In 2021 the Han Nefkens Foundation, Barcelona, partnered with Mori Art Museum, M+ Hong Kong and the Singapore Art Museum on a major new art commission of US$100,000 which will go to artist of Asian origin, nationality, or living in Asia.

Announced in November 2021, Vietnamese artist Nguyễn Trinh Thi is the inaugural winner of the Han Nefkens Foundation’s award for moving-image work by Asian artists. The artist will receive the US$100,000 and 18 months to complete a work that will be exhibited at all three partnering museums. 

“I’m excited about this new project because it allows us to broaden our scope beyond younger artists,” said Han Nefkens. “Just as important is the dialogue we’ve started with and among our partner museums,” he continued. “I’m convinced that by sharing our knowledge, expertise and our belief that art is an important catalyst for change this commission will have an impact that will not be limited to Asia.”

M+, Hong Kong, Photo by Kevin Mak, Courtesy of Herzon & de Meuron