Wieden+Kennedy London to boost UK’s D&AD
UK-based D&AD (Designers & Art Directors as was) has paid Wieden+Kennedy London a pretty big compliment by appointing the agency to develop ‘promotional projects’ over the remainder 0f 2013.
These days D&AD, a charity, describes itself as an ‘education-led’ organisation as well as an awards body and W+K has been charged with boosting awareness and membership as well entries for the 2014 awards (this year’s are in June).
D&AD CEO Tim Lindsay says: “Wieden+Kennedy is dedicated to producing excellent work, and their dedication to quality creative is what drew us to them. Many of the creatives and designers at the agency have been involved in D&AD over the years. Their smart strategic advice and brilliant creative will help D&AD continue to provide better and better services to our community.”
Tony Davidson, W+K London ECD and past D&AD president says: “We’re excited at the prospect of working with our neighbours at D&AD. We share a passion for craft, a thirst for education and an East London street. I believe we can help elevate the profile of our creative industry by building on the great work D&AD is already committed to.”
So W+K is a handy as well as appropriate choice for D&AD.
Along with other major awards, D&AD has been eclipsed somewhat by the mighty Cannes Lions juggernaut that also happens in June. Like its peers it tries to be international but it’s hard to match the appeal of a week in the South of France and vast numbers of clients eager to sample some of the world’s best creativity, top speakers (Bill Clinton turned up at Cannes last year) and sun-kissed flagons of over-priced pink wine.