In a groundbreaking move, the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has unveiled its plans for the 71st edition, set to take place from June 17–21, 2024, in the picturesque city of Cannes, France.
This year, the festival is not just about celebrating creativity; it’s about inclusivity, innovation, and empowering voices that have long been underrepresented in the global creative community.
Let’s look forward to a stronger participation from Malaysia.
Opening Doors to All: A New Era of Inclusivity
In a bid to ensure a diverse representation at the festival, a new initiative has been introduced, allowing any organisation to apply for complimentary passes. Priority will be given to registered charities, not-for-profit organisations, and those owned by underrepresented communities.
With a total value of €1 million, these passes will be allocated based on a comprehensive eligibility scoring system.
Frank Starling, Chief DEI Officer at LIONS, expressed, “This is about driving equity and increasing accessibility so that everyone in the global creative community has the opportunity to attend and benefit from the progress-driving possibilities that Cannes Lions brings on both a personal and business level.”
Applications for this groundbreaking initiative will open in December, marking a pivotal step towards creating a more inclusive and representative creative space.
A Tapestry of Pass Options: Connecting Start-Ups and Networkers
The 2024 festival will introduce additional pass options to cater to a broader audience. The Start-Up Pass aims to provide smaller businesses and individuals with an opportunity to access the festival, fostering innovation from all corners. Moreover, a new Connector Pass will be available for those attendees keen on expanding their networks.
Simon Cook, CEO of LIONS, emphasised, “We’re committed to providing greater access to Cannes Lions, addressing the different needs and circumstances of our global community.”
Call for Content: Amplifying Global Voices
This week, Cannes Lions also opened its annual Call for Content, inviting proposals from anyone, anywhere. Until January 5, 2024, applications will be accepted, reflecting the festival’s commitment to recognising creativity from diverse perspectives.
Jenni Middleton, Editor in Chief & SVP Content at LIONS, highlighted, “Creativity can come from anywhere. Our open call for content ensures that we provide a global platform, and that’s why we want our platforms to be open to as many voices as possible to come in.”
Nurturing Talent: Scholarships and Accelerators
The LIONS Scholarship, aimed at supporting the next generation of talent, will continue in 2024. This initiative offers fully funded places to 10 young individuals worldwide at the Cannes Lions Brand Marketers and Creative Academies during the Festival in June.
Past scholars, like Kateryna Kononenko, describe the experience as intense, emotional, insightful, and inspiring, echoing the transformative impact of the program.
Additionally, the Festival will welcome its 10th cohort of women into its fully funded talent accelerator program, See It Be It.
Founded in 2014, this program strives to achieve equal gender representation of creative directors and leaders across the global industry. Applications are open until January 8, 2024.
Celebrating Transformation: New Awards and Retirements
The Cannes Lions Awards, set to open submissions on January 18, 2024, will witness the launch of the Luxury & Lifestyle Lions, recognising the significant transformation and disruption in the creative marketing of brands in the luxury space.
Simultaneously, as part of the updates for next year’s Awards, the Mobile Lions will be retired, making room for fresh perspectives and innovations.
As the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity embarks on its 71st edition, it not only promises a celebration of creativity but also marks a transformative moment, breaking down barriers, embracing diversity, and shaping the future of the global creative community.
This is an invitation to be part of a movement that values every voice, cultivates talent, and sets the stage for a new era of creativity and inclusion.
