Epica has kicked off its 32nd season. There will be changes.
There will be two new Grands Prix:
The Responsibility Grand Prix will applaud the best public interest work. It is supported by ACT Responsible, which supports cause-related advertising.
Epica’s editorial director Mark Tungate, explained, “Our jury clearly want to reward this kind of work as four of the six Grand Prix last year, including an additional film prize, went to cause-related campaigns. In 2018, in order to properly celebrate public interest work as well as allowing traditional brand-related campaigns to shine, we have decided to introduce a specific Responsibility Grand Prix. We’re delighted to do this with ACT.”
Isabel Kurata, ACT co-founder, added, “This new Responsibility Grand Prix will cast more light on social and environmental issues, which is part of our mission as we believe creativity has the power to overcome social, generational or cultural barriers. In these hard times it’s essential that we celebrate cause-related campaigns and encourage creative people to continue their amazing work in this field.”
The Alternative Media Grand Prix will be awarded to the most original campaign in non-traditional channels such as ambient, experiential, events and stunts.
There are also two new categories, Topical & Real Time Advertising, covering operations that react to current events. And 2018 being a World Cup year, the World Cup Advertising category returns.
Epica will hold its next jury meeting, conference and ceremony in Amsterdam from November 12 to 15. The ceremony itself will be held at the city’s KIT Royal Tropical Institute. This year’s jury president will be Tony Chambers, brand and content director of Wallpaper* magazine.
Chambers commented, “As someone who’s passionate about design, branding and communications, I’m delighted to be able to join fellow journalists in these fields to determine who’s doing the most innovative creative work right now.
“It will be a pleasure to present these and the other awards in Amsterdam, one of our favourite locations over the years due to its creative vitality.”
Epica’s sponsors and partners include Adobe, ACT, AdForum, Euronews, Lürzer’s Archive and Screen Vision Media.
Epica 32 will be open for entries from July 31 to September 30.
