BE OPEN Regional Art has announced new partnerships to support its Western Africa stage, strengthening a programme spotlighting emerging artists. The initiative, developed by Elena Baturina’s humanitarian think tank BE OPEN, aims to elevate regional, cultural and ethnic artistic identities.
The 2025 programme concludes by selecting artists for inclusion in the BE OPEN Art gallery, offering visibility and professional support. The Western Africa stage spans 19 territories, including Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Mali, Ivory Coast and several Atlantic island communities.
BE OPEN confirmed collaboration with the African Heritage Centre, the Society of Nigerian Artists, Association Arts Burkina and Nigeria’s National Gallery of Art. Based in Canada, the African Heritage Centre promotes African cultures through exhibitions, education initiatives and direct support for artists.
The Society of Nigerian Artists, Nigeria’s leading professional visual arts body, focuses on creative development, inclusion and national cultural pride. Association Arts Burkina represents Burkinabé artists, working to promote local art regionally and internationally across diverse creative disciplines.
Nigeria’s National Gallery of Art oversees public and private galleries nationwide, preserving and promoting the country’s modern artistic legacy. BE OPEN thanked its partners for helping connect young talents with global platforms, describing art as a shared language of identity and resilience.