War Child’s Secret 7” Partners with D&AD for New Blood Open Call in 2025.
What if your artwork could change lives? A big hello to our Secret 7” community, for our first post of 2025 and on the week of our launch (!), we’re thrilled to announce an exciting partnership between War Child’s Secret 7” and D&AD for this year’s New Blood open call. This collaboration marks a significant milestone, as Secret 7” joins the ranks of D&AD's esteemed briefs, providing an incredible platform for emerging talent in the creative industries.
The New Blood open call is an exceptional opportunity for students, recent graduates, and up-and-coming creatives. Participants not only have a chance to compete for the prestigious awards, but also to have their work exhibited and auctioned, alongside globally renowned artists, at an exhibition in Spring 2025 at the NOW Gallery in Greenwich Peninsula, all while supporting War Child’s vital mission to protect and empower children affected by conflict.
This alignment of creativity and purpose underscores the transformative potential of art in making a difference in the world. If you are a student, or just starting out with your art practice you can submit your S7” application here to ensure your submission is also considered for the prestigious D&AD New Blood Pencil, a significant accolade in the creative industry.
Sammi Vaughan, Partnerships Director at D&AD, shares that: “We have always been inspired by the remarkable work of Secret 7”, and we’re thrilled to invite New Blood entrants from across the globe to participate in its highly anticipated return.” This initiative aims to support and recognise emerging talent in design, advertising, and creativity, giving participants the chance to showcase their work to industry employers and potentially earn the coveted D&AD New Blood Pencil.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where should I submit my work?
All submissions should go through the D&AD platform. This will simplify the process and avoid confusion, ensuring you qualify for both recognition as part of the D&AD New Blood selects and also the potential to exhibit at the Secret 7” exhibition alongside renowned artists.
How do I submit my work?
All submissions must be made through the D&AD platform. Please do not submit directly to the Secret 7” website.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Participants must be students, recent graduates, or emerging creatives. Further details can be found on the D&AD website.
How many submissions will be accepted?
The number of accepted submissions will be determined by the selection panel. Specific details will be communicated after the submission period ends.
When is the deadline for submissions?
March 20th for submissions via D&AD.
What happens to my artwork after submission?
Selected artworks will be showcased at NOW Gallery in London and auctioned online, with 100% of the proceeds from every sleeve sold directly supporting War Child’s vital work, helping children affected by conflict worldwide. Click here to read more about our work.
About D&AD
D&AD is dedicated to celebrating, stimulating, and enabling creative excellence. With a commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and sustainability, D&AD advocates for a creative industry that reflects the communities it serves. The organisation offers a range of programs designed to connect emerging talent with opportunities in the field.
The annual D&AD Awards and Festival stands as a benchmark for excellence in design, advertising, production, and craft, inspiring industry professionals and setting a global standard for creativity. Through initiatives like New Blood and Shift—a free night school for self-taught creatives—D&AD actively bridges the gap between education and industry, providing vital pathways for new talent to thrive.
Get Involved
This partnership with D&AD opens new avenues for artists and creatives worldwide. We encourage all aspiring talents to engage with the New Blood open call and seize the chance to contribute to Secret 7”. Your creativity can help shape the future and, at the same time, support War Child’s essential work.
Explore more about D&AD and how you can participate at www.dandad.org/en/d-ad-new-blood-awards/.
We can’t wait to see the innovative ideas and artwork that emerge from this collaboration! Together, we are celebrating creativity and making a meaningful impact on the lives of children affected by conflict globally.
