PR Week Creative Mentoring Project

The PR Week Creative Mentoring Project is a unique initiative based in London, United Kingdom, that addresses a specific gap in the public relations and communications industry: the development of creative talent. Unlike traditional agencies that offer client services, this project functions as an educational and professional development program. It is designed for individuals working in PR and communications who aspire to become full-time creatives—such as copywriters, art directors, or creative strategists—or who simply want to enhance their creative skills. The project operates under the auspices of PR Week, a leading industry publication, and is currently accepting applications for its 2019/20 cohort.

How the Program Works

The PR Week Creative Mentoring Project pairs experienced creative directors (E/CDs) from some of the UK’s top agencies with mentees from across the PR and communications spectrum. Mentees can range from account executives (AEs) to CEOs, reflecting the program’s broad appeal. The goal is to provide practical, hands-on guidance that helps participants develop the skills needed to transition into creative roles or improve their existing creative output. The project is structured around one-on-one mentoring, workshops, and real-world briefs, allowing mentees to build a portfolio and gain confidence in a supportive environment. For those interested in applying, the deadline for the current cycle is 2nd September 2019, with queries directed to [email protected] or [email protected].

Who It Serves and Likely Services

While the PR Week Creative Mentoring Project itself is not a service provider, it supports professionals in the public relations and communications sector. Based on the program’s focus and the keywords provided, the mentoring likely covers a range of creative disciplines critical to modern PR. These services and skills are typically what mentees can expect to develop through the project:

• Creative concept development for campaigns
• Copywriting and storytelling for PR and brand communications
• Art direction and visual content creation
• Strategic thinking for integrated communications
• Portfolio building and presentation skills
• Pitching ideas to clients and stakeholders
• Understanding of digital and social media creativity

These areas reflect the core competencies that the PR Week Creative Mentoring Project aims to cultivate, helping mentees bridge the gap between traditional PR roles and creative positions.

Location and Reach

Based in London, United Kingdom, at 21 York Road, the PR Week Creative Mentoring Project draws on the city’s vibrant PR and advertising scene. London is home to many of the UK’s leading communications agencies, making it an ideal hub for this kind of mentorship. The project’s mentors are likely sourced from these agencies, providing mentees with direct access to industry expertise and networks. While the program is centered in London, it may also accommodate participants from other parts of the UK, given the national scope of PR Week’s readership.

Who This Is a Good Fit For

The PR Week Creative Mentoring Project is best suited for professionals already working in public relations and communications who feel their creative potential is underutilized. It is ideal for account executives, managers, or directors who want to transition into roles like creative director, copywriter, or art director. The program is also valuable for CEOs or senior leaders who wish to inject more creativity into their own work or their teams. However, it is not intended for complete beginners or those outside the PR field. For anyone in the UK’s PR industry looking to develop their creative skills, the PR Week Creative Mentoring Project offers a structured, supportive pathway to growth.