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Celebrating Cypriot Craftsmanship: Cyprus Future Heritage Competition

The BE OPEN Foundation has officially initiated the Cyprus Future Heritage Competition, a global contest aimed at young artisans, artists, and designers passionate about preserving and transforming Cypriot traditions. In partnership with the Cyprus Handicraft Service under the Ministry of Culture and the Society of British and International Interior Design (SBID), this year's competition is focused on the rich artistic practices associated with weaving and embroidery native to Cyprus.

A Platform for Young Talent

The competition invites submissions from designers, craftspeople, fine artists, and traditional technique makers aged between 18 and 30, residing in Cyprus. Applications are open until October 31, 2025. In November, selected candidates will be shortlisted, and from these, three winners will be chosen by an esteemed international jury. Final results will be announced at the end of December 2025, showcasing the creativity and potential of young talents.

The judging panel will consist of experts in traditional Cypriot craftsmanship and representatives from the international creative industries. As they evaluate the entries, they will consider factors such as relevance to Cypriot heritage and the overall creative potential demonstrated in the works submitted.

Prizes and Opportunities

Winners will be awarded fully funded internships abroad and workshops organized in collaboration with BE OPEN and SBID. This initiative serves not only to reward creativity but also to provide invaluable experiences that could enhance the winners' careers in the arts and crafts sectors.

Elena Baturina, the founder of BE OPEN, expressed her enthusiasm for the competition: “It is a joy and an honor to explore the incredibly rich context of Cyprus’s artisan history through the eyes of young artists and makers. We eagerly anticipate seeing how a creative spirit can reinterpret, transform, or introduce centuries of tradition into contemporary objects and decorations. This connection between past and future is essential, and I am excited to witness entries that will deepen appreciation for Cypriot culture and its craftsmanship.”

Engaging the Cypriot Youth

The BE OPEN Foundation has a history of engaging the Cypriot youth in educational and artistic initiatives. Previously, it organized an art exhibition as part of the BE OPEN Regional Art program and co-hosted sessions and master classes for schoolchildren focused on entrepreneurship in the craft domain. Through the Cyprus Future Heritage Competition, BE OPEN continues its mission to inspire and empower the next generation of creators by emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage in contemporary practice.

Conclusion

The Cyprus Future Heritage Competition not only aims to celebrate and preserve the unique craft traditions of Cyprus but also seeks to ignite a creative dialogue among young artisans and audiences alike. This initiative highlights the essential role of cultural heritage in fostering innovative artistic expressions and encourages the youth to value and creatively engage with their cultural roots.

By participating in such initiatives, young talent can contribute significantly to the preservation and evolution of Cypriot craftsmanship, ensuring that these treasured traditions continue to thrive in the modern world.