Aidan McNeillage, a New Zealand-born artist, has been announced as BE OPEN Art’s Regional Artist of the Month for June in the Oceania stage of the 2025 competition. Aidan has recently completed his MFA at the Elam School of Fine Arts, University of Auckland. His artistic practice is rooted in exploring themes of identity, memory, and the complexities of familial relationships. Aidan’s work has resonated with the visitors of the BE OPEN online gallery for its emotional depth and conceptual strength.
The BE OPEN Regional Art competition is open to emerging artists aged 16–30 from across Oceania—including Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and the Pacific Island nations. Each month, one artist is selected from submissions across the region.
Aidan follows April’s winner, Huriana Kopeke-Te Aho of Aotearoa (New Zealand), and May’s winner, Tania Calvo (Vanuatu), completing the trio of monthly winners. All three are now in the running to be named Regional Artist for Oceania, a title that comes with a €3,000 prize. The final selection will be announced in July, as BE OPEN continues its mission to support young artists through visibility, opportunity, and cross-cultural exchange.