Discover the Winners of the BE OPEN Art Oceania Regional Competition 2025

Winners of the BE OPEN Art Oceania Regional Competition



BE OPEN Art recently announced the winners of the Oceania regional stage of its annual art competition, a platform designed to support emerging artists who embody the cultural, regional, and ethnic identities of their communities. Managed by the humanitarian think-tank BE OPEN, led by Elena Baturina, this initiative has been running for three years, aimed at amplifying the voices of artists from various backgrounds and enhancing their visibility.

This year's competition included emerging talents from several countries across Oceania, including Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, and Vanuatu, among others. The process lasted three months, during which artworks from 20 artists were showcased monthly on the BE OPEN online gallery. Public voting determined the monthly winners, and those who received the highest votes were in contention for the title of Regional Artist of the Year.

Celebrating Cultural Identity Through Art



The standout artist of this stage was Huriana Kopeke-Te Aho, who received a 500 euro grant for their impressive contributions to the competition. A self-taught artist and illustrator, Huriana’s works are profoundly influenced by their Maori heritage. Through their art, they delve into themes of cultural identity and the intricate interplay between personal experience and collective narrative. Huriana’s goal is to challenge traditional artistic norms, aiming to create a meaningful representation of Maori and Pacific cultural traditions.

Elena Baturina, the founder of BE OPEN, also awarded a 300 euro grant to Tania Calvo, an emerging artist from Vanuatu, as her personal choice. Tania’s art reflects her rich and diverse cultural background, as well as her deep connection to Vanuatu's artistic legacy. Her guiding philosophy,

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