The Equity, Representation and Accessibility Programme
Equitable access in action.
What is the Equity, Representation and Accessibility Programme?
The Equity, Representation and Accessibility (ERA) Programme is an initiative created by LIONS, aimed at fostering a diverse and inclusive representation of talent within the creative industry at Cannes Lions. We’re committed to supporting underrepresented communities, so for 2025 we’re allocating €2m worth of complimentary Festival passes, with a focus on the Global South.
What does the ERA Programme include?
The programme gives you access to Cannes Lions 2025, which takes place from 16 to 20 June. It offers you the opportunity to experience the Festival in person and celebrate the world’s best creativity with your global industry peers. The ERA Programme only covers Festival entry and doesn’t include funding for travel or accommodation expenses.
Who can apply?
The ERA Programme is available to any organisation, community or individual that promotes diversity and inclusion within the creative industry. Priority will be given to:
- registered charities
- not-for-profit organisations
- diverse-owned businesses.
How do you select who gets to join the programme?
Applications are assessed based on the responses provided, with a set number of points being allocated depending on the answers. Each application is then given a score based on its total point allocation. The minimum qualifying score is 250 points, with the maximum set at 430.
Based on this score, applicants are placed into a specific band, which determines their priority for acceptance onto the ERA Programme.
Bandings
390+ points – Band 1 (40% of allocation)
350–390 points – Band 2 (30% of allocation)
300–350 points – Band 3 (20% of allocation)
250–300 points – Band 4 (10% of allocation)
0–250 points – wouldn’t qualify.
Discretion
We’ll allocate the majority of passes based on the points system to ensure transparency. Final decisions will be made at the discretion of the panel. These discretionary decisions will consider exceptional cases that bring unique value to Cannes Lions – aligning with our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We reserve the right to overrule our own rules if we need to, which is consistent with all our eligibility rules across the Festival.
Important dates
Applications open: 3 October 2024
Applications close: 16 January 2025
Applicants notified: 22 January 2025
“With the ERA Pass, we were able to bring along a diverse cohort of first-time attendees from various backgrounds. Sharing the experience of Cannes Lions with them was truly transformative. It fostered a rich environment of learning, networking, and growth, which will undoubtedly have lasting positive effects on our organisation and the creative industry as a whole.
Dionna Dorsey
CEO and Co-Founder
The Creative Ladder
The ERA Programme Entry Kit
We’ve put together an ERA Programme Entry Kit to help you navigate the questions and key phrases in the application form. Our goal is to ensure that all applicants feel supported in sharing their mission and passion for the creative industry.
Contact information
If you have any questions that weren’t addressed in the FAQs or need assistance with your application, please contact Maxine Duggins, DEI Project Executive, at maxined@canneslions.com.