The Creative MBA of #TheAlternativeSchool launches BAM – A Brief a Month, an intensive program and creative performance accelerator built on the principle of learning by doing, within a framework of international inspiration. In 2026, the pilot edition includes 4 briefs across two seasons. Qualification for a scholarship to #FutureProofCreativity (Nov 10 – Dec 10) requires completing 4 out of 4 briefs.
“It’s harder to achieve marathon-level performance with sprint energy. So, following suggestions from jurors and participants in the #FutureProofCreativity 2025 module, we launched BAM: working on competition briefs with an international destination, for the best talents, over a more friendly timeframe, allowing space for reflection and analysis. In addition, exceptional solutions will be implemented. Can there be greater satisfaction than that – beyond recruitment opportunities, access to the #FutureProofCreativity module, and connection to global creativity?” said Teodora Migdalovici, founder of #TheAlternativeSchool.
In its first editions, BAM is supported by Orkla Foods Romania and Ursus Breweries.
SPRING – SUMMER SEASON CALENDAR
- April 1: deadline for first solutions for Ursus – RGB Bottle
- April 5: deadline for first solutions for TOMI – 30 Years Anniversary
- April – June: refinement and iterations via Zoom; digital feedback; live meeting at Seneca AntiCafe with partner brand top management, creatives, and the school’s founder. Top 20 participants get access to two insight-foresight events: “The Future Of Beauty” and “Brands Talk. Identity & Culture. Asian Creativity.”
- June 1: final deadline for refined solutions; ranking announced on June 30
WHAT DO THE PARTNERS SAY?
“BAM! #TheAlternativeSchool has launched another powerful program – and I joined instantly. Supporting ‘BAM – A Brief a Month’ represents a strategic investment for Orkla Foods Romania in the future of the creative industry, based on the belief that excellence emerges at the intersection of theory and practice. True creatives and artists feel the need to express themselves and here they are given the ideal context. Exactly the kind of fuel needed to remain relevant in a constantly evolving creative landscape,” said Adi Păsărică, Marketing Director at Orkla Foods Romania.
“The best way we can give talents the chance to break out of clichés and grow is by offering them contexts for development, including opportunities to connect with the international scene through platforms that provide high-quality mentorship, coherent yet flexible frameworks, and long-term guidance – long enough to truly highlight their evolution. It’s not easy, it’s not simple, but it’s absolutely necessary. We’ve seen the effects of #FutureProofCreativity and it’s clear there’s room for a ‘next level.’ BAM is a first answer,” said Gabriela Crețu, Senior Vice President Sales, Ursus Breweries.
HOW DOES BAM WORK?
Participants can work individually or in teams of two. They submit their solution according to the brief requirements (via the brief link), along with a CV and letter of intent, to andra@thealternativeschool.com.
Between April and June, solutions are discussed, adjusted, reworked, and strengthened through feedback and dedicated meetings with Romanian and international trainers.
The goal: to create delightful, outcome-oriented content – memorable shelf experiences and a strong portfolio that paves the way toward an international career path. Yes, exceptional solutions may be implemented.
SCHOLARSHIPS
#TheAlternativeSchool offers 100 scholarships per brief, especially dedicated to vulnerable talents:
- illustrators, designers, animators
- creatives under 30
- top undergraduate and master’s students
- underrepresented minorities
- professionals transitioning toward advertising / brand management, regardless of age
Selection is based on merit, motivation, and demonstrated performance.
For those who want direct access to BAM specializations without competition, the price is 2.500€ per brief or 10.000€ per year, including participation in #FutureProofCreativity.
BAM is not “just another course”. It is a series of briefs with feedback, iteration, and real stakes – for those who want to build a portfolio strong enough to stand confidently before any jury (and any client).
BAM is the first initiative of CIA – Creative Industry Alliance: an evolving think, feel & do tank dedicated to the systemic transformation of creative economies.
