The exhibition curator Zhu Yanan introduces works at Pingshan Art Museum. Photos from the art museum.

The exhibition “Being Nearby: Contemporary Art and Social Organizations in Practice” adopts anthropologist Xiang Biao’s concept of “the nearby” as its guiding theme, showcasing social welfare practices alongside contemporary artworks. It features works by 10 artists and materials from nine nonprofit organizations, creating a space for dialogue between the two fields and centering on shared social concerns and care for both individuals and communities.

Visitors are invited to move through familiar neighborhoods and into the natural wilderness, observing the growth and habits of plants and animals; to hear roosters crowing and dogs barking in rural areas, the hum of machinery in factories, and the voices that convey the lived experiences of people across professions, environments and ages. Regardless of distance, all people and living beings are part of our “nearby.”

Works on display.

Xiang’s notion points to how our attention is often absorbed by daily chores and impractical concerns, causing us to overlook the vivid, concrete individuals around us. The idea has resonated strongly with young people, sparked lively discussion, and drawn responses from scholars across disciplines. In a society that prizes rationality and efficiency, many feel weary and powerless in the face of persistent challenges, but recognizing that others share similar anxieties and confusions, connection becomes possible.

Building on this concept, the exhibition highlights the humanistic commitment shared by artists and nonprofit workers. Their practices — rooted in care — seek to observe, document and intervene in the realities around them. By witnessing artistic expression and social work initiatives, visitors may find renewed courage, reorient their perspectives, and open new pathways forward.

Scenes at the exhibition.

Dates: Through Nov. 2

Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Mondays

Tickets: Free, no reservations are necessary

Venue: Pingshan Art Museum, Pingshan District (坪山区坪山美术馆)

Metro: Line 14 to Pingshan Square Station (坪山广场站), Exit D1

SkyShuttle: Line 1 to Culture Center Station (文化聚落站), Exit A