We have always had strict rules concerning eligibility at the Awards and have been rigorous where scam ads are concerned. We ask our juries to be vigilant and to identify work to us if they have any concerns about its validity. Every item thus identified has been investigated by the Awards team and referred to our Executive Committee if necessary. D&AD maintains the right to exclude any fraudulent entries, along with the entering agency, from that and subsequent D&AD Awards shows, and will continue to enforce those rights vigorously. Work must have been produced in response to a genuine brief and be approved and paid for by the client. Works created solely for the purpose of entering competitions are not eligible.
For the 2010 and future D&AD awards shows, the Executive Creative Director or an equivalent officer of the entrant company will be required to validate the eligibility of every item, ensuring that work does not slip through without their knowledge. A plea of ignorance is not an acceptable defence.
We also need to take this opportunity to applaud all the more the hundreds of companies that submit authentic, groundbreaking work every year. ~We will continue to be vigilant against scam work, and will also do our utmost to shine the spotlight on the brilliant, inspiring creative work that is being produced every year. D&AD has always been committed to setting the highest industry standards and encouraging the next generation. Our independent charitable status ensures we remain dedicated to these ideals without external interference.
Tim O’Kennedy, CEO and Paul Brazier, President
