#CannesForAll returns to take two cohorts of diverse talent to Cannes Lions

#CannesForAll, an initiative seeking to make the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity more inclusive, is running for a second year.

The project was launched by Brixton Finishing School, DigiLearning Foundation and Lollipop Mentoring last year, and is now set to bring two separate cohorts of rising talent to Cannes Lions 2024.

According to #CannesForAll, "social mobility is at its worst for 50 years", with people in the advertising and media industry from working-class or ethnic-minority backgrounds paid substantially less than their middle-class counterparts.

Brixton Finishing School and DigiLearning are calling for funding and support to take their separate cohorts to Cannes Lions 2024.

Six people have been chosen to make up Brixton Finishing School’s Arise Future Leaders cohort, following a nationwide alumni competition [in the UK], while DigiLearning will be taking four women to the festival through its GirlRise Leadership Programme.

Ally Owen, founder of Brixton Finishing School, said: “Cannes Lions is a right of passage for future industry leaders; it’s vital that all types of talent have a chance to attend and benefit from its unique blend of networking, learning and creative inspiration.”

The money raised will be divided equally between the two organisations.

Lisa Goodchild, founder of DigiLearning, said: "In an era when only 1% of top leadership roles are occupied by working-class and ethnic females, the lack of representation not only astounds but signifies a huge loss for the creative industry."

She added that it’s “time to inspire young female future leaders, ensuring they feel empowered to claim their rightful place at the forefront of industry leadership”.

In 2023, #CannesForAll raised $$74,600 (£60,000) to take 14 women of colour to the creative festival, part of its mission to normalise representation of all voices and talents at Cannes Lions.

Frank Starling, chief DEI officer at Cannes Lions, said: “We take our responsibility as a global platform to drive change, create equal opportunities and champion equity, representation and accessibility very seriously. We’re grateful to be able to work with the #CannesForAll creators, Brixton Finishing School and the DigiLearning Foundation to provide more opportunities and access to the festival.”