Bringing a Partnership Perspective to Mentorship at Cannes 2024
By Andrea Bistany & Amy Fortunato
Andrea Bistany and Amy Fortunato have been selected as mentors for the “See It Be It” program at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. As creative partners who bring their design and copywriting expertise to collaborate on some of Klick's biggest creative campaigns and projects, we asked them to reflect on what they’re hoping to bring to the initiative.
Andrea:
“See It Be It” is the Cannes Lions Festival’s response to the gender imbalance that continues to persist in the creative industry. Every year, the festival invites 16 women and non-binary people for a four-day program that includes mentorships, master classes, and backstage access. Each participant receives a tailored program to help them reach their career goals. Since its launch in 2015, the program has assisted over 100 women and non-binary people worldwide.
Being mentors together at the Cannes “See It Be It” program as creative partners is so meaningful to us. This opportunity is a way to discuss our shared journey in the creative industry. Through our partnership, we have navigated challenges, celebrated triumphs, and grown both personally and professionally. Our collaborative experiences have taught us the value of mutual support, diverse perspectives, and shared vision. Now, we have the chance to impart these lessons to an amazing group of creatives from around the world in a supportive environment.
Amy:
“See It Be It” celebrates the power of community and support, and we think that our partnership is a living representation of the value of that. By mentoring together, we hope to inspire the participants to find and nurture their own powerful partnerships. Magic can happen when two creative minds join forces and learn how to create together in harmony. And in a male-dominated industry, the ability to amplify each other’s voices and perspectives has been essential.
Creative differences happen, and that’s okay, but handling them with trust, honesty, and respect is crucial. The coolest part of this journey is the opportunity to empower women to embrace collaboration over competition. We can show them how a supportive partnership fosters creativity, resilience, and growth. This powerful synergy is what we aim to share and instil in every participant.
Andrea Bistany is a dreamer, mother, and creative director in The Workshop at Klick Health. As an award-winning creative, Andrea is known for her passion to elevate craft and tell beautiful stories. Last year, she was awarded a Gold Design Lion for her work on The Congregation, a project dedicated to creating community, inspiring action, and supporting organizations that are fighting for reproductive rights in the US.
Amy Fortunato is an award-winning creative director who is passionate about the transformative power of stories. Her work has been recognized by Cannes Lions, Clios, D&AD, The One Show, Art Directors Club, and the London International Awards. As part of The Workshop at Klick Health, Amy’s projects like Thirst, The Bridge, and 47 are examples of how her work blends compelling storytelling with striking visual craft to move people and inspire change.