The Athar – Saudi Festival of Creativity, which is the largest meeting of the creative marketing industry in the Kingdom, commences with a meticulously planned Young Talent Academy Programme over three days. Over 80 young Saudi creatives, including professionals and students under the age of 30, are currently participating in a unique and highly beneficial initiative aimed at enhancing their creative abilities, fostering professional connections, and exploring untapped potential in their respective fields.
Concurrently with the event taking place from 13-15 November, a specialized training program will be conducted. This program comprises six Young Talent Academies that concentrate on several disciplines, namely PR, copywriting, innovation, branding and design, social communications, and planning.
Each academic institution offers immersive and captivating seminars that provide a distinctive chance for professionals in attendance to receive practical training, engage in interactive discussions, share ideas, and acquire knowledge directly from leaders in the field. One notable aspect of the program is a comprehensive 24-hour hack competition that encompasses the entire academy. The victorious teams from this competition will be duly acknowledged during the Athar Awards gala dinner, scheduled to take place on the 16th of November.
In regards to the initiation of the programme, Ian Fairservice, Chairman of Athar Festival and Managing Partner & Group Editor-in-Chief of Motivate Media Group, expressed that this endeavor signifies a significant moment in fostering the artistic potential of our younger generation. Through the allocation of resources to this program, we are not merely acknowledging the limitless capabilities of youthful individuals, but also cultivating an environment that promotes originality and exceptionalism. This is in perfect accordance with our dedication to fostering a vibrant future for the creative sector in Saudi Arabia, advocating for a cohort of emerging individuals prepared to leave a lasting impact on the international platform.
In agreement with his statements, Mohamed Al Ayed, Vice Chairman of Athar Festival and CEO of TRACCS, expressed his satisfaction in inaugurating the Young Talent Academy Programme during the inaugural edition of the Athar Festival. The program has been carefully crafted by professionals in the respective sector with the intention of fostering a sense of enthusiasm for artistic expression among young individuals, so enabling them to explore and uncover their inherent abilities and aptitudes. Our objective is to empower the upcoming cohort of innovators who will play a pivotal role in driving the Kingdom’s progressive economy.
The academies have been meticulously crafted with the aim of empowering participants and facilitating their progression to the subsequent phase of their professional journeys. These academies are being organized in partnership with renowned entities such as TRACCS, Saudi Ad School, Getty Images, and What’s On Saudi Arabia. They are spearheaded by the Academy Leaders of Athar Festival, a group of industry professionals and subject matter experts who are committed to providing participants with the necessary skills and resources to thrive in their respective fields.
The Copywriting Academy is being led by Will Awdry, a renowned coach, consultant, and writer who has received multiple awards for his expertise in the field. The Innovation Academy is under the leadership of Warren Knight, who serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Think Digital First. Similarly, the Social Communications Academy is guided by Jessica Avedikian, the Founder and Consultant of Social Astronauts. Yaz Ghon, the individual holding the position of Head of Creative at KickAds, is currently providing mentorship to the participants enrolled in the Planning Academy. Similarly, Lamiaa Ameen, who serves as the Brand and Communication Manager at Andalusia Health, is leading the Branding and Design Academy. The PR Academy is under the leadership of Rami Abbas and Samer Allouzi, who hold the positions of Director of Strategy & Development and Senior Communications Director at TRACCS, respectively.
Source- Travel daily