The 2025 ERA Programme cohort is confirmed

LIONS has selected its cohort for the 2025 ERA Programme. Designed to foster a diverse and inclusive representation of talent within the creative industry, the Equity, Representation and Accessibility (ERA) Programme gives recipients the opportunity to experience Cannes Lions, engage with the global industry and celebrate groundbreaking creativity. The 72nd edition of the Festival takes place from 16 to 20 June in Cannes, France.

For the 2025 programme, LIONS has allocated €2m worth of complimentary Festival passes, with a focus on the Global South, to individuals and communities from 28 countries: Argentina, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Honduras, India, Ireland, Kenya, Mainland China, Mexico, Mongolia, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Romania, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Virgin Islands (US) and Zimbabwe.

The programme will see organisations such as OcupaTrans | Pingado Áudio and Publicitários Negros from Brazil, and Publicitarias from Argentina return to the Festival, as well as new recipients from Be Flamingo, Bergast House, Maison Foundation, Milk Honey Bees, Roots2market, The Step Up Sorority, Utopia Lab Co., Ltd and more.

Frank Starling, Chief DEI Officer, LIONS said: “For its second year, our ERA community once again brings an incredible breadth of individuals and companies to the Festival - all of them driving progress across the spectrum of creativity. With priority given to the Global South, the Festival will see greater diversity in voices and perspectives, showcasing the impressive creative talent, businesses and organisations from the region. As we work towards creating equitable access to the unique opportunities the Festival offers, the ERA Programme plays an important role in delivering an inclusive Festival. That is why we have doubled its funding to extend its reach, providing more opportunities for underrepresented talent and underserved communities. We look forward to welcoming the 2025 cohort to Cannes, who will enrich the Festival offering and help drive greater representation within the global industry.”

Further information on the ERA Programme is available here. Information on LIONS Scholarship and Funding initiatives can be found here.