D&AD Shift New York Night School Returns for Third Year

D&AD Shift New York, a free night-school for emerging creatives without college degrees, returns for a third year. The life-changing and career-making program discovers raw talent - from artists to writers and creative thinkers without a college degree or industry networks - to propel them into creative roles. 

D&AD Shift sets out to break the cycle of those entering into the creative workforces only coming from a college education, or gaining roles through existing connections. Whilst New York City holds the country’s biggest concentration of creative roles and opportunities and the creative economy is one of the most powerful catalysts for middle-wage job creation, less than half of New York state students are prepared for college. With US college tuition fees exceeding $33,000 a year, the opportunity of higher-education is not accessible for all young people from low-income households. 

The intensive three-month night-school will provide participants with a solid foundation and prepare individuals to enter into a creative career with confidence. Throughout the program applicants will get the chance to develop and refine their creative skills through a range of workshops, talks from leading industry figures and experience working on real briefs set by leading brands. 

Hilary Chittenden, senior foundations manager at D&AD, says: “Success for Shift has always been about changing the face of our creative industry, ensuring it is fair, representative and relevant. In New York, we're starting to see this change happening. In the world's most creative city, past Shifters are thriving in some of the best agencies, making bold and brilliant work for some of the biggest clients. As we move into our third year of running the Shift program in NYC, I'm excited to meet the next wave of change-makers as they take the first steps into their creative careers.”

Jahson Fuller, Shift New York alumni 2019 and art director, Havas Health, says: "Fighting adversity in this industry is all about perseverance, making opportunities for yourself, and never giving up. I never finished Art School but I wasn't discouraged. When I applied for D&AD's Shift I was investing in a better future for myself. It taught me so much and opened so many doors that I thought were closed for me. The industry is changing, and not every path may not be traditional. That doesn’t mean you can’t have your dream creative job." 

In the belief that education or background shouldn’t dictate whether or not you can enter into a creative career, D&AD Shift has already put over 80 emerging creatives through 12 weeks of free training to date. This includes an even BAME and male/female split. In 2019, over half of ‘Shifters’ secured placements after graduating from the programme in London and New York. Alumni of Shift New York have gone on to work in leading companies such as Droga5, The Mill and McCann.

Applications are now open for the Shift New York 2020 programme. To enter, people need to submit up to three pieces of creative work and a description of why they would benefit from the program. Details and entry requirements are available here. Applications close on March 6th 2020.