tessar Lo
Yue Moon II is a community-based, multimedia public art program as part of Chinatown's 2021 Lunar New Year celebration. This co-created public art project features original artwork developed by participants through a series of online workshops. In partnership with STEPS Public Art & Chinatown BIA, Paddy Leung served as the lead artist facilitator and designed 20 new sets of lanterns that showcased over 250 artworks created by community members.
For more information about Yue Moon II:
Yue Moon’s Team:
- Paddy Leung - Lead Artist & Designer
- Linda Zang - Technical Designer Advisor Role
- Meegan Lim - Artist Assistant Facilitator & Technical Designer Assistant
- Tessar Lo - Production Assembler
- Micah Adams - Production Assembler
- Amanda McCavour - Production Assembler
- Hot Pop Factory - Laser Cutting Services
- CV Studio - Printing Services
- Building Up - Professional Installers
Photograph by Mila Bright
Location Details:
︎Yummy Yummy Dumplings & Lait Night (79/81 Huron St.)
🏮️ 13 Lanterns designed by Paddy Leung
🏮️ 234 artworks made by the community members
︎Rosewood Chinese Cuisine (463 Dundas West Street
🏮️ 5 Lanterns designed by Paddy Leung
🏮️ 90 artwork made by the community members
︎Uncle Otis (329 Spadina Avenue)
🏮️ 2 Lanterns designed by Paddy Leung
🏮️ 36 artwork made by the community members
Artist Statement
Yue Moon II was inspired by traditional palace lanterns, which are created by assembling multiple panels into a single, cohesive structure. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I reimagined the project to engage participants online, making it accessible while maintaining the spirit of collaboration and creativity.
Participants were invited to design artwork for the lantern panels from home, using materials they could easily gather. Meegan and I demonstrated simple art techniques through online workshops, guiding participants to create designs inspired by the zodiac signs while learning about East Asian arts and cultural traditions. Submissions were collected digitally, and each piece was carefully printed and affixed to its own panel.
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, I worked with a small team to construct the lanterns and assemble the panels into a unified installation. This process balanced technical care with artistic vision, allowing the lanterns to shine as both a collaborative artwork and a symbol of connection.
Yue Moon II celebrates creativity, cultural heritage, and resilience, offering a shared space for reflection, learning, and joy even in times of physical separation.
︎Yummy Yummy Dumplings & Lait Night (79/81 Huron St.)
🏮️ 13 Lanterns designed by Paddy Leung
🏮️ 234 artworks made by the community members
︎Rosewood Chinese Cuisine (463 Dundas West Street
🏮️ 5 Lanterns designed by Paddy Leung
🏮️ 90 artwork made by the community members
︎Uncle Otis (329 Spadina Avenue)
🏮️ 2 Lanterns designed by Paddy Leung
🏮️ 36 artwork made by the community members
Artist Statement
Yue Moon II was inspired by traditional palace lanterns, which are created by assembling multiple panels into a single, cohesive structure. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I reimagined the project to engage participants online, making it accessible while maintaining the spirit of collaboration and creativity.
Participants were invited to design artwork for the lantern panels from home, using materials they could easily gather. Meegan and I demonstrated simple art techniques through online workshops, guiding participants to create designs inspired by the zodiac signs while learning about East Asian arts and cultural traditions. Submissions were collected digitally, and each piece was carefully printed and affixed to its own panel.
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, I worked with a small team to construct the lanterns and assemble the panels into a unified installation. This process balanced technical care with artistic vision, allowing the lanterns to shine as both a collaborative artwork and a symbol of connection.
Yue Moon II celebrates creativity, cultural heritage, and resilience, offering a shared space for reflection, learning, and joy even in times of physical separation.
In Partnership with
Project Partnerships
Generously funded by
