Jump to the main content block


[CM NEWS] Exploring the Art of Local Engagement: NSYSU USR Team Delves into "Art and Community Co-Creation"

ImgDesc
Tour guide Lin Pei-Jen providing an explanation of the Chenglong community's art projects
Tour guide Lin Pei-Jen providing an explanation of the Chenglong community's art projects
The 2021 art installation, "Together, Open a Window"
The 2021 art installation, "Together, Open a Window"
A view of the "Regeneration" art installation as seen from the perspective of "Connection"
A view of the "Regeneration" art installation as seen from the perspective of "Connection"
Group photo captured in front of the "Connection" art installation
Group photo captured in front of the "Connection" art installation
Executive Director Hsiang Chia-Hung of Spark Taiwan Studio leading a guided tour
Executive Director Hsiang Chia-Hung of Spark Taiwan Studio leading a guided tour
The "Fortunate Dragon of Shuishang" art installation in Shuishang Township
The "Fortunate Dragon of Shuishang" art installation in Shuishang Township
Business management students appreciating the "Fu, Lu, Shou" art installation
Business management students appreciating the "Fu, Lu, Shou" art installation

Group photo taken in front of the "Open Guardians" art installation

 

Amid the interplay of globalization and localization, Taiwan’s unique approach to community empowerment offers an exceptional opportunity to explore local characteristics and promote cultural sustainability. By integrating diverse participation methods and innovative practices, local residents and professional teams collaborate to craft distinctive narratives that reflect the identity of their communities.

Since its inception in 1994, Taiwan’s community empowerment initiative has evolved over three decades, embracing multifaceted approaches ranging from cultural heritage research to the development of community industries. Among these methods, artistic participation has emerged as a vital tool for community building. To explore the methodologies and potential of art-driven community co-creation, the NSYSU College of Management’s USR program, “Collaborative Innovation and Cross-Domain Practice: Building a Platform for Sustainable Local Collaboration,” organized visits to two significant initiatives: the “Chenglong Wetlands International Environmental Art Project” in Yunlin County and the “2024 Re: Chiayi Art Action in Countryside” in Chiayi County.

In Chenglong, the team investigated how a community facing development challenges initiated art projects to address local issues. Conversely, the Chiayi initiative featured insights from Hsiang Chia-Hung, Executive Director of Spark Taiwan Studio, who highlighted the role of art in telling local stories and fostering meaningful engagement between art and community.

In Yunlin County’s Kouhu Township, Lin Pei-Jen, a guide from the Chenglong Community Development Association, presented a series of photos illustrating the transformation of the area. Decades of excessive groundwater extraction and natural disasters caused severe land subsidence, turning once-fertile farmland into an inland wetland. The Guantree Education Foundation intervened, launching the “Chenglong Wetlands International Environmental Art Project” more than a decade ago. Through artistic creations, residents reconnected with the wetlands and initiated independent art projects such as “Connection” and “Regeneration.”

Research assistant Chiu Yu-Ting noted, “This case vividly demonstrates the impact of climate change—it’s a question of whether we choose to address it. I deeply admire the community’s dedication to preserving these artworks while protecting the wetland environment.” Professor Chen Hung-Hsing from the Institute of Arts Management added, “While art helps residents reconnect with their land, it alone cannot fully address broader challenges like population aging and industrial development. These issues require more comprehensive solutions.”

The Chiayi initiative, commissioned by the Chiayi County Cultural and Tourism Bureau and organized by Sparkle Studio, adopted a “rotational hosting” concept. This initiative connected 18 townships along the Bazhang River, with this year’s focus on Shuishang Township, Taibao City, Budai Township, and other areas. Local communities provided their own perspectives, collaborating with artists to create works rooted in their unique narratives.

During a guided tour led by Hsiang Chia-Hung, the NSYSU team explored Chiayi’s distinctive rural stories through art. Hsiang emphasized, “Artistic initiatives should extend beyond the artists themselves to include active participation from community residents.” Dai Yu-Jen, a business management student, shared her reflections, stating, “The artworks not only tell local stories but also highlight the distinct personalities of the artists.”

Through these contrasting experiences, Professor Chun-Ying Wei from the Graduate Institute of Arts Management and Entrepreneurship remarked, “This visit illuminated the principles of land art and environmental art while showcasing how various organizations foster interactions between art and communities. The experiences of collaborative creation with residents offer valuable insights.” Cheng Yu-Han, a doctoral student in public affairs, compared the cases to Japan’s Echigo-Tsumari Art Field, observing, “Taiwan has abundant artistic talent but appears to lack external connections. Unlike Japan, which attracts visitors year-round, these projects seem to draw fewer outside audiences—an area worth improving.”

Professor Jui-Kun Kuo, Associate Dean of the College of Management provided a historical overview of Taiwan’s integration of art festivals with community empowerment. He emphasized the significance of these initiatives, stating, “With limited cultural venues in rural areas, encouraging residents to engage with art museums or galleries is challenging due to financial and logistical constraints. Artistic initiatives like these enhance public participation, offering broader access to art and fostering deeper connections with local culture.”

He concluded with aspirations for the USR team, hoping the insights gained would inspire actions tailored to local needs. By focusing on initiatives with significant social impact, the team can contribute to promoting sustainable practices and effectively fulfilling social responsibilities.

(Provided by USR & CSR Team / Edited by College of Management Media Team)

Click Num: