Creative Academy
A certificate programme designed to catapult younger creatives to the next level of their careers
The search is on for the next 30 creatives who will learn firsthand from the world’s greatest creative minds and industry leaders.
Academy overview
Our classroom is a private learning space exclusively for the Academy. We invite the world's most inspiring talent to sit down and share their brilliance with you. Instructors are briefed to challenge you and expect to be challenged back.
You’ll get intimate sessions with world-renowned CEOs, CCOs, artists, actors, directors, journalists and creative superstars. Expect to be propelled by groundbreaking ideas and build a world-class network.
2024 Programme Themes
Themes of the programme will include:
- the multi-hyphenated creative
- the importance of play
- the art of collaboration
- how great work sells itself.
Who's it for?
To join our programme, you must:
- be aged 30 or under (born on or after 21 June 1993)
- work full time in a creative role and have at least 2 years of full-time experience.
We encourage all creatives to apply, including but not limited to art directors, copywriters, graphic/UX designers, directors, journalists, PR, creative technologists and freelancers.
Please note that the programme is delivered in English. Only apply if you’re confident you’ll be able to participate in all discussions and collaborate with other programme participants.
Past Speakers
Nick Law
Nick Law
Will.i.am
Will.i.am
Joana Mendes
Joana Mendes
Helen Tiffany
Helen Tiffany
Luis Camano
Luis Camano
Lucas Heck
Lucas Heck
Louis Theroux
Louis Theroux
Katty Kay
Katty Kay
Kyle Gracey
Kyle Gracey
Mariana Albuquerque
Mariana Albuquerque
David Shing
David Shing
How do I apply?
To join the 2024 cohort, you’ll need to complete an application that includes:
- an essay (1000 words max.) answering the following question: What do you think is the most creative brand in the world and why?
- a video (2 minutes max.), recorded in English, telling us who you are and why you deserve a space in the Academy
- a character reference (500 words max.) by your employer, your company's talent officer, a senior executive of your company or a previous Creative Academy graduate.
Please ensure you have the funding approved to attend the 2024 Festival before applying.
To complete your application, select the Creative Academy pass and proceed to your Cannes Lions account to fill out the required information.
How much does it cost?
All applicants who purchase their pass before 28 March 2024 are eligible for the early-bird fee of €2196 + VAT. The fee for successful applicants after this date is €2745 + VAT.
Please note, applications have now closed for 2024. Sign up to our newsletter to hear more about opportunities and how to apply in 2025.
What happens after I apply?
The Academy Dean, together with the LIONS Festival Team, reviews every application carefully to determine the 30 applicants who can attend the programme.
If you’re selected, we’ll contact you directly and you’ll have two weeks to confirm and pay for your pass. Academy passes include full-week (Sunday to Friday) access to the Creative Academy.
If you have any questions about the Academies, please contact academies@canneslions.com.
Academy Dean
R. Vann Graves, Ed.D
R. Vann Graves, Ed.D
With 30 years of creative, business and executive leadership experience, Vann began his career at BBDO, starting as an intern and working his way up to VP, Creative Director. Beyond BBDO, he was the Chief Creative Officer of UniWorld Group, EVP, Global Executive Creative Director at McCann New York and a Chief Creative Officer at J. Walter Thompson. Vann currently serves as executive director of the Brandcenter at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he values the opportunity to influence stu01dent lives and the future of the creative industries on a global scale.
Along his advertising journey, Vann has worked with some of the world’s leading global brands, including Shell, American Airlines, Cigna, Lockheed Martin, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Visa, MasterCard, AT&T and GE. He has been recognised with numerous creative honors, including awards at Cannes Lions, the London International Awards, Clio, D&AD and others.
A Fulbright scholar and decorated veteran, Vann holds degrees from Howard University, the Pratt Institute, Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania.
Academy Tutor
Nikolaos Pirounakis
Nikolaos Pirounakis
The Creative Academy is a once in a lifetime, transformational experience that is more than an academic exchange of ideas but the perfect intersection between creativity, innovation, and business. You will learn directly from, and network with, industry experts to help propel you forward in your career.
Vann Graves
Creative Academy Dean