Celebrating Inclusivity in Arts: Winners of the Art Limitless Competition Announced

The BE OPEN Foundation proudly declares the winners of the Art Limitless competition, a new initiative aimed at promoting inclusivity within the arts. Launched as part of the BE OPEN Art online gallery, this program showcases various artistic endeavors and highlights the importance of acceptance and understanding within society.

In 2025, the focus for Art Limitless was on artists with disabilities, an initiative aimed at showcasing their exceptional talent and creativity. The program included multiple facets such as competitions, webinars, and masterclasses dedicated to sustainability and self-expression through art. This collective effort aimed to foster a sense of community and dialogue around the intersection of creativity and inclusivity.

Running from May to October 2025, the competition engaged the BE OPEN expert community, who evaluated and selected pieces that encapsulated the spirit of creativity while advocating for inclusivity. Each month, featured artworks were showcased in the online gallery, culminating in a public voting process to award the Artist of the Month. It is from this dynamic pool of talent that the competition's winners have emerged.

The main prize of 1,000 euros has been awarded to Ash Milne, a multidisciplinary artist whose work decisively centers on themes of identity, self-acceptance, and queer joy. Ash's high-contrast paintings challenge societal norms and kindle visibility for marginalized identities and experiences. As a committed student currently enrolled in Sheridan’s Visual and Creative Arts program, Ash’s journey exemplifies the power of art as a vehicle for self-advocacy and transformative dialogue.

In addition to Milne's achievement, the 500-euro Founder's Choice grant was awarded to Fotini Michalidi, a talented visual artist and curator from Cyprus. Michalidi’s vibrant and thought-provoking work explores notions of embodiment and memory through various mediums, including painting and installation. As a disabled artist and board member of the Cyprus Myopathy Association, she employs her art to educate and challenge prevailing perceptions about disability, making her contributions crucial in the quest for a more inclusive representation in the arts.

Another deserving recipient is Alexis Neumann, whose experimental installations and mixed media works garnered a 300-euro grant. An artist, scholar, and curator from the US, Neumann’s creations draw on her personal experiences with multiple invisible illnesses, speaking powerfully to themes of interconnectedness and resilience. Her work navigates the complex intersections of Disability Studies, Theology, and Intersectionality, thereby enhancing the conversation around inclusivity and visibility in contemporary art.

Elena Baturina, the Founder of BE OPEN, reflected on the competition's success, emphasizing the role of inclusive arts as a crucial tool for societal transformation. She stated, “As an important artistic tool, inclusive arts can help people realize their creative potential, enable self-advocacy among individuals with disabilities, raise awareness and empathy, improve communication, and inspire a positive change.” Her commitment to showcasing diverse perspectives underlines the intrinsic value of these artistic expressions.

Looking ahead, BE OPEN plans to propel the dialogue around sustainable art practices with programs slated for 2026, aiming to expand the conversation on sustainability in art-making. The Art Limitless competition has not only recognized the extraordinary talents of artists with disabilities but has also sparked meaningful dialogue around inclusivity and representation in the arts.

In summary, the winners of the Art Limitless competition are not just recipients of monetary awards; they stand as beacons of inclusivity, creativity, and resilience. Their contributions enrich the arts community and remind society of the beautiful perspectives that emerge when barriers are dissolved and diverse voices are amplified.