The One Club Launches ‘The One Show Indies’ to Spotlight Independent Creativity

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In what it calls the most significant evolution of The One Show in decades, The One Club for Creativity has unveiled 'The One Show Indies'—a new initiative dedicated exclusively to independent agencies, design firms, production houses, and creators.

Set to debut within The One Show 2026, the new competition aims to give independent players—those at least 51% founder- or staff-owned and operating no more than four offices—a global platform to compete for the coveted Pencil without the weight of holding company power or budgets.

“The One Show Indies is like a rebel wing inside The One Show,” said Kevin Swanepoel, CEO of The One Club. “Independent agencies and creators are some of today’s most dynamic drivers of creative excellence."

The One Show Indies introduces simplified entry rules to make participation more accessible: a 10-entry limit per agency, a cap of three categories per project, restricted use of costly case films, and a 20% discount on standard entry fees.

The approach reflects The One Club’s effort to level the creative playing field and open the awards to a broader pool of talent.

Entries open immediately, with a regular deadline of January 23, 2026, and final submissions closing February 20, 2026.

A dedicated jury composed entirely of top creatives from independent agencies worldwide will evaluate the work, with Gold, Silver, and Bronze Pencils awarded—plus a new Crystal Pencil for “Best of Indies.”

The winners will be honored at a dedicated celebration during Creative Week 2026 in New York, separate from the main One Show ceremony.Winners will also be highlighted in The One Show Creative Rankings, as well as The One Club’s Global Creative Rankings, which combines points won at The One Show, ADC Annual Awards, Type Directors Club TDC competition, Art Directors Club of Europe (ADCE) Awards, and ONE Asia Creative Awards.  Winners are ranked glob

Founded as a nonprofit organization, The One Club reinvests revenue from its global awards back into the industry through programs advancing education, inclusion, gender equality, and creative development. Its portfolio also includes the ADC Awards, TDC competitions, ONE Asia, Young Guns, Portfolio Night, and more—cementing its position as one of the most influential creative bodies worldwide.