Hors Circuit was begun in September 2021 by Ogilvy Paris employees because access to the world of agencies, producers and advertisers is more complicated for those who do not have the right training, do not have a degree from a reputable school, or do not have the right professional network. It is a free competition open to to all young artists between the age of 18 and 35 living in France – directors, illustrators, motion designers, graphic designers.

The aim of the initiative by Ogilvy Paris via its its Diversity Equity & Inclusion Committee with partner, Nouvelle Cour, an agency that helps students transition into work, is to rectify the creative industry’s imbalance of working artists by creating a springboard for the emergence of talented artists without social advantages. This year it is joined by partner, Les Déterminés, which works for equal opportunities in entrepreneurship.

“Hors Circuit exists today because we are convinced that the diversity of our talent is the key to creative that transcends, surprises, and moves the lines.  And we are convinced that it is up to us to do what is necessary to identify these talents and to get them access to an industry that is far too often inaccessible,” stated Matthieu Elkaim, chief creative officer & co-president Ogilvy Paris.

“The first edition of the competition allowed us to learn, to draw lessons and, above all, to see how necessary these initiatives are, even if they are not perfect. For this second edition, we wanted to evolve the competition a little, by opening it up to the whole of France and by offering the winner the possibility of producing his or her artistic project, whatever it may be. This could be a video clip, a series of photos or a podcast. The aim is to support a personal project and to let the artist fully express his or her universe and then to help him or her get noticed.”

Hors Circuit #1 unearthed illustrator, Mélanie Gilloury (@studio.fulmine), who was entrusted with creative projects by Ogilvy and is now part of the agency’s network for future collaborations.

“Hors Circuit is particularly in line with what we advocate at Les Déterminés – Nos quartiers ont du talent (Our neighbourhoods have talent) – giving the opportunity, accompanying young people, creating bridges to free their creativity…This is what is at stake in this competition launched by Ogilvy. It is quite natural that Les Déterminés is associated with this meaningful project,” stated Moussa Camara, founder, Les Déterminés.

“Hors Circuit is totally in line with the values that Nouvelle Cour defends. It’s exciting to take part in this open and generous initiative with its ambition to contribute to the discovery of new creative talents,” added Isabelle Karastamatis, executive director of Nouvelle Cour.

Ogilvy Paris has brought together 10 jurors from different backgrounds – artists, communication experts and committed entrepreneurs. They all share the values of the Hors Circuit competition, namely equal opportunities, creativity without borders and diversity.

Hors Circuit details:

Who It’s For:
Hors Circuit is open to those who meet the following conditions of participation:
– Are an artist, creative, director, illustrator, photographer, motion designer, podcaster… – be out of the loop (e.g., less than 3 paid projects, no agent, no agency, no network, no collaboration with a brand, never exhibited…)
– Are between 18 and 35 years old and live in France.

How To Participate:
The competition is open now until November 18 midnight. See conditions of participation and submit your project here.

Commitment:
The winner will be mentored and supported to realise his/her project.