#Cyprus #BE OPEN #Lugano #Elena Baturina #Cyprus Future

Cyprus Future Heritage Competition

The BE OPEN Foundation has recently announced the launch of the Cyprus Future Heritage Competition, a pioneering international contest aimed at young artisans, artists, and designers. This initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Cyprus Handicraft Service of the Deputy Ministry of Culture and the Society of British and International Interior Design (SBID), seeks to celebrate and renew the rich weaving and embroidery traditions of Cyprus.

A Focus on Tradition and Innovation

The competition, which closes for entries on October 31, 2025, targets young artisans and fine artists aged 18 to 30 residing in Cyprus. It encourages participants to draw on the island’s cultural heritage while integrating contemporary artistic expressions into their work. By doing so, the competition aims not only to preserve these invaluable traditions but also to inspire a new wave of creative practices among young Cypriots.

Shortlisted submissions will be assessed in November, with three finalists to be announced in late December 2025. The selection committee will comprise experts in traditional crafts and notable figures from international creative sectors. The judging will focus on several criteria, including the relevance to Cyprus's heritage and the overall creative merit of each submission.

A Rewarding Experience for Winners

The three winning entries will receive fully covered internships and workshops abroad, facilitated by BE OPEN and SBID. These opportunities aim to further the winners' artistic development and expand their exposure to international practices in design and craftsmanship.

Elena Baturina, the founder of BE OPEN, expressed her excitement about this initiative: "It is a joy and honor to explore the incredibly profound context of Cyprus's artisanal history through the eyes of younger artists and makers. We are excited to see how a creative mind interprets, transforms, or introduces centuries of tradition into objects and decorations suited for the contemporary scene, thus connecting the past and the future in their unique formats."

Previous Initiatives by BE OPEN

This competition is just one of many programs that BE OPEN has undertaken to engage the youth of Cyprus in educational and artistic projects. In the past, the foundation has organized art exhibitions as part of its Regional Art Programme and has conducted masterclasses focusing on entrepreneurship within craft. These efforts not only enrich the local culture but also empower young creatives to explore their potential and develop their skills in meaningful ways.

Conclusion

As the contest unfolds, it stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to promote and sustain Cyprus's rich heritage. The Cyprus Future Heritage Competition not only preserves age-old crafting techniques but also fuels the creative spirit of the next generation. Through this unique platform, young participants are invited to reimagine traditions, ensuring that the cultural narratives of Cyprus continue to evolve and inspire.

For more details regarding submissions and guidelines, prospective participants should visit the official BE OPEN Foundation website. This initiative promises to foster a dialogue between historical craft and contemporary art, connecting the vibrant cultural heritage of Cyprus with the innovative possibilities of the future.