SEE THE ERA WINNERS & SHORTLIST 2026
ERA – Equity, Representation & Accessibility
Launched in 2025, ERA is a program designed to empower and support talented individuals from disadvantaged, underrepresented, or marginalized communities. It focuses on those facing challenges related to identity attributes such as ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, religious beliefs, place of birth, or socio-economic background. We believe that our identities—shaped in life’s most intense laboratories—define who we are as creative powerhouses. In fact, the more diverse the personal stories, the better for the industry. The program is our implicit stand against double standards, discrimination, and limitations of all kinds. It's a vote for success against all odds. Eligibility for the ERA program Any creative talent from an underrepresented or disadvantaged group working in the creative industries, with no age restrictions.
ERA 2026 Categories:
Under 25 young talents in their uni and master years that are also:
Freelancers / solopreneurs in the creative economy facing financial challenges
Students, master’s & PhD candidates with limited resources
Talents from vulnerable family backgrounds
Creatives from rural or small-town environments, facing limited opportunities
Individuals in the creative economy who have experienced discrimination based on gender, age, ethnicity, origin, or beliefs
ERA 2025 Categories:
Freelancers, small creative entrepreneurs, or solopreneurs in the creative economy facing financial challenges.
Students, master’s, or PhD candidates with financial difficulties.
Creatives from vulnerable family situations (e.g., single-parent families).
Talents from rural areas or small towns.
Ethnic minorities.
Religious minorities.
LGBTQ+ minorities.
Anyone working in the creative economy who has faced discrimination based on gender, age, ethnicity, origin, spiritual beliefs, or political views.
The ERA 2025 and ERA 2026 competitions are empowered by INVIZIBILII.RO
THE APPLICATION:
A 2-minute video in English introducing your creative self, exploring what Romanian creativity means to you, and explaining how you plan to use the knowledge gained after attending Cannes Lions.
A letter of intent (maximum one page) detailing the personal context that qualifies you for the ERA Scholarship.
A CV including social media links and a portfolio (if applicable).
A portrait photo for the badge, should you win.
Following the jury evaluation, the best application will win a scholarship granting access to Cannes Lions.
Are you interested? Let’s get in touch for the next edition!