BE OPEN Foundation's Sustainable Commitment for Future Creativity and Community Support
BE OPEN Foundation's Commitment to Sustainability
During the recently concluded COP29, the BE OPEN Foundation made a significant announcement regarding its operational strategy starting in 2025. The foundation, known for its emphasis on creativity and innovation across various sectors, is now pivoting towards sustainability as a central tenet of its operations. Founder Elena Baturina expressed that, after 12 years of supporting innovative projects, the need for a broader approach to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has become evident.
In her statement, Baturina highlighted, "We have been working towards making the world a better place for over a decade, and now it's clear that sustainability must guide our future initiatives." This new direction involves expanding existing programs and introducing new initiatives that align with these goals. The BE OPEN Art online gallery will continue its valuable role in supporting emerging artists around the globe, assisting them in gaining visibility and establishing their presence within the creative community. The focus will remain on artworks that promote social awareness and provide artistic solutions to the pressing issues of contemporary society.
In 2025, BE OPEN plans to extend its regional competitions to four more regions, thus reaching a wider array of emerging artists representing various cultural identities. This expansion aims to highlight diverse talents while fostering a supportive environment that benefits all artists—whether they are established or just starting their careers. One of the key initiatives, tagged "Artists for Artists," will offer actionable insights from both successful and struggling artists, creating a mutually beneficial ecosystem centered around art and community support.
Additionally, the Community Support Fund, which was launched in 2024, aims to establish a reciprocal financial support system for artists. Monthly winners will receive cash grants sourced from the sale of selected artworks, bolstering their growth and success within the arts. BE OPEN is dedicated to empowering artists to pursue their creative journeys and simultaneously encouraging the public to engage with the art world, not merely as collectors but as advocates for philanthropic efforts in support of fellow creators.
In its quest for sustainability, BE OPEN will also revamp a segment of its gallery to specifically feature sustainable and inclusive art, supported by the online competition "Art Limitless." This will include workshops, lectures, and informational resources focused on sustainability in the arts.
The BE OPEN Academy remains at the forefront of providing a comprehensive understanding of the creative education landscape to young aspirants seeking careers in dynamic disciplines. It will now incorporate expert opinions, mentorship opportunities, and special projects to further enrich its educational offerings. Looking ahead to 2025, the academy will pay special attention to future studies and education for sustainable development. Collaboration with educational institutions will facilitate the creation of a database of courses that fulfill the educational needs of both teachers and students, integrating topics such as climate change, poverty reduction, and biodiversity into various curriculums. The goal is to utilize teaching methods that encourage students to take sustainable actions.
Furthermore, BE OPEN will continue to spearhead global design competitions encouraging youth participation to tackle real-world issues as identified by the United Nations’ SDGs. The ongoing "Designing Futures 2050" competition exemplifies BE OPEN's commitment to nurturing young creative minds and rewarding innovations geared towards transforming systems and improving environmental conditions for a fairer and more sustainable world.
With such exciting developments on the horizon, the BE OPEN Foundation is poised to make impactful strides, not only in the realm of creativity but in fostering a sustainable future through community engagement and artistic empowerment.