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Celebrating Artistry and Tradition: The Cyprus Future Heritage Competition

The BE OPEN Foundation proudly announces the launch of the Cyprus Future Heritage Competition, aimed at young artisans, artists, and designers. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Cyprus, this annual international competition seeks to honor and revitalize the island's age-old weaving and embroidery traditions. In association with the Cyprus Handicraft Service and the Society of British and International Interior Design (SBID), this initiative is not only a competition but a celebration of cultural heritage and contemporary creativity.

A Call to Young Creatives

Open to designers, artisans, and fine artists aged 18 to 30, the competition encourages submissions from those working with traditional techniques based in Cyprus. Running until October 31, 2025, this event invites participants to explore the intersection of heritage and innovation as they reinterpret centuries of craft for today’s audience.

The relevance of the submissions will be judged by an esteemed jury composed of experts in traditional crafts and members from various international creative fields. This ensures a comprehensive assessment, focusing not only on creativity but also on the cultural significance and potential to inspire future practices.

The Judging Process and Prizes

The selection process is set to unfold in stages. Shortlisted applicants will be announced in November, followed by the announcement of three grand winners by the end of December this year. The winners will receive completely funded internships and workshops organized by the BE OPEN Foundation and SBID, an opportunity to work alongside industry professionals and broaden their scope of practice.

Elena Baturina, the founder of BE OPEN, expresses her excitement regarding the competition: “It is a joy and honor to explore the incredibly profound context of Cyprus's artisanal history through the eyes of younger artists and makers. We are excited to see how a creative mind can interpret, transform or introduce centuries of tradition into objects and decorations relevant for the contemporary scene.” Her vision underscores the goal of bridging the past with the future, showcasing that creativity rooted in tradition has the potential to flourish.

Engaging the Youth

With this initiative, BE OPEN aims to foster a deeper engagement of Cyprus's youth with cultural and artistic endeavors. Following previous initiatives, including art exhibitions and educational conversations about craft entrepreneurship, this competition further solidifies the foundation's commitment to education and creativity within the community.

Through this competition, young artisans are afforded a platform to not only display their talents but also to contribute to the ongoing dialogue about cultural heritage in the modern world. This provides a unique lens through which the complexities of tradition and innovation can be appreciated.

Conclusion

The Cyprus Future Heritage Competition stands as a beacon for young creatives, offering a chance to explore, celebrate, and innovate traditional arts in an increasingly homogenized global setting. The opportunity to win internships and workshops is an enticing incentive, but the real prize lies in the journey of discovery and connection to Cyprus's rich heritage. This initiative heralds a future where tradition is not merely preserved but is dynamically reinterpreted, ensuring that Cyprus’s artistic legacy continues to thrive through the talents of the next generation.

As the deadline approaches, excitement builds for what promises to be a groundbreaking showcase of youthful creativity and cultural reverence. Join us in witnessing how young artists transform the threads of history into vibrant stories for the future.