我们赖以生存的艺术社群：论美术馆与公共参与

本文探讨了美术馆在当代社会中公共参与的角色，强调随着科技的迅猛发展，艺术与美术馆的定义与功能逐渐扩展。美术馆不再仅仅是艺术作品的存储空间，而是作为促进艺术推广和社区参与的动态平台。文章借鉴语言学经典《我们赖以生存的隐喻》，阐述了艺术如何成为我们理解生活的重要工具，并探讨科技如何改变我们与艺术的互动方式。在数字时代，个体不仅是艺术的接受者，更是创作者与传播者，网络和社交媒体让每个人都能够参与到艺术的策展和表达中。

通過对比波士顿博物馆方法与纽瓦克博物馆的运营模式，本文指出重视教育和公众参与是现代美术馆的普遍趨勢，以实现艺术的民主化与普及化。进一步探讨美术馆如何通过跨学科的艺术教育，培养具有批判性思维的观众，使他们在信息泛滥的时代仍能关注艺术文化、社会和环境问题。此外，文中以香港浸会大学的「艺术与社区」课程为例，展示了学生如何在真实展览中应用跨学科技能，促进艺术与社区的互动。

最後，论文强调美术馆作为文化培训基地的重要性，鼓励公众在社会建设中积极参与，从而推动艺术与科技的融合，创造更具活力和多样性的文化环境。通过这种方式，美术馆不仅能够提升其社会价值，还能使艺术在快速变化的文化环境中保持相关性。

This paper explores the shifting role of art museums in promoting public engagement within contemporary society. It highlights how rapid technological advancements have redefined both the meaning of art and the functions of art institutions. No longer limited to the preservation and display of artworks, art museums are evolving into dynamic platforms that facilitate artistic exchange and community involvement.

Drawing on conceptual frameworks from Metaphors We Live By, the study examines how art operates as a medium for interpreting lived experiences and how technology is reshaping the way people interact with art. In the digital era, audiences are increasingly active participants—creating, sharing, and curating content via online platforms and social media, thereby transforming curatorial practices and broadening access to artistic expression.

The paper compares the operational approaches of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the Newark Museum to highlight a growing institutional focus on education and public outreach. This trend reflects a broader movement to democratize art and foster inclusivity. Further, the research investigates how interdisciplinary art education nurtures critically engaged audiences who are equipped to address complex cultural, social, and environmental issues in the age of information overload.

As a case study, the paper presents the “Art and Community” course at Hong Kong Baptist University, which empowers students to apply cross-disciplinary skills in real-world exhibition settings. This initiative exemplifies how academic programs can bridge the gap between art and the public, fostering meaningful dialogue with local communities.

In conclusion, the paper positions art museums as vital cultural incubators that champion public participation and the integration of art and technology. By embracing innovation and expanding their societal role, museums can enhance their cultural relevance and preserve the vibrancy and adaptability of art in an increasingly technocentric world.