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'll 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, chief creative officers, artists, actors, directors, journalists and creative superstars. Expect to be propelled by groundbreaking ideas and build a world-class network.
Recent themes of the programme have included:
- 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 20 June 1994)
- 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.
2024’s Speakers
Adam Reeves
Adam Reeves
Chief Creative Officer
TBWA\ Group Canada
David Shing
David Shing
Digital Prophet
Shingy
Eve Rémillard-Larose
Eve Rémillard-Larose
Chief Executive Officer
TBWA\ Group Canada
Fitz Maro
Fitz Maro
Head of North America Design Technology
Amazon
George ‘Benson’ Acohamo
George ‘Benson’ Acohamo
CEO and Chief Creative Officer
BSN Creatives
Helen Tiffany
Helen Tiffany
CEO
The Coach House
Joana Mende
Joana Mende
Creative Lead
Independent
Judy Lee
Judy Lee
Sr Director, Global Brand Experiences
Lucas Heck
Lucas Heck
Creative Lead
Meta
Luis Camano
Luis Camano
Chief Creative Officer
Imper\Active
PG Aditiya
PG Aditiya
Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer
Talented.Agency
Ravid Kuperberg
Ravid Kuperberg
Partner and Trainer
Mindscapes
Vita M. Harris
Vita M. Harris
Global Chief Strategy Officer
FCB
Woei Hern Chan
Woei Hern Chan
Head of Creative
VaynerMedia APAC
How do I apply?
To join the 2025 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 2025 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.
Please note that spaces are limited and will be offered on a first come, first served basis. We’ll close applications when the class is full or on 31 May 2025, whichever is sooner.
How much does it cost?
The fee for successful applicants is €2,825 + Sales Tax @ 20%.
What happens after I apply?
The Academy Dean, together with the LIONS Team, reviews every application carefully to determine the 30 applicants who can attend the programme.
We’ll contact you within 2 weeks of your application being submitted to let you know if you’ve been accepted.
If you’re selected, you’ll then need to confirm and pay for your pass. Please note you must buy your pass within 14 days to guarantee that your place is secured. After 14 days, you can still check out but only if there’s still space available – we won’t be able to hold the seat for you in the event that the class fills up.
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.
I'm so inspired by what an unforgettable experience I had participating in this year’s Cannes Lions Creative Academy! Being part of this programme has been nothing short of transformative. The opportunity to learn, collaborate and innovate was truly invaluable. I'm more motivated than ever to expand my creative toolkit and push the boundaries of what's possible.
Teyra Anderson
Production Planner, Production Strategy
Netflix
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.
Vann Graves
Creative Academy Dean