News

GradEx is the city’s largest free art and design exhibition, showcasing the work of over 800 graduating artists, designers, and digital media creators. GradEx 110 will take place from Wednesday, May 7, to Sunday, May 11, drawing nearly 50,000 visitors throughout its run.

This year, we’re launching a GradEx Marketplace located at 100 McCaul Street, in the main floor Auditorium offering alumni a unique opportunity to reconnect with the University while selling your work to a public audience enthusiastic about supporting artists and buying art.

Associate Professor Kate Hartman’s new book empowers readers to make their own wearable electronics.

Through the new partnership, art and design education will be more accessible, reaching communities beyond the Greater Toronto Area.

On Feb. 13, OCAD University is open and regular operations will continue. All classes are being held, as scheduled and the campus is open, including the Library, studios and labs.

We encourage community members travelling to campus to leave additional time for their commute.

As of 11:30 a.m., Feb. 12, 2025, OCAD University is open and we are monitoring weather conditions.

Designing the Future: Decolonization, Disruption, and the Art of Creating Your Own Seat at the Table

The inaugural DesignMeets Café Talk wasn’t just a conversation; it was a call to action. On a brisk January evening, as Toronto’s streets turned to ice, design minds gathered in the warm embrace of Ethica Coffee Roasters for a discussion that was anything but lukewarm. The topic? The future of design education, the dismantling of outdated silos, and the necessity of decolonization. Leading the charge was Dr. Lesley-Ann Noel, the newly minted Dean of Design at OCAD University, with systems thinker and design strategist Michael Dila steering the conversation.

https://designmeets.ca/event-summaries/cafe-talks-1-recap

OCAD University’s THIRDSPACE: Emerging Artist Summer Intensive Program is a month-long residency where emerging artists experiment, expand their practice, and showcase new work under the mentorship of OCAD U alum Van Maltese.

OCAD U has joined with MARTK’D on a new initiative, which builds on the theme of celebrating artists like we celebrate athletes.

OCAD University’s RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers is excited to announce Brandon Baghaee, Danielle Clark, Ghislan Sutherland-Timm, Jenelle Smith and Teniola Tejumola as the recipients of the 2025 Sankofa Square Black History Month Digital Exhibition Career Launchers!

Our very own Glenn McArthur is in Cairo, continuing his photography for the Muqarnas: Form and Light project.  He has been invited to give a lecture as part of the International Islamic art festival (21-25 Feb 2025), at the Lahore Museum in Lahore Pakistan. 

The University mourns the passing of The Aga Khan.

OCAD U is featuring exhibitions, initiatives and events during Black History Month

OCAD alum Jordin Mimran is a Canadian executive, creative professional and oil painter with a rich background in fashion and design. Mimran, alongside Mimran Group Inc., is a proud supporting sponsor of the inaugural OCAD U Gala taking place in May 2025 and is a member of the gala committee. 

Get to know Dr. Noel through 10 insightful questions, where she shares her vision for OCAD U Design education and research, leadership priorities and diverse interests.

It is with great pleasure that wecannounce the Winners of the Mejuri Design Excellence Bursaries for 2025.

Congratulations to Alexis Arayata and Zahra Mansuri!

Early bird tickets now available for Canada’s annual democracy summit

OCAD U has implemented the Government of Ontario’s directives related to Bill 166, Strengthening Accountability and Student Supports Act, 2024.

Opening reception celebrates Avalon Mott, recipient of The Delaney Family Emerging Curator’s Prize.

Liam Mooney says the hat is a creative rebuttal to President Trump’s remarks about annexing Canada.

The joint statement is regarding the renewal of the Memorandum of Agreement, 2023 to 2026

Students, faculty and alums part of more than 100 events at annual festival.

Professor Francis LeBouthillier creates medical simulation models for groundbreaking surgical training at Mount Sinai Hospital.

On Jan. 14, join Michael Hirsh joins OCAD U President Ana Serrano for a conversation about the history and future of Canada’s animation industry.

The International Programs & Collaborations Office at OCAD University presents International Lecture Series: Beyond Bias.

The collaboration with Aga Khan Museum showcases animated and stop-motion projections by students and alums.

The experimental plastics instructor was known as a kind and generous educator.

The Global Studio Series is an initiative led by the International Programs & Collaborations Office at OCAD U, designed to foster international collaboration and provide professional development opportunities for emerging artists and designers. 

Want to expand your creative practice? Apply to be part of a new artist residency at OCAD U next summer! 

Gail Lee re-elected first vice-chair, Hillary Marshall elected as second vice-chair.

Manapul joins Onsite Gallery in winning awards from Galeries Ontario/Ontario Galleries (GOG). 

OCAD University’s RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers is excited to announce Luisé Cineros as the recipient of the 2024 Writers Guild of Canada Screenwriting Awards Statue Call for Artists Career Launcher!

Snyder discusses On Freedom on April 4. 2025 at a talk co-hosted by the DemocracyXChange Summit and Toronto Public Library.

John Scott: Firestorm opens at McMichael Canadian Art Collection Dec. 7 

The integrated website and app (myOCADU) set bold standard for user experience and design.  

On Nov. 27, from 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., visit the new park and enjoy a hot chocolate.