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.
Youth Program Development
︎ The 519
︎ Youth Program Development & Youth Events
︎ Toronto, ON
︎ March 2022 - March 2023
Over the course of a year, Paddy Leung developed and facilitated three innovative programs serving 2SLGBTQIA+ youth ages 5-18 at The 519. This work deepened their commitment to creating accessible, affirming spaces for queer and trans young people and their families.
Leung relaunched Kids Art & Action Space (KAAS) and Youth Art & Action Space (YAAS), free drop-in programs offering mixed media arts and movement-based activities for youth ages 6-9 and 10-14 respectively. Both programs centered QTIBIPOC voices and created safer spaces for self-expression through storytelling, dance, music, and visual arts.
Final collage artworks made by YWG particpants led by Stylo Starr.They also developed the Youth Working Group, an Immigration Canada-funded art project addressing anti-bullying, anti-hate, and anti-racism. This program provided mentorship, workshops with four 2SLGBTQ+ artists, and culminated in an art showcase at Buddies in Bad Times Theater —all while ensuring youth received meals, transit tokens, and honoraria for their contributions.
Leung participated in developing the first Youth Pride hosted by The 519, inviting previous artists and facilitators to vendor tables, providing additional resources, and coordinating live performances. The Youth Working Group designed a banner that was displayed at the event.
Additionally, Leung co-facilitated Teen Clay Workshop in partnership with the Gardiner Museum, offering accessible clay-making workshops for 2SLGBTQ+ BIPOC youth and allies ages 14-18.
This experience strengthened Leung's skills in program design, community collaboration, and youth-centered advocacy within social services settings.
