The One Club for Creativity encourages participation in the Next Creative Leaders competition
The One Club for Creativity is calling for women and non-binary creatives to enter the Next Creative Leaders competition.
The announcement:
Now is the time for women and non-binary creatives on the rise in Australia and New Zealand to gain regional and perhaps global recognition in the Next Creative Leaders competition, from The One Club for Creativity.
Next Creative Leaders (NCL) is a portfolio competition that identifies, celebrates and gives a global platform to talented women and non-binary creatives who are making their mark on the world with both their work and a unique point of view on creative leadership that’s changing the industry for the better.
Industry leaders believe the program offers a great opportunity for young creative talent in Australia and New Zealand to gain valuable recognition and advance their careers.
“In 2015 when I was pregnant with my first child, the number of people who asked me what would happen to my business when the baby arrived was astounding. I wasn’t having a lobotomy, I was having a baby,” said Jo De Fina, Founder, Executive Producer OTTO, Melbourne. “And yet, the overarching thought was that I wouldn’t be able to manage both. So many women and non-binary creatives have been driven out of an unwelcoming industry that has been ruled by men, and yet women influence around 80% of consumer spending, it just doesn’t make sense.”
De Fina continued: “What does make sense is the Next Creative Leaders competition. Identifying, celebrating, supporting and lifting up those talented women and non-binary creative leaders who should be seen. Cos let’s face it, we all know who really runs the world! Let’s shine a light on the talent and brilliance that deserves to be recognised.”
Jenny Mak, Creative Director at Ogilvy Sydney added “It’s no secret that the advertising industry has a problem when it comes to the number of women in senior leadership roles, especially within creative departments. That’s why initiatives like Next Creative Leaders are so important. Without platforms that help elevate and make female and non-binary creative talent more visible, it’s hard to imagine how future creative leaders might look.”
“If you are an up-and-coming female or non-binary creative, I encourage you to enter,” Mak said. “If you are an established senior leader, I encourage you to nominate those at your agency or others who are eligible. Change begins with all of us actively participating in new ways to identify, celebrate and promote talent, but change doesn’t start until you do.”
“The One Club created its own Inclusion & Diversity Department more than a decade ago, and produces Next Creative Leaders because it elevates and gives voice to those who are making a real difference,” said Pat Baron, Chief Creative Office, McCann Worldgroup in Melbourne and member of The One Club International Board of Directors. “It would be terrific to see NCL honourees from Australia and New Zealand who can open the door and inspire the next generation of creatives who follow in their footsteps.”
To make Next Creative Leaders as open and accessible as possible, there is no fee to enter the competition. Entries highlighting a candidate’s creativity, leadership and unique point of view must be submitted by the July 31, 2020 deadline.
Regional honours
Also new for 2020 is the addition of Next Creative Leaders Regional Honours. Along with naming 10 global winners based upon the highest scores from judges, The One Club and The 3% Movement have expanded the program to recognise those in six regions — North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, MENA, Africa and Europe — whose work and creative vision the judges feel deserve Regional Honour accolades.
Eligible participants are those who are stepping into leadership roles, including copywriters, art directors, designers, ACDs, newly-promoted creative and design directors with less than one year in the role, and creative teams who are doing game-changing work.
Entrants are judged on four-to-six pieces of creative work, their background and information about how they — and their work — are pushing the industry forward and making a positive contribution in terms of diversity, mentoring and advocacy.
Winners will be selected by a global jury of 88 top creatives and diversity advocates from 25 countries, and announced at an upcoming event to be held in the Fall. A complete list of past NCL winners can be viewed here.
Each of the 10 global NCL winners have the opportunity to be mentored by members of The One Club National and International Board of Directors, a one-year complimentary individual membership with The One Club with opportunities to participate in future One Club awards juries, complimentary ticket to a One Club professional development conference ($1,000+ value), panels and mentorship events, and complimentary membership access to The Fellow App, a mentorship app for womxn created by freelance art director and past NCL winner Aisha Hakim.
Global winners also each get a dedicated press article and winning work showcase on The One Club website, promotion on both The 3% Movement (US program partner) and The One Club social channels, invitation to be a part of the 2021 Next Creative Leaders Jury, and a special feature on the InVisible Creatives website and Instagram account.
In typical years when the in-person 3% Conference is held in the Fall, global winners also receive a complimentary ticket to the event and a potential opportunity to speak on the Next Creative Leaders panel.
Source: The Red Republic press release
