Foreign artists with children at Dongming community and the paintings they created together.
Young artists from six countries were invited to a cultural exchange and art creation project in Shanghai's Dongming Road neighborhood in the Pudong New Area.
The "Community of Co-living" project brought together six artists from the Netherlands, Ireland, Argentina, Senegal, Nigeria and Malaysia.
During the two-week event, they worked alongside local residents, exploring community life and contributing their insights and creativity for the subtle renovation of the community.
It was hosted by Shanghai University's Academy of Fine Arts and the College of International Education, and organized by the Shanghai Public Art Coordination Center (PACC).
"We eagerly anticipated the exchange of ideas and experiences between the international artists and our students," said Jin Jiangbo, executive dean of the academy.
"They contributed fresh perspectives to our public art initiatives and fostered global development in the field."
The artists visited the community and watched traditional Chinese performances. They experienced community health services, and explored resident-managed gardens and public spaces.
Foreign artists collect voices at the Dongming community for art creation.
"These common scenes are life itself, often overlooked," said Dutch artist Willem de Haan, who created a "Tour Map of Dongming" art installation.
"The high-rises, like steaming baskets for xiaolongbao (small steamed buns), solve increasing housing needs, making everyday life as diverse as the flavors of steamed buns," he added.
Irish artist Lara Gallagher said the local community was in sharp contrast with Dublin's art scene. She collected various sounds from the community for her future art creation.
Senegalese artist Amy Ndione found the project an eye-opener.
"This experience has significantly broadened my artistic horizon, akin to the diversity in Chinese cuisine, showcasing varied attitudes towards life," she said.
Ndione, alongside Malaysian artist Md Faizul Bin Khalid, created a temporary display rack modeled after xiaolongbao steam baskets for the community to showcase the collaborative works of residents and artists.
The "Community of Co-living" project marks a significant step in integrating art into community life and fostering international cultural exchanges, said Jin.
Foreign artists pose in traditional Chinese costumes at the community.