Creative Country of the Year 2026
Ready to put your nation’s creativity on the map?
LIONS Creative Country of the Year is an annual accolade spotlighting one nation that uses creativity as a powerful tool for progress. Where talent, culture, and innovation combine to deliver excellence in business and beyond.
Every country has its own unique creative story, and this is your moment to tell yours. Find out more about applying for Creative Country of the Year 2026 below.
Why Apply
Being named Creative Country of the Year is a milestone achievement in a nation’s creative journey. It’s a chance to take the spotlight in front of over 13,000 global industry leaders and decision-makers from more than 90 countries.
It’s a platform to showcase your country's unique creative heritage alongside the world's most innovative minds, and highlight the government and private sector initiatives that are helping you progress even further.
Create a legacy that transforms how the world perceives your creative culture. Tap into national pride as your country's creative achievements take the global stage. Combine creative excellence and business opportunities to make history for your creative economy.
How to apply
The Creative Country of the Year application form lets you showcase your nation’s creative achievements beyond award wins. Whether it's emerging markets showing rapid growth, established markets demonstrating sustained excellence or something less tangible that taps into the cultural identity of a population. Tell us, in your own words, what it is that puts your country at the forefront of global creativity.
Who’s eligible?
Anyone can apply for Creative Country of the Year. It’s all about celebrating and amplifying creativity from every corner of the globe, so all we're looking for are inspiring and influential stories – and a demonstration of creative excellence that extends into business, culture and society as a whole.
What type of people or organisations apply?
Similarly to our eligibility criteria, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to application. Maybe you’re working for a nation’s government branch in tourism, culture or communications. You could be a representative of your country’s Public Investment Fund, National Arts Council or Economic Development Board. You could also be part of a prominent brand, agency or educational body.
As long as your work contributes to driving creative progress in your country, we want to hear from you.
Applications open | Monday 16 June 2025 Applications close | Sunday 14 September 2025
This is your moment.
For any inquiries, please contact: representatives@canneslions.com
Brazil | Creative Country of the Year 2025
Our inaugural recipient of Creative Country of the Year, Brazil, is using the honour to solidify its creative economy – positioning it as a strategic driver for social, economic and cultural growth.