Cannes Lions, Fortnum & Mason and The Kurt Geiger Kindness Foundation are supporting the silent auction initiative.

A silent auction launched by London-based educational course provider Brixton Finishing School (BFS) aims to help young people from underrepresented backgrounds enter creative industries. 

The initiative has received donations from Cannes Lions and The Kurt Geiger Kindness Foundation. BFS founder Ally Owen emphasises the importance of continued support for diverse talent, particularly funding for DEI initiatives across the sector. "The industry risks losing the progress made in diversity and inclusion without accessible pathways for young people.

"This auction is a chance for the industry to show solidarity with the next generation." 

The initiative comes as US companies ditch such programmes in droves. More than 200 S&P 500 companies have scrubbed words such as 'diversity' and 'equity' from their annual reports this year, according to law firm Freshfields, and nearly 60% fewer S&P 500 companies are using the phrase "diversity, equity and inclusion."

The auction, running until 18th August, hopes to support current and prospective students not currently in education or training.