OCAD University acknowledges the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians with exhibitions and initiatives during Black History Month.
Check out these exhibitions, initiatives and events all month long!
OCAD U related events
2025 Sankofa Square Black History Month Digital Exhibition
Feb. 1 to 28
Sankofa Square, 1 Dundas St. E.
The OCAD U RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (CEAD) is partnering with Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square) to showcase work from OCAD U students and alums on the square’s digital screens. Selected artworks will be displayed across five digital screens throughout Black History Month, featuring the work of Brandon Baghaee, Danielle Clark, Jenelle Smith, Ghislan Sutherland-Timm and Teniola Tejumola.
The Black History Month Digital Exhibition Career Launcher, an annual event presented by the RBC CEAD with Sankofa Square, debuted in 2021. The Career Launchers program supports the career development of emerging artists and professionals by connecting them with real world opportunities to exhibit and share their art.
Afrocurrences
Exhibition/art show presented by the Almeda Collective (OCAD University’s Black Student Collective)
Feb. 3 to 12 (opening event: Feb. 3, 6 to 10 p.m.)
The Great Hall
2nd floor, 100 McCaul St.
Curated by Wuliyah Hankey, this exhibition showcases artworks in multiple mediums by Black students at OCAD University. With the theme of community, students were asked to reflect on how the inherent connection among Black individuals in various spaces influences their creative practices.
Onsite Gallery curatorial lecture eunice bélidor: Handle with Care - Curatorial Practices After the Pandemic
February 13 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
OCAD University, 100 McCaul St. (Auditorium)
OCAD U’s flagship professional art gallery, Onsite Gallery, presents its second Black History Month annual guest lecture featuring esteemed curator eunice bélidor. The public is invited to attend this lecture, which is co-presented with the Centre for the Study of Black Canadian Diaspora and Black Artists’ Networks in Dialogue Gallery (BAND Gallery), underscoring the importance of fostering dialogues on Black history, art and culture within and across our communities.
Here, Where The Black Designers Are!
Feb. 26, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Rosalie Sharp Pavilion
OCAD University, 115 McCaul St., Level 3
A conversation about Black design history and legacy, with guest speakers Cheryl D. Holmes-Miller and Dion Walcott, moderated by Dr. Lesley-Ann Noel, dean of the Faculty of Design. Holmes-Miller is a leading voice for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the graphic design industry. Walcott is the visionary Director of Pensole Lewis College (PLC) School of Design & Business and Founder of MARTKD.
Partnership with MARTK’D
In honour of Black History Month, OCAD U is partnering with MARTK'D on a limited-edition “BLACK ON BLACK Celebrate Artists Crewneck”, featuring a special commemorative OCAD x MARTK'D logo. This collaboration also marks a decade of our brands working together to provide creative communities with opportunities to showcase their talents. All proceeds from this collaboration will go towards creating sustainable programming for these communities.
Are you aware of other Black History Month initiatives taking place on campus? Let us know, contact Communications@ocadu.ca.
Events around Toronto
KUUMBA30
Until Feb. 28
Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W.
Harbourfront Centre’s KUUMBA Festival, presented by TD Bank Group through the Bank’s Corporate Citizenship platform, the TD Ready Commitment, is Toronto’s largest and longest-running Black Futures Month Festival.
Toronto Black Film Festival
February 12 to 17
Online and in-person
The festival showcases some of the best new films by local and international Black filmmakers at several theatres in Toronto.
Black History Month at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
Black History Month activities include public programs, talks, live music and dance, and engaging family activities, and an exhibition on the global influence of hip-hop on contemporary art and fashion: The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century.
Black History Month Showcase
Feb. 21 (6 to 9 p.m.)
City of Toronto Archives
255 Spadina Rd.
This immersive musical event features the legendary Hip Hop duo Dream Warriors, along with Mathematik, DJ Carl Allen, DJ DTS, Joey of Sound Quest, speakers and a surprise guest. Presented by the Canada Black Music Archives (CBMA), in partnership with the Toronto Music Office and the City of Toronto Archives, this Black History Month Showcase is part of Canadian Cyphers: Elements of Toronto Hip-Hop exhibition.
The Trending Table
February 7 to 9 (Scarborough Town Centre)
February 21 to 23 (Square One)
The Trending Table offers two opportunities to celebrate and support Black-owned businesses in major shopping malls this month. Meet local makers and creators at various Black and BIPOC-owned vendor booths.
