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BE OPEN Regional Art: Nurturing Talent in Central Europe

In an exciting move to promote local artistry, BE OPEN Art, an online gallery established by the humanitarian think tank led by Elena Baturina, continues its mission of supporting emerging artists through the BE OPEN Regional Art initiative. Now in its fourth year, this program is aimed at showcasing the rich, diverse artistic talent across Central Europe by honoring those whose work resonates profoundly with their cultural and ethnic identities.

The BE OPEN Regional Art contest is set to take place from May to August 2026, emphasizing a splendid selection of artists from countries like the Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Each month, 20 new emerging artists will be introduced in the online gallery. Public voting will determine the Regional Artist of the Month, with one monthly winner being crowned as the Regional Artist, accompanied by a financial reward incentivized by the community's support.

The format for 2026 stipulates a four-month-long competition cycle for each region, culminating in a grand winner who will receive a prize of 500 euros at the end of the period. Additionally, a finalist honored as the Founder's Favorite will be awarded 300 euros. As Elena Baturina articulates, "Regional contests enhance our ability to support more young talents. We hope these additional resources will foster successful careers in the arts."

Simultaneously, the gallery continues to flourish through its regular operations, wherein experts select new artists monthly, boosting their visibility and engagement with potential audiences. Through online voting mechanisms, the Artist of the Month and Artist of the Year are determined, reinforcing the democratic choice of the community.

BE OPEN Art’s primary mission is to identify and support budding artists who prioritize social awareness in their creative expressions, contributing aesthetic solutions to contemporary global issues. The initiative heartens community involvement and aims to spotlight new influencers within the art sector, allowing voices and visions from across varied backgrounds to shine through.

BE OPEN represents a global initiative designed to foster creativity and innovation, celebrating present-day individuals and ideas that can drive tomorrow's solutions. Backed by Elena Baturina, an international businesswoman and philanthropist residing in Austria, this initiative is foundational for cultural and social engagement within the creative fields.

With the launch of the 2026 program, BE OPEN Regional Art shows a clear commitment to enriching the cultural tapestry of Central Europe. By investing in the next generation of artists, it not only supports their professional endeavors but also highlights the significant contributions of each regional culture, making art a universal connector of humanity.