From leading conversations about the future of creative education to providing students with immersive global learning experiences, VCU Brandcenter will have a significant presence at the 2026 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
Held annually in Cannes, France, the festival brings together the world’s leading creative thinkers, marketers, brands, agencies, and educators to celebrate creativity and explore the future of the industry. This year, Brandcenter’s involvement spans multiple festival initiatives—including our very own Cannes Lions Study Abroad Program, leadership of the newly launched LIONS Educators Forum, and participation in the prestigious Roger Hatchuel Student Academy.
A Global Classroom
Now in its third year, Brandcenter’s Cannes Lions Festival Study Abroad Program gives undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to rub elbows with today’s creative leaders. Led by Strategy Chair and Director of Curriculum & Instruction Jess Collins (Strategy, 2010), the program combines pre-festival coursework, festival attendance, industry networking, and post-festival projects that help students connect classroom learning with real-world creative practice.
Throughout the week, students attend keynote presentations, award shows, workshops, and networking events while gaining firsthand exposure to the ideas, people, and work shaping the future of creativity around the world.
Helping Shape the Future of Creative Education
Brandcenter’s influence at Cannes extends beyond student participation. This year marks the launch of the new LIONS Educators Forum, a global initiative created by Cannes Lions and the Project Management Institute (PMI) to bring together educators and industry leaders to discuss the future of creative education and workforce development.
The forum is chaired by Brandcenter Executive Director Vann Graves and focuses on helping educators prepare students for an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving workplace. Discussions throughout the week will explore curriculum innovation, emerging technologies, student development, and the changing expectations of employers.
Brandcenter faculty, alumni, Director’s Council members, and industry partners will play key roles throughout the forum. Jess Collins will moderate a session on curriculum transformation, while Director’s Council members Dionna Dorsey, Joe Maglio, Shazzia Khan, Lucas Heck, and Chelsea Sparrow will contribute as moderators and panelists across the week’s programming.
Together, their participation reflects Brandcenter’s longstanding commitment to connecting education and industry while helping shape conversations about how the next generation of creative professionals should be prepared for the future.
Roger Hatchuel Student Academy
Brandcenter also has represntation at the festival’s prestigious Cannes Lions School. Juliana Vieira (Art Direction, Class of 2027) has been selected to represent the U.S. in the Roger Hatchuel Student Academy, an immersive program that brings together emerging creative talent from around the world for a week of learning, collaboration, and mentorship.
The academy provides students with direct access to industry leaders and peers from across the globe while exploring the future of creativity, communications, and innovation. Participants are selected through a competitive nomination process and join a global network of emerging creative leaders.
A Longstanding Connection to Cannes
For years, Brandcenter faculty, students, alumni, and industry partners have maintained a strong presence at Cannes Lions. Through study abroad opportunities, academy participation, industry panels, and professional networking events, the school continues to create opportunities for students to engage with the global creative community while contributing to conversations that shape the future of the industry.
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