Rare returns to Sydney this May 23 – 24 ~ and it’s set to give minority talent a major advantage

Launched in partnership with D&AD in November 2017, the Rare Masterclass is set to return to Sydney, this May 23 and 24. The two-day program is aimed at giving creative talent from diverse backgrounds the knowledge and network they need to thrive today, and lead tomorrow.

Featuring MBA-level executive training from renowned facilitator, Prof. David Slocum, and inspiring tutorials from some of the world’s top creatives, leaders and activists – the content will cover topics from negotiation and creative leadership, to unconscious bias and the power of vulnerability.

Hosted at Carriageworks in Sydney as part of the Semi-Permanent festival, Rare is set to realise leadership potential in the industry’s most promising rare talent – and keep them from dropping out of the industry prematurely.

Says Tara McKenty, Rare co-founder and creative director at Google: “Being a minority brings about a set of issues that many aren’t equipped to deal with, leading to great talent dropping out of the industry well before they ever reach their full potential. Rare stops that from happening, by arming them with tangible tips and skills from inspiring leaders who’ve overcome those challenges over the course of their careers.”

The Rare program has been developed in partnership with Berlin School, with the lineup of speakers including Uber’s VP of design, Michael Gough, Big wave surfer and Keala Kennelly, visionary director and founder of Free The Bid, Alma Har’el, creative director at Google Creative Labs, Tea Uglow, and founder of Skateistan, Oliver Percovich.

80 spots are available, with those interested asked to submit an application about what makes them RARE. You can apply, and find out more, at https://rare-syd.com.

Rare pops up in London, at D&AD, at the same time

While the Masterclass takes place in Sydney, Rare will also be appearing as part of the D&AD festival in London, May 20-24 – launching two new, experimental formats, each designed to propel underrepresented talent toward their greatest potential, in different ways.

On May 20, at D&AD HQ, Rare Leadership Fundamentals will run as a 1-day accelerator program designed specifically to give new leaders from underrepresented groups the skills they need to hit the ground running. Featuring leadership training from world-renowned facilitator and executive coach, Nadya Powell, and inspiring tutorials from London’s top creative leaders – including Founder at Uncommon Creative Studios, Lucy Jameson, executive creative director at AKQA, Masaya Nakade, and founder at Look Like Me, Selma Nicholls.

And, from May 20-24, Rare Access will be give 5 rare minds unprecedented access to the best of London’s D&AD Festival – including the chance to shadow the juries, attend the official judges welcome dinner, and receive a top-tier delegates pass.

Stefanie DiGianvincenzo, Rare co-founder and strategic director at Google, says the new programs mark an important evolution to the way Rare empowers underrepresented talent.

Says DiGianvincenzo: “The Masterclasses we ran in 2017 and 2018 had massive impact for underrepresented groups across the world. We armed 200 rare minds with invaluable insight and inspiration, raised $300,000 for diversity grants and initiatives, placed Rare interns into top creative businesses, and helped establish new businesses that are dedicated to positive cultural change,” she said. “But more than that, the groups we’ve worked with, and interactions we’ve had, have sparked new ideas and opportunities for Rare to have broader impact, in ways we never anticipated. It’s going to be a big year – watch this space.”

Further information on the Rare London programs and applications for tickets are available online now at https://r-ldn.com. 50 spots are available to Rare Leadership Fundamentals, and 5 are available to Rare Access, with those applying again asked to submit a case about what makes them Rare.

All proceeds from all Rare events will be put towards grants and initiatives that further deliver on Rare’s objective to boost diversity. If you are interested in supporting or sponsoring the event or a scholarship please contact info@rare-syd.com.