Guardian Media Group and D&AD launch new global festival of creativity

The Guardian Media Group and D&AD have announced a partnership to establish a new global festival celebrating the power of creativity and exploring how it shapes culture, intersects with business and builds a positive future.

Launching in 2019, the London-based festival will bring together business leaders with the world’s foremost thinkers, practitioners and emerging talent from across the creative and cultural sectors – including design, film, advertising, gaming, music, fashion and architecture.

With global debates increasingly dominated by the opportunities and risks created by automation and data, organisers say the festival will be an opportunity to recognise, celebrate and learn about how the uniquely human quality of creativity can help industries and businesses to innovate and grow in the face of disruption.

“This partnership combines the expertise of two of the most respected, long-running and trusted organisations in the creative economy. At a time when digital disruption, automation and AI are impacting every industry, it is clear that creativity no longer simply powers the worlds of media, advertising and design - it is an essential component of any business’s long term strategy. We are thrilled to be working with D&AD, and together we plan to create an unrivalled festival of creativity, for the UK and the world,” said David Pemsel, chief executive, Guardian Media Group.

“This new annual event will be a one stop shop for anyone interested in creativity, innovation and contemporary culture," added Tim Lindsay, CEO of D&AD. "The world does not operate in silos. Our aim is to be an umbrella for all creative thinking, a platform for talent, and a place for business leaders, practitioners and the general public to be energised, invigorated and inspired to integrate creative thinking to achieve business success.”