Following a standout debut in 2025, the OCAD University Gala and After Party return on Wednesday, May 27, at the Rosalie Sharp Centre for Design. The highly anticipated Gala brings together artists, designers, collectors and donors for an evening that showcases the visionary ideas, exceptional talent and vibrant spirit of the OCAD U community.

Gala guests will enjoy immersive art installations, gourmet food, signature cocktails and an energetic live art auction featuring outstanding works by leading and emerging artists and designers. This year’s auction features a curated selection of works by globally recognized contemporary artists, including Wendy Coburn, Alexa Kumiko Hatanaka, John Scott and Kendra Yee. 

Proceeds from the OCAD U Gala and After Party will fund student bursaries, helping to reduce financial barriers and expand opportunities for talented students across various disciplines in art, design and media.

TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE

The celebration continues at the OCAD U Gala After Party, which begins at 9 p.m. and features a live DJ set by Fly Lady Di, immersive art installations, cocktails and late-night desserts.

Ticket holders to the OCAD U Gala receive complimentary admission to the After Party. 

A very limited quantity of Gala tickets remain. After Party tickets are available for purchase, with discounted Creative Community tickets available for artists, designers, arts workers, faculty, staff, students and creative professionals at checkout, starting at $75.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

OCAD U extends its sincere appreciation to Presenting Sponsor, The Darcy; After Party Sponsor, Forma by Great Gulf, Dream and Westdale; Auction Sponsor, Birch Hill Equity Partners; VIP Reception Sponsor, Forum; and Supporting Sponsors Nancy McCain & Bill Morneau and Hatch Ltd.; and in-kind sponsors Artam Design Inc., Element Event Solutions, Focal Point, Happy Pops, National Show Systems and Oliver & Bonacini Catering. 

The University is also deeply grateful to Gala Co-Chairs Amy Burstyn-Fritz and Jeff Hull for their continued leadership and energy in helping shape this year’s event.

Other Recent News

Partial x OCAD University Artist Showcase Summer 2026 Call for Artists

Partial and OCAD U’s RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers are excited to announce the return of our partnership which provides an exceptional career opportunity for OCAD U student artists and recent alumni. Selected artists will be given complimentary 2 year Pro Accounts ($240 value) on Partial and permanent inclusion as featured artists within the OCAD University Artist Showcase on Partial to display their works, and administrate artwork sales and rentals.

OCAD U x SickKids Research Institute Exhibition - Call for Artists

OCAD University’s RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (CEAD) and The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute (SickKids RI) have partnered to co-create an exhibition in the Great Hall at OCAD University on November 16-27, 2026. The CEAD and SickKids RI are inviting emerging artists to submit existing works for consideration. The responding artworks to be curated will be in dialogue with captivating scientific images or videos from SickKids Research Institute. 7-9 successful artists will each be paid a $500 Artist Fee.