Representation in Advertising
What is Mosaic?
The purpose of the Mosaic Initiative is to fill gaps created from implicit and explicit bias toward marginalized groups in the art, media and advertising industries. Specifically, it helps to increase representation of diverse groups in front and behind the scenes, teach decision makers how to recognize and eliminate discrimination, and award those who are making a concerted effort to give a voice and opportunities to the historically excluded.
What is the Mosaic Center?
AAF’s Mosaic Center for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in Advertising implements all of the AAF’s multicultural and diversity initiatives on the national level. The Center’s mission includes the development of new programs and services to recognize and develop diverse talent and promote broad and realistic portrayals of multicultural communities.
Key National Mosaic Center programs and initiatives include:
Most Promising Multicultural Students
This program connects the advertising industry with the nation’s top multicultural college seniors (the student must be a part of an AAF college chapter to participate). This experience provides opportunities to recruit fresh talent and further prepare the advertising industry’s best young prospects. Each year, the selected Most Promising Multicultural Students have an opportunity to meet with professionals from top advertisers, media companies and advertising agencies at an exclusive Most Promising Multicultural Students Recruiters Expo in New York City, NY. Applications are normally due at the end of October and the Expo is normally in February of the following year.
Mosaic Awards
The AAF’s Mosaic Awards honors companies and individuals who display their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through creative work, advocacy, and company-wide initiatives. Creative content must distinguish itself by amplifying underrepresented communities with depth and authenticity. A company’s diversity and inclusion initiatives are measured by cultural impact and sustainability. All winning entries must have a unique vision that gives viewers a broader understanding of the BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and Disability communities; and that promotes systemic change through equity and inclusion.
HBCUs for Advertising
The purpose of this initiative is to remove the financial, academic, and logistical barriers that may exist at often underfunded HBCUs and support underrepresented students along their advertising career journey. This program eliminates the excuse of not being able to find talent and fill positions. HBCUs for Advertising opens a free-flowing pipeline of talent that will have a breadth and depth of experience, insights and tenacity to achieve more.
*Note, any HBCU that agrees to participate will automatically be considered an AAF college chapter and receive the benefits associated.
Mosaic Resources
AAF’s Mosaic Center SmartBrief
Newsletter generated by the national Mosaic Center to stay on top of diversity and inclusion in the advertising industry.
The APEX Multicultural Speakers Bureau
A database of expert multicultural talent to participate in industry conferences, seminars, webinars, podcasts, and discussions. Powered by the AAF and ADCOLOR, THE APEX fills the void of missing multicultural perspectives of those who work within the industry every day.