#Switzerland #Lugano #Community Fund #BE OPEN Art #Imile Wepener

BE OPEN Art Unveils 2024 Artist of the Year

On January 9, 2025, BE OPEN Art, the online art gallery initiative founded by Elena Baturina's BE OPEN Think Tank, proudly announced the recipient of the coveted title of Artist of the Year 2024. The award was conferred upon the exceptionally talented Imile Wepener, an artist and illustrator hailing from Johannesburg, South Africa. Imile not only received this honor by popular vote but also earned a cash prize of €1,000.

Celebrating Artistic Achievement

Imile Wepener stands out for his multifaceted skills, which include sculpture, animation, and painting. His artistic journey began at the Open Window Institute in Pretoria, where he pursued a BA in Visual Communication. Notably, he apprenticed with the renowned South African puppeteer Toby van Eck, further enriching his creative repertoire with puppet-making techniques.

Elena Baturina, the founder of BE OPEN, expressed her admiration for Wepener's extraordinary work, describing it as possessing a touch of magic. She emphasized that the BE OPEN Art community recognized the charm and depth of his creations, making him a deserving recipient of this accolade. Baturina elaborated on the project's mission to showcase remarkable young talents worldwide, providing them with the platforms needed for their artistry to resonate and impact the audience.

Monthly Artist Selection Process

For five consecutive years, BE OPEN Art invites art enthusiasts to vote for the Artist of the Month among 20 featured artists within their gallery. The artist accumulating the most votes throughout the year ascends to the illustrious title of Artist of the Year. This initiative encourages engagement among artists and art lovers, fostering a vibrant community centered around creativity and recognition.

Introducing the Community Support Fund

In addition to celebrating Imile Wepener, BE OPEN Art unveiled the Community Support Fund, an initiative launched in January 2024. This fund aims to provide grant support to all monthly winners, albeit in smaller amounts. The purpose of the fund is to establish a reciprocal financial support mechanism, enhancing communication and engagement between collectors and featured artists.

As a part of this initiative, several artists received grants to help them continue their creative journeys. The initial beneficiaries include Dora Prévost, Lisa Einkemmer, Brian Connolly, Aigerim Asanbekova, and many others, reflecting BE OPEN’s dedication to nurturing artistic talent and community cohesion.

Looking Ahead

Elena Baturina concluded her statements by expressing gratitude to all artists who exhibited their works and to the community members who voted throughout the year. With continued innovation, BE OPEN Art seeks to maintain an inspiring environment where creativity flourishes. Their commitment to supporting artists reflects a broader vision of enriching the art world and sustaining meaningful interactions among its participants.

In summary, BE OPEN Art is not just about recognizing exceptional talent; it's about fostering a supportive ecosystem where artists can thrive and connect with their audiences. As they move forward, the community can anticipate even more initiatives that continue to elevate and celebrate the transformative power of art.