BE OPEN Launches Competition to Celebrate Cyprus Heritage
BE OPEN Foundation has introduced the Cyprus Future Heritage Competition, aimed at uplifting the talents of young artisans, artists, and designers. This exciting initiative is organized in partnership with the local Handicraft Service and the Society of British and International Interior Design (SBID). The competition serves as a platform for young individuals to showcase their skills while preserving the rich traditions of Cyprus.
A Celebration of Traditional Arts
The competition focuses specifically on the traditional weaving and embroidery arts of Cyprus, encouraging participants to not only preserve these cultural techniques but also to reimagine them in a contemporary context. This approach enables a bridge between the age-old crafts and modern-day artistic expressions.
Who Can Participate?
Motivated young creators aged 18 to 30 who are based in Cyprus will have the opportunity to enter the competition until the submission deadline. They are welcomed to present their innovative works that highlight Cyprus’s rich heritage. The foundation aims to involve young creators actively in artistic projects, fostering a greater appreciation for their cultural roots.
Submission and Selection Process
Entries will be accepted until a set deadline, with shortlisted candidates being announced in November. The winners will be chosen by a distinguished panel consisting of experts specialized in traditional crafts and international creative industries. This jury will evaluate submissions based on their cultural relevance, creativity, and ability to connect traditional techniques with modern design.
Prizes and Opportunities for Winners
The successful participants will be rewarded with fully-funded internships and workshops orchestrated by BE OPEN and SBID, offering them invaluable experience and exposure in their fields. These prizes are designed to encourage emerging talents and provide them with the tools to advance their careers in the creative industries.
Elena Baturina's Vision for Cypriot Heritage
Elena Baturina, founder of BE OPEN, expresses her passion for this initiative, stating how it allows young artists to delve into the rich context of Cypriot craftsmanship. Baturina envisions this competition as a way for emerging creators to interpret and present long-standing artisanal traditions through their unique lenses, ultimately connecting the past with the future.
Previous Initiatives by BE OPEN
BE OPEN Foundation has a storied history of engaging with the youth through artistic ventures. The foundation previously organized an art exhibition that was part of its Regional Art program and held various masterclasses aimed at teaching schoolchildren about craft-based entrepreneurship. These endeavors demonstrate BE OPEN's commitment to cultural preservation and the encouragement of creative exploration among younger generations.
Supporting Cyprus’s Creative Future
This competition not only honors the island’s artistic legacy but also actively involves youth, enhancing their skills in creativity and craftsmanship. BE OPEN is dedicated to ensuring that the future of Cypriot arts is bright by promoting innovative thinking among its young population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Cyprus Future Heritage Competition?
The competition aims to celebrate and preserve Cypriot traditions in weaving and embroidery, while encouraging young artists to reimagine these techniques.
Who can participate in the competition?
Young artisans, designers, and artists from Cyprus aged 18 to 30 are eligible to enter the competition.
What are the prizes for the winners?
Winners will receive fully-funded foreign internships and workshops organized by BE OPEN and SBID.
When will the winners be announced?
The winning entries will be revealed at the end of December following the submission deadline.
How has BE OPEN previously supported youth in the arts?
BE OPEN has hosted art exhibitions and masterclasses focused on entrepreneurship for schoolchildren, aiming to engage them in craft and creativity.
