BE OPEN Launches Cyprus Future Heritage Competition Celebrating Tradition and Creativity

Celebrating Cyprus Through Artistry and Tradition: The BE OPEN Future Heritage Competition

The BE OPEN Foundation, renowned for its commitment to fostering creativity among the youth, has recently unveiled the Cyprus Future Heritage Competition. This international initiative targets young artisans, designers, and artists, inviting them to celebrate and reinterpret the rich weaving and embroidery traditions of Cyprus. The competition aims not only to preserve these traditional crafts but also to inspire contemporary artistic practices.

Organized in collaboration with the Cyprus Craft Service from the Ministry of Culture and the Society of British and International Design (SBID), the competition embodies a spirit of cultural appreciation and innovation. It opens its doors to individuals aged between 18 and 30 years, residing in Cyprus. The submission period runs until October 31, 2025, a timeline that encourages budding talent to explore their creativity and cultural roots.

A Platform for Young Creatives

The competition brings forth an exciting opportunity for participants to showcase their skills in traditional techniques while also blending modern touches into their creations. Selected entries will feature in a pre-selection process in November, with the final winners chosen by an esteemed international jury. This jury consists of experts in traditional Cypriot crafts and representatives from various creative industries who will evaluate submissions based on cultural relevance and overall creativity.

The three winners of this prestigious competition will receive fully-funded scholarships to participate in workshops and internships abroad, all organized by BE OPEN and SBID, further enhancing their professional development in the field of design and arts.

Elena Baturina, the founder of BE OPEN, expressed her enthusiasm about the competition, stating, "It is a pleasure and an honor to explore the deep context of Cyprus's craft history through the lenses of a younger generation of artists and creators. We eagerly anticipate how creative minds can reinterpret and integrate centuries of tradition into objects that resonate with modern aesthetics, thereby linking the past with the future in their unique formats."

Educational Initiatives

In addition to the competition, the BE OPEN Foundation has a history of engaging Cypriot youth through educational and artistic projects. Previously, the foundation organized an art exhibition as part of its Regional Art Program and offered masterclasses on artisanal entrepreneurship aimed at schoolchildren. These initiatives highlight BE OPEN’s dedication to empowering the next generation of creatives through educational endeavors.

Overall, the Cyprus Future Heritage Competition stands as a testament to the potential of youth in bridging the gap between traditional crafts and contemporary artistry. It not only enforces the significance of preserving cultural heritage but also gives a platform for young talent to shine brightly on an international stage.

As we look forward to the submissions, it is evident that this competition will inspire a profound appreciation for Cyprus's artistic culture and showcase the creative capabilities of its future custodians.