This is an intensive five-day programme of classroom sessions for the next generation of creative stars, including Q&As, workshops and master classes, combined with curated Festival seminars, guided exhibition tours and behind-the-scenes access to Jury rooms. With only 25 places available, this is a highly privileged and esteemed opportunity.
Not only will they learn some of the most celebrated knowledge in the industry but they will also get a chance to rub shoulders with some of the creative greats and set their career in motion.
South African creative Tim Jones secured a place in the Academy, through the Unilever Creative Academy Scholarship in 2014. "It was one of the best experiences of my life. I got to see the best ideas in the world, all in one place. I met people from across the world, heard people talk about the future of creativity and learned first-hand from the best creative minds in the world at the Young Lions Creative Academy. I cannot imagine anything better.
"It breaks you down when you see so many amazing ideas and realise that you are not as good in comparison but then it lifts you right back up with an unexplainable inspiration. It pushes you to think of new ideas and better ways to solve problems. I have never been as inspired in my life. Moreover, it makes you want to create work that is good enough to feature at the next Festival. It's changed my life."
Participating on such a global platform allows South Africans to discover how they match up to the rest of the world. Jones is hoping to see South Africa pick up a Cyber Lion this year, a possibility considering the high calibre of local talent coming out of the industry at the moment.
Creatives looking to change their lives need to register now for the Young Creative Academy, as there are strictly 25 seats available.
