Shortlist announced for D&AD Impact Awards 2018

• D&AD Impact for the first time reveals list of work shortlisted for a Pencil at New York Ceremony on October 2

• D&AD and Advertising Week collaboration spotlights creativity for good

• All work shortlisted for this year’s awards can be viewed at https://dandadimpact.com/shortlist

New York, September 12, 2018 - D&AD Impact today unveils the list of 116 pieces of work that have been shortlisted at the third annual D&AD Impact Awards.

Those shortlisted will have to wait until the awards ceremony - taking place at AMC Loews Lincoln Square 13, New York on October 2 - to find out if they will take home a coveted Pencil in recognition of their work or the inaugural $20,000 Impact prize fund.

D&AD Impact is a global initiative and awards program that exists to shine a light on the power of creativity as a force for good in the world. The projects, campaigns, companies and organizations represented are pioneering examples of ideas with real social impact.

Among the shortlist are products and campaigns addressing some of the world’s most pressing political, social and environmental issues that have rarely left the headlines - from U.S. gun reform (in McCann New York’s Price for our Lives project for March For Our Lives) and LGBT+ rights (in Interbrand Australia’s G’AY MATE campaign for marriage equality) to the environment (in AMVBBDO, LADBible and the Plastic Oceans Foundations’ Trash Isles) and accessibility (with Korean startup DOT and Serviceplan’s smart media device for the visually impaired, as well as Google’s Hello Morse product, allowing accessible communication with Morse code via Android devices).  

Members of the D&AD Impact Council will assemble in New York on September 26 to review the shortlisted work and decide which is deserving of Wood, Graphite, White and Black (the highest accolade) Pencils. This year’s awards also sees the introduction of a $20,000 prize fund open for prototypes, products and projects from a range of categories including civic engagement, diversity, environmental sustainability and responsible retail. The cash prize will be awarded to a single entrant, supporting them to continue their world-changing work.

Up to 40 shortlisted companies will also be offered places on the D&AD Impact Academy - a masterclass program that aims to inspire talent and provide tangible tools based on the experience and knowledge of the D&AD Impact Council. The Academy will run in New York from September 27-28.  

Tim Lindsay, CEO of D&AD, comments: "More than ever, brands and businesses are leading the way in developing products and ideas that shape the world we live in for the better. The work that has made this year's D&AD Impact shortlist are truly inspiring examples of the power of creativity and, more importantly, an encouraging sign of things to come. I don't envy our judges' job of narrowing that list down to Pencil winners - but look forward to seeing which breakthrough projects will be recognised on the night."

Matt Scheckner ‎CEO at Advertising Week - ‎Stillwell Partners said: “Technology has broken down barriers and united the world in ways which were unimaginable when we started Advertising Week 15 years ago. Today’s stories of triumph and tragedy are told in real time and that impact has absolutely led agencies and brands to produce content that resonates with consumers on a personal level. Connecting the mind with the heart is the pathway to earn consumer trust and loyalty and we are so proud to provide a spotlight on campaigns which are all about real impact and meaningful change.”

All of the shortlisted work can be viewed on the D&AD Impact website:

https://www.dandadimpact.com/shortlist

ENDS

For more information, please contact:

Ann Amarawansa | Common Industry | ann@commonindustry.co.uk | +44 (0)7858 132 658    

Matt Gurr | Common Industry | matt@commonindustry.co.uk | +44 (0)7734 465 030

Annik Spencer | Sunshine Sachs | spencer@sunshinesachs.com | (508) 243-1919

About D&AD Impact

D&AD Impact seeks to identify and celebrate great, transformative, creative ideas that have had real impact, and ultimately, contribute towards a better, fairer and more sustainable future for all. The Impact Awards Ceremony will take place Tuesday October 2 at AMC Loews Lincoln Square 13 in New York. Tickets are on now on sale at https://newyork.advertisingweek.com/dandad/tickets/

This year sees the appointment of the new Impact Council, which is made up of senior figures from across the creative, social entrepreneur, venture capital and NGO space, and exists to support and represent D&AD Impact’s mission to drive creativity that powers change.

https://www.dandadimpact.com