BE OPEN Art Announces 2024 Artist of the Year and Community Fund Launch
In a momentous celebration of creativity, BE OPEN Art has unveiled the Artist of the Year for 2024 as Imile Wepener, a talented artist hailing from Johannesburg, South Africa. This announcement, made on January 9, 2025, is part of BE OPEN's ongoing initiative to spotlight emerging artists and engage art enthusiasts globally. Wepener's journey is a remarkable one; he holds a BA Honours in Visual Communication from the Open Window Institute in Pretoria, where he not only excelled as a student but also honed his craft under the mentorship of South African master puppeteer, Toby van Eck. This unique blend of skills—ranging from puppetry to illustration, sculpture, and painting—has led to his standout recognition as the Artist of the Month in April, culminating in this esteemed award.
Elena Baturina, founder of BE OPEN, expressed her admiration for Wepener’s enchanting artwork, stating, 'Imile Wepener's artwork has a touch of magic in it, and the visitors of BE OPEN Art appreciated that as much as we did.' This statement encapsulates the mission of BE OPEN, which is dedicated to providing a platform for remarkable young talent across the globe, aiming to grant them visibility and opportunities to impact art lovers’ lives positively.
For the past five years, BE OPEN Art has invited art aficionados to vote for their favorite artist among the twenty featured artists each month. This democratic approach culminates in the selection of the Artist of the Year based on popular votes received throughout the year. Wepener’s recognition as the 2024 Artist of the Year includes not just the honor but also a monetary award of €1000.
In addition to celebrating Wepener's accomplishments, BE OPEN Art announced the launch of the Community Support Fund, a new initiative aimed at providing financial grants to all monthly winners starting this year. This fund represents BE OPEN's commitment to public engagement, with the goal of fostering stronger connections between artists and art collectors. By introducing this innovative support mechanism, the foundation aims to invigorate the dialogue and collaboration between artists and their supporters.
The recipients of the Community Support Fund’s inaugural grants include notable artists such as Dora Prévost, Lisa Einkemmer, Brian Connolly, Esinulo Chiamaka Praise, and several others, illustrating the organization's dedication to nurturing talent in the art community. The grants, although smaller than the Artist of the Year award, reflect a significant step toward creating a sustainable ecosystem for artists to thrive.
BE OPEN’s initiatives underscore the transformative power of art and the importance of community support in the creative sector. As the art world continues to evolve, such endeavors play a crucial role in fostering not just individual artist careers but also enriching the cultural landscape at large. With this new chapter, BE OPEN Art is poised to continue its vital work in empowering artists and enhancing artistic appreciation worldwide.
This year's awards and initiatives mark another significant stride for BE OPEN Art, reinforcing its mission to be the leading platform for artists looking to make their mark in the competitive art industry. Artists like Imile Wepener nod not only to their own futures but also to the collective future of art, collaboration, and community engagement in a rapidly changing world.
Elena Baturina, founder of BE OPEN, expressed her admiration for Wepener’s enchanting artwork, stating, 'Imile Wepener's artwork has a touch of magic in it, and the visitors of BE OPEN Art appreciated that as much as we did.' This statement encapsulates the mission of BE OPEN, which is dedicated to providing a platform for remarkable young talent across the globe, aiming to grant them visibility and opportunities to impact art lovers’ lives positively.
For the past five years, BE OPEN Art has invited art aficionados to vote for their favorite artist among the twenty featured artists each month. This democratic approach culminates in the selection of the Artist of the Year based on popular votes received throughout the year. Wepener’s recognition as the 2024 Artist of the Year includes not just the honor but also a monetary award of €1000.
In addition to celebrating Wepener's accomplishments, BE OPEN Art announced the launch of the Community Support Fund, a new initiative aimed at providing financial grants to all monthly winners starting this year. This fund represents BE OPEN's commitment to public engagement, with the goal of fostering stronger connections between artists and art collectors. By introducing this innovative support mechanism, the foundation aims to invigorate the dialogue and collaboration between artists and their supporters.
The recipients of the Community Support Fund’s inaugural grants include notable artists such as Dora Prévost, Lisa Einkemmer, Brian Connolly, Esinulo Chiamaka Praise, and several others, illustrating the organization's dedication to nurturing talent in the art community. The grants, although smaller than the Artist of the Year award, reflect a significant step toward creating a sustainable ecosystem for artists to thrive.
BE OPEN’s initiatives underscore the transformative power of art and the importance of community support in the creative sector. As the art world continues to evolve, such endeavors play a crucial role in fostering not just individual artist careers but also enriching the cultural landscape at large. With this new chapter, BE OPEN Art is poised to continue its vital work in empowering artists and enhancing artistic appreciation worldwide.
This year's awards and initiatives mark another significant stride for BE OPEN Art, reinforcing its mission to be the leading platform for artists looking to make their mark in the competitive art industry. Artists like Imile Wepener nod not only to their own futures but also to the collective future of art, collaboration, and community engagement in a rapidly changing world.
Topics Entertainment & Media）
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