D&AD: Creativity shows its impact as a force for good again

D&AD Impact, the result of a partnership between D&AD and Advertising Week, is in its third year. And if you don’t know about this extension to the world’s most prestigious awards programme for advertising and creativity, the world really does need you to pay attention.

D&AD Impact is a global initiative and awards programme that exists to shine a light on the power of creativity as a force for good in the world.

The D&AD Impact Awards is open for entries.

Work eligible for entry includes prototypes, campaigns, products and projects, which can be entered in a range of categories from civic engagement to diversity, environmental sustainability and responsible retail. All categories were drawn up in line with the United Nations’ Global Sustainable Development Goals.

The pricing structure has been revised to make it easier for charities, NGOs, start-ups and SMEs to enter. Entries are half price for NGOs (US$300) and only $50 for companies under three years old or with fewer than 20 employees.

Entries close on 18 July 2018. Enter here.

This year the first D&AD Impact Council has been established. It is made up of over 70 leaders from across the creative, social entrepreneur and NGO space, who have already demonstrated their drive to use human centered design, bravery and innovation to reimagine our future.

The Impact Council upholds D&AD Impact’s mission to support creativity that powers change.

D&AD Impact Council members include:

Aline Santos Farhat, SVP of Unilever
Arianna Huffington, Founder & CEO of Thrive Global
Janet Scardino, CEO of Comic Relief
Jennifer Lindenauer, CMO of Upworthy
Jesse McMillin, VP Creative Director of Lyft
Kojiro Bruce Fukushi, Creative Director of IBM
Sandra Ro, CEO of the Global Blockchain Business Council.

Tim Lindsay, chief executive officer of D&AD, explained, “We are delighted to welcome the first D&AD Impact Council, an esteemed group of business leaders who stand for positive social impact. Through their invaluable expertise, the D&AD Impact Council members will help great ideas to scale, and connect NGOs, brands and social entrepreneurs with creative practitioners in the belief that businesses with creative thinking and design excellence at their heart are more successful both commercially and in terms of their potential for social change.”

The full list of D&AD Impact Council members list is:

Dr Nelly Ben Hayoun, commented, “I’m delighted to be involved in the new D&AD Impact council alongside such an unbounded plethora of thinkers, designers and dreamers of the day; to support the mission for change and diversity in institutions and beyond, to hopefully uncover the future Willy Wonkas and the designers of experiences sitting at the edge of theatre, politics, philosophy, film and design, embarking on their quest to go above and beyond!”

Julia Plowman, Managing Director of MAL\FOR GOOD, added, “I am honoured to join the D&AD Impact Council to award brands making a positive impact on people’s lives and the planet. We are at the forefront of a new business culture where creativity can be a force for good. Today, businesses have the responsibility to put social impact at the heart of their brand and I look forward to seeing great creativity that challenges social norms and inspires us to live responsibly and equitably.”

https://youtu.be/68WDeag8s0Y

The D&AD Impact Awards 2018 will be unveiled in partnership with the 15th annual Advertising Week New York. Aside from the potential to receive a coveted White Pencil, shortlisted entrants in this year’s D&AD Impact Awards will be able to apply for the D&AD Impact Academy, a two-day masterclass programme that aims to inspire talent and provide tangible tips and tools based on the experiences of global leaders in sustainability and purpose. The D&AD Impact Council will also work with successful entrants to help bring their ideas to market.

“Now in our 15th year, we are proud to continue our partnership with D&AD Impact to further highlight work that can make for a better tomorrow while galvanizing the broader industry to take action,” stated Lance Pillersdorf, co-founder and chief operations officer of Advertising Week.

“Just as we’ve seen all facets of creativity evolve since the first Advertising Week, we are excited to take the next transformative step with the D&AD Impact Awards to not only recognize world-changing ideas, but put in place a Council and program that have the power to unlock the full potential of these ideas.”