Celebrating the Transformative Power of Regional Art: Be Open Art's Fourth Annual Competition

Celebrating Regional Voices in Art

The fourth annual BE OPEN Regional Art competition has kicked off, dedicated to supporting emerging artists from Central Europe. This remarkable initiative, founded by Elena Baturina, fosters an appreciation for cultural and regional identities through art.

From May to August 2026, the focus was on artists from the Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Each month, the competition featured artwork from twenty talented creators, offering the public a chance to vote for their favorite artist of the month. This democratic approach not only encourages community involvement but also showcases the unique artistic perspectives of different regions across Europe.

The culmination of the selection process led to the identification of four standout artists, chosen through a combination of public votes and the evaluation of an esteemed jury. This year, the jury was led by Michal Novotný, the Director of the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Prague, alongside Branka Benčić, Director of the MoMCA in Croatia, and Olga Butinar Čeh, curator from the Slovenian Association of Fine Arts.

The title of Regional Artist of the Year and a €500 scholarship were awarded to Marie Bokova, a ceramics student at UMPRUM Prague. Her compelling artwork delves into the complex connections between human stories and the natural world. By integrating materials like wood and wax with ceramics, she transforms her sculptures into a dialogue about biocentric processes and human interaction with nature.

In addition to the main award, several artists received honorable mentions. These included Bogdana Perić Milenković from Serbia, Helena Mirich from Croatia, and Lorena Iavorschi from Romania, each recognized for their unique artistic expressions.

Additionally, one special recognition was bestowed upon Ester Nemjo, a painter and illustrator based in Prague, who was personally selected by Elena Baturina. Her dreamlike narratives and symbolic landscapes explore themes of transformation, compassion, and motherhood, reflecting her signature style developed during her studies at the Academy of Art in Prague and the École des Arts Décoratifs in Paris.

BE OPEN Art plays a crucial role in promoting contemporary art and cultural exchange. By highlighting emerging talents, it contributes to the preservation and evolution of regional identities through artistic innovation. Looking ahead, the organization is set to bring the Regional Art competition to East Asia in 2026, promising to expand its mission even further.

Through initiatives like this, BE OPEN Art continues to champion the transformative power of art, emphasizing its role in bridging cultural gaps and fostering meaningful dialogue within and outside local communities. Raising awareness about these artists allows them to gain more visibility and recognition, which is crucial for both their individual careers and the broader cultural landscape.

As the competition progresses into new territories, it remains committed to its core objectives of nurturing artistic talent, celebrating diversity, and maintaining the thread of cultural narratives that define each unique regional identity. This ongoing journey is not only a celebration of creativity but also a testament to the resilience and adaptability of art in an ever-changing global environment.