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 in 2024, aimed at fostering a diverse and inclusive representation of creative talent at Cannes Lions. We’re committed to supporting underrepresented communities, so for 2026 we’re allocating a set number of complimentary Festival passes.
What does the ERA Programme include?
Successful applicants will receive all the access of a Classic pass to Cannes Lions 2026, which takes place from 22 to 26 June 2026.
Please note that the ERA Programme doesn’t include funding for travel or accommodation expenses. The ERA Programme only covers Festival entry.
Who can apply?
The ERA Programme is open to anyone to apply.
Priority will be given to:
- registered charities
- not-for-profit organisations
- diverse-owned businesses.
The 2026 ERA Programme is open to three streams of applicants:
- Individuals – applying for themselves (travel and accommodation must be self-funded).
- Grassroots / community organisations – applying on behalf of their communities, distributing passes to members.
- Charities – registered charities applying for their staff or community members.
Which track should I apply for?
Individual
Grassroots or community organisation
Registered charity
Eligibility
Applying on behalf of yourself
Application on behalf of the organisation.
Application from a registered charity.
Travel and accommodation funding stream(s)
Must be self funded or fundraised.
Self-funded, sponsor-funded or fundraised.
Funded by the charity, self-funded, sponsor-funded or fundraised.
Passes available
1-3 festival passes. Festival passes for carers or support workers, will sit outside of this allocation.
3-15 festival passes.
3-15 festival passes.
Important dates
Applications open: 7 October 2025
Applications close: 4 December 2025 (December 5th at 00:01AM GMT)
Applicants notified: week commencing 16 February 2026
What you enabled for us this year through the ERA Program, has allowed us to do something unprecedented in South Africa. Nowhere in the history of our country, let alone our region, have so many women attended The Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity! For some, this opportunity may never have arrived in their entire career life spans."
Suhana Gordhan
Chief Creative Officer, LoveSong and Founder of Open Chair
Contact information
If you have any queries, please contact ERA@canneslions.com.