We are the Monument

The empty plinth is a poignant reminder of the people and power which have shaped our collective histories.

Curated by artist Yuen Fong Ling, We are the Monument explores the ways in which the plinth can be seen as a social, political and cultural symbol and encourages us to consider the significance of those represented on, or in opposition to, the plinth.

The exhibition includes the newly commissioned work Monumentalise (2023), a series of short films made by Ling in response to artworks and objects from Sheffield’s collections. The series was made during Ling’s residency at Sheffield Museums as part of the UAL: Decolonising Arts Institute 20/20 project. This brings together 20 artists of colour and 20 UK public art collections leading to 20 new acquisitions.

Suggested donation £5 – Please donate and help showcase homegrown creativity and bring the best in art and design to Sheffield.

Free Entry | Please Donate £5

***Graves Gallery is closed on Sat 6 Dec due to staff illness***

Opening Times

Open Tue–Sat 11am–4pm

Closed Sun–Mon and Bank Holidays

Christmas Opening Hours

Tue 23 Dec 11am–4pm

Wed 24 Dec 11am–2pm

Christmas closure: Wed 24 Dec from 2pm – Mon 5 Jan

Reopens: Thu 26 Feb – see below for more information

***The gallery will open at the slightly later time of 11.30am on Tue 16 Dec to allow for essential staff training***

***The gallery will be closed from 24 Dec 2025 and reopen on 26 Feb 2026 while we redisplay the galleries adjoining the shop and gallery entrance***

Graves Gallery

(Above the Central Library)

Surrey Street

Sheffield

S1 1XZ

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A person behind a table wearing blue gloves making an overlapping hand gesture in an L shape. On the table is a small version of a monument, with four columns surrounding a large central square tiered column topped with a sphere. — Yuen Fong Ling, Monumentalise (2023) © the artist

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