To celebrate two decades of Private Diplomacy — championing the exchange of local creativity on the international stage and vice versa — #TheAlternativeSchool launched a special edition competition: “20 Years: Call for Papers”. The initiative sparked enthusiasm across the creative community, attracting 129 effervescent talents.

First Place Winner: David Albu

SURPRISE BONUSES

Staying true to its mission of uplifting young talent through international exposure, #TheAlternativeSchool added a twist: 2 access passes to the Cannes Lions Festival for the winners, also matching one of the 5 ERA criteria - solopreneur, minority, young talent living in cities with less opportunities and / or having a challenging personal, socio-economic background.

Work was evaluated, applications submitted, and here are the people heading for the Croisette:

Second place winner: Teodor Bivolaru

While David Albu, winner of the top prize and designer of the official “20 Years of Private Diplomacy” logo, had other international engagements lined up, the Cannes adventure will be passed on to Teodor Bivolaru, also a graphic design student from UNAGE Iași, who secured second place with an interesting piece.

Joining him under the Cannes spotlight is Larisa-Florentina Ștefan, Communication and Emerging Media Student at SNSPA, a young talent with a challenging personal background, but a brilliant mind and a fantastic ambition to overcome obstacles. She was also awarded a coveted pass.

Big cheers and congratulations to the Cannes-heading inspiring duo!