Creative Academy
A certificate programme designed to catapult younger creatives to the next level of their careers
This is your chance to learn firsthand from the world’s greatest creative minds.
Our industry’s going through a massive transformation: generative AI has changed how we do things. What’s more, creatives are being asked to produce more and more content – in less and less time. If you’ve got questions about how to navigate this shifting landscape...you’re not alone.
In this course, you’ll have the opportunity to get advice from the world’s best creative thinkers on the things that matter most to you.
When was the last time you invested in your creativity?
What’s the Creative Academy?
A year’s worth of knowledge. Packed into one week.
Each year, we invite some of the world’s most inspiring talent to sit down and share their expertise with you. But don’t expect lectures. The brief we give our instructors is to challenge you – and they expect you to challenge them back.
Who’s going to be there?
World-renowned CEOs. Chief creative officers. Artists, actors, directors, journalists. A range of creative superstars, all ready to join you in intimate sessions and inspire you with their groundbreaking ideas.
What am I going to learn?
Our programme changes every year – but we always build it based on four themes:
- career development and leadership
- wellbeing and resilience
- craft, the work and creative skills
- new technology and tools.
Who’s it for?
To join our programme, you must:
- be aged 30 or under (born on or after 26 June 1995)
- work full time in a creative role and have at least 2 years of full-time experience.
All creatives are welcome – art directors, copywriters, graphic/UX designers, creative strategists, directors, PR, creative technologists, freelancers, etc.
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.
2025 Speakers
Andy Del Rosario
Andy Del Rosario
Associate Creative Director
McCann Worldgroup Philippines
Chris Graves
Chris Graves
Chief Creative Officer
Team One
David Shing
David Shing
Digital Prophet
Shingy
Helen Tiffany
Helen Tiffany
CEO
The Coach House
Jaime Robinson
Jaime Robinson
Co-Founder and CCO
JOAN
Jason Bagley
Jason Bagley
Founder
The Audacious School of Astonishing Pursuits
Joana Mendes
Joana Mendes
CCO
Jungle Kid
Judy Lee
Judy Lee
Sr Director, Global Brand Experiences
Mark Miller,
Mark Miller,
Chief Strategy Officer
Team One
Mike Barrett
Mike Barrett
Co-Founder
Supergood
Natalia Talkowska
Natalia Talkowska
Founder and CEO
Natalka
Pete Little
Pete Little
Chief Creative Officer
Publicis Groupe Africa
Sandrine Le Goff
Sandrine Le Goff
Executive Creative Director
LePub Amsterdam
Stephen Rogers
Stephen Rogers
Group Creative Director
Droga5
Xanthe Wells
Xanthe Wells
VP of Global Creative
How do I apply?
To join the 2026 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 2026 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 there are limited spaces available in each round of applications. We will close to all new applications on 15 April 2026.
How much does it cost?
The fee for successful applicants is €2940 + sales tax.
Got questions about the Academies? Get in touch with us at academies@canneslions.com.
What happens after I apply?
The Academy Dean, together with the LIONS team, reviews every application carefully to determine the applicants who can attend the programme.
There are five rounds of application reviews, with a limited number of spaces available in each round.
Round 1 deadline: 2 November 2025 (up to 10 spaces available) Round 2 deadline: 16 December 2025 (up to 10 spaces) Round 3 deadline: 31 January 2026 (up to 5 spaces) Round 4 deadline: 10 March 2026 (up to 5 spaces) Round 5 deadline: 15 April 2026 (up to 5 spaces)
We’ll contact you within two weeks after the application deadline 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.
The Creative Academy is truly a once-in-a-lifetime learning experience. Did I learn about advertising? Yes, but I learnt a great deal about other people and cultures far different to mine, which is of course the best thing any student looking to expand their creativity can learn about.
Michelle Melky
Global Creative Director
Amplify, Australia
The Cannes Lions Creative Academy is a rare opportunity to broaden our perspective not only on advertising, but on life as a whole. The programme is carefully prepared by a dedicated team, who bring in amazing speakers leading diverse and insightful discussions.
Maria Fiuza
Senior Copywriter
Droga5, Brazil
If you want to get inspiration and food for thought for 100 years ahead, grow as a professional in 5 days and find tons of incredible new friends from all corners of the world – the Creative Academy is for you!
Liza Popova
Visual Artist, Banda Agency
Ukraine Creative Academy Scholarship Winner
The Cannes Lions Creative Academy has been transformative. The fresh perspectives and firsthand practical insights from quite literally the best in the business have been invaluable. It has already had a significant impact on how I approach my work, and crucially, it's given me the confidence to act on these learnings.
Olivia Phillips
Creative Strategist
StrategiQ Marketing Limited, United Kingdom