The Creative Circle is to Address Advertising’s Diversity Issues as 2017 Entries Open

Entries are now open for the 2017 Creative Circle Awards, the longest running advertising awards body in the UK. 

Furthering its mission to unite Britain’s creative industry, the Creative Circle has updated a number of categories to better represent the creative disciplines worthy of celebration and recognise the gender diversity issues faced by the industry.

It’s been revealed that 10% of all award entry fees and 100% of membership fees will go to the Creative Circle Foundation, which will support greater diversity in the creative departments of the future.

Jeremy Green, CEO of The Creative Circle, comments: “I’m really excited about this year’s awards. Each of our entrants has the knowledge that they are positively supporting the diversity of the next generation of creatives. With our commitment to give 10% of all award entry fees and 100% of membership fees to the Creative Circle Foundation. This Foundation will educate 15 creative students each year that wouldn’t normally be able to afford one of the existing expensive ad courses. I want everyone one to get involved and be a part of doing something positive about advertising diversity.”

Vicki Maguire, ECD of Grey London and the new Creative Circle President, unveiled her ‘We Will Never Be Like Them’ manifesto last week as she begins her two year presidential tenure, and has personally addressed everybody on the Creative Circle mailing list with her impassioned Call for Entries, Cry for Help piece, which went out this week. 

The Creative Circle is introducing Best Up and Coming Female Commercial Film Director and Most Promising Female Creative Newcomer categories. Actively addressing and celebrating advertising’s gender diversity issues,

Ali Hanan, CEO of Creative Equals, comments: “It's great to see categories honouring the great female talents coming through, particularly in those areas which remain male dominated. About 10% of female commercials directors are women, and just 14% of creative directors in London are female, so celebrating those talents championing them is absolutely vital to create visibility in the industry - and role models to follow.”

An exciting innovation is the introduction of the Champions of Creativity category. Free to nominate a client or channel, the category will celebrate brave clients and media channels that demonstrate a true understanding of creativity. Also new for this year is the Best Uncategorised category, which will house entries that don’t conform to the standard award categories. 

Entries to the Creative Circle awards are open from 1st November 2016 and close on 20th January 2016, with judging commencing from February. For more information on submissions and eligibility, please visit the Creative Circle website.