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BE OPEN Regional Art: Supporting Emerging Artists in Northeastern Africa

The BE OPEN Art initiative, spearheaded by humanitarian entrepreneur Elena Baturina, has launched into its fourth year with a mission to uplift emerging artists from Northeastern Africa. This program is designed to showcase artistic talents that reflect the rich cultural and ethnic identities of the region.

A Vision for Emerging Talent

Launched in 2023, BE OPEN Regional Art has become a significant platform for new artists from various countries, including Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Libya, Egypt, and Madagascar. The selection process involves a thorough evaluation by a panel of experts who recognize those artists whose works embody the artistic traditions native to their regions. Every month, the initiative highlights 20 new artists on its online gallery, offering them vital visibility in the competitive art landscape.

As part of the competitive structure, the 'Artist of the Month' is chosen through a public voting system, enhancing community involvement and allowing art enthusiasts to engage directly with the emerging artists. From January to April 2026, the program will specifically focus on the art forms rooted in Northeastern Africa, culminating in awards that celebrate both the artists and their cultural heritage.

Elena Baturina explains, “Regional competitions help support a greater number of young talents, providing them with essential resources to help guide their careers in the arts.” The artists are not only vying for recognition but also valuable grants: the Artist of the Month can receive a financial prize of €500 at the end of the four-month competition, which recognizes a single outstanding artist as the Artist of the Region.

In addition to the monthly award, one talented artist will also be honored with a special grant of €300, designated as the Founder’s favorite, showing the commitment to nurturing individual creativity alongside community recognition.

Expanding the Artistic Frontier

Each regional phase under BE OPEN Regional Art is defined by a four-month exploration, showcasing the intricate artistry that exists across Northeastern Africa. The selection of the participating artists reflects a commitment to highlighting those who convey social messages through their works, addressing contemporary issues while celebrating their cultural legacies.

The experts behind BE OPEN Art aspire to create a space where emerging talents can thrive. By selecting artists at the beginning stages of their careers, the initiative aims to encourage them to become influential figures in the art community. This commitment to social consciousness and aesthetic solutions not only serves to promote individual artists but also brings attention to the regions they represent.

Why This Matters

The BE OPEN Art initiative is part of a larger global strategy to cultivate creativity and innovation. By focusing on artists from varied backgrounds, the initiative is fostering cultural dialogue and understanding through the universal language of art. It serves as a crucial bridge connecting audiences to the distinctive stories of Northeastern Africa’s emerging voices, reinforcing the idea that art has the power to inspire change and promote reflective conversations in society.

As this initiative continues to evolve, it remains an invitation to both artists and art lovers alike to engage, participate, and contribute to a movement that promises to redefine the portrayal of Northeastern African artistry on the world stage. Through platforms like BE OPEN Art, the voices of emerging talents will not only be heard but celebrated, ensuring that art remains a vital part of cultural identity and heritage, paving the way for future innovations in the field.

In this dynamic environment, everyone can play a role in nurturing creativity. Whether through voting, sharing works, or simply engaging with the art world, the collective effort of the community is essential to support these brilliant emerging artists on their journeys.