{"id":4226,"date":"2024-09-26T18:42:45","date_gmt":"2024-09-26T22:42:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/toronto1.one\/?p=4226"},"modified":"2025-01-06T03:32:53","modified_gmt":"2025-01-06T08:32:53","slug":"ontario-college-of-art-and-design-a-gateway-to-canadian-artistry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/toronto1.one\/en\/eternal\/ontario-college-of-art-and-design-a-gateway-to-canadian-artistry-4226","title":{"rendered":"Ontario College of Art and Design: A Gateway to Canadian Artistry"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) has been the alma mater of many prominent Canadian artists, including Arthur Lismer and A. Y. Jackson of the Group of Seven, as well as Michael Snow, Jack Bush, and Harold Town. Renowned as the largest and most prestigious art school in Canada, OCAD is located in Toronto and continues to serve as a beacon for those seeking excellence in art and design. Discover more about its history and impact on <a href=\"https:\/\/toronto1.one\/\">toronto1.one<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a67013f9051b\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a67013f9051b\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/toronto1.one\/en\/eternal\/ontario-college-of-art-and-design-a-gateway-to-canadian-artistry-4226\/#A_Changing_Name_and_Location\" >A Changing Name and Location<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/toronto1.one\/en\/eternal\/ontario-college-of-art-and-design-a-gateway-to-canadian-artistry-4226\/#The_Main_Campus\" >The Main Campus<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/toronto1.one\/en\/eternal\/ontario-college-of-art-and-design-a-gateway-to-canadian-artistry-4226\/#Notable_Alumni_and_Curriculum\" >Notable Alumni and Curriculum<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/toronto1.one\/en\/eternal\/ontario-college-of-art-and-design-a-gateway-to-canadian-artistry-4226\/#Upcoming_Events_at_OCAD\" >Upcoming Events at OCAD<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Changing_Name_and_Location\"><\/span>A Changing Name and Location<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Since its <a href=\"https:\/\/toronto1.one\/uk\/eternal\/navchannya-za-partoyu-shho-vidomo-pro-pershu-shkolu-v-toronto-jarvis-collegiate-2045\">establishment<\/a> in 1876 by the Ontario Society of Artists, OCAD has undergone numerous name changes and relocations. Initially named the Ontario School of Art, it was based at 14 King Street West in downtown Toronto. In 1882, it came under the administration of the Ontario Department of Education and moved to the Normal School, now part of Toronto Metropolitan University. Five years later, the institution relocated near Queen and Yonge Streets, though this, too, was temporary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1890, the Ontario Society of Artists resumed sponsorship, renaming it the Central Ontario School of Art and Industrial Design. The school operated on the upper floors of the Princess Theatre Building before being relocated to the Grange House, which now houses the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.toronto1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2025\/01\/ad_4nxes5n6bmb-0nrrqz-9jsnqo9rmbrwkkdbdh7yncsebalwbz4-gmqxveulybg_hqwabjcknvglzl0qfpi9nse3t2boxjvoxhzyx9tfk78szcfirjwmevverk5f7fm6jzz5gsljqw6qkeydcamz-9q2j9sqjgpi_ggooik.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1920, Arthur Lismer, a member of the Group of Seven, became vice principal after serving as director at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. Under his leadership, the school officially became the Ontario College of Art (OCA) and settled at 100 McCaul Street in 1921. This location marked a milestone as Canada&#8217;s first building dedicated exclusively to art education. James Hervey MacDonald, another Group of Seven member, took over as principal in 1929.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.toronto1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2025\/01\/ad_4nxcpleoi0wlks95r6g29f7npchzrxafuxpanjuzj_fwxohuyjdgmeifnz1yd0kue2mmgmrbofbedi2q19r2-jjeiaqfnbwvhenyltqdqzvrxpopmkte85ziasq6wwjcm6mbnv-gmhakeydcamz-9q2j9sqjgpi_ggooik.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Main_Campus\"><\/span>The Main Campus<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1979, OCAD expanded its campus to include the renovated Stewart Building on College Street. By 2000, the college secured funding to develop a major addition to the McCaul Street campus. Designed by renowned British architect Will Alsop, the Sharpe Centre for Design was completed in 2004. Its distinctive design\u2014featuring a tabletop-like structure elevated on brightly coloured pencil-like pillars\u2014embodies creativity and innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>OCAD\u2019s student population grew steadily from 100 in 1911 to nearly 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students by 2016, reflecting its evolving prominence as an institution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Notable_Alumni_and_Curriculum\"><\/span>Notable Alumni and Curriculum<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>OCAD has nurtured world-renowned artists and designers, including members of the Group of Seven (Franklin Carmichael, A. J. Casson, A. Y. Jackson, Franz Johnston, Arthur Lismer, James Hervey MacDonald, and F. H. Varley) and other luminaries such as Michael Snow, Jack Bush, and Harold Town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.toronto1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2025\/01\/ad_4nxcbc4otpsyhe3zevxky0-a3novgkaipmn5gwt0g_lmwa1gpkutacmqregdivyoqqclvccmwqoyn6xasii8-j6ll2rbjgefd5ih6wykf8r3hbjbjpzqd9y57lgblcrxc8gajcwv1gqkeydcamz-9q2j9sqjgpi_ggooik.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The university\u2019s contemporary curriculum spans fine arts, design, and emerging technologies, including programs in drawing and painting, sculpture\/installation, integrated media, environmental design, and digital media research. Since 2002, OCAD has awarded Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Design degrees, and in 2010, it achieved university status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2005, media artist and theorist Sara Diamond became president of OCAD. She initiated significant changes, including elevating academic standards, integrating digital media into the curriculum, and steering the institution toward becoming a full-fledged university. Despite facing some resistance, her efforts modernized OCAD and solidified its reputation as a leader in arts education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.toronto1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/35\/2025\/01\/ad_4nxe1gtbrtyn1hn8rodz-tfnator-h5584rtwlhwtoyxkzhwfjncz30fc3ixn-r7qsq5hfp6igpzttlnvwzxcdtya31jiujlcfi7qc0p5fv4mri-xqntru6a4povhjzf-sa4d2eedkeydcamz-9q2j9sqjgpi_ggooik.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Upcoming_Events_at_OCAD\"><\/span>Upcoming Events at OCAD<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As of September 25, 2024, OCAD has partnered with the European Union Delegation to Canada and the Metipso Portal International for two unique events during Toronto\u2019s Nuit Blanche 2024, a free all-night celebration of contemporary art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Metipso Portal International: This initiative connects Toronto&#8217;s urban community with a rural community in Kenya, enabling live cultural exchanges at OCAD\u2019s McCaul Street campus.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Riparia: Lithuanian artist and director Emilija \u0160karnulyt\u0117 will transform the repurposed Canada Malting Silos into a &#8220;water temple.&#8221; Featuring mythological goddesses that blend human and aquatic traits, the installation offers an immersive experience addressing ecological and social crises.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These events align with the Nuit Blanche theme &#8220;Bridging Distances,&#8221; emphasizing cross-cultural dialogue and environmental awareness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Ontario College of Art and Design has played a transformative role in shaping Canada\u2019s artistic landscape. Its storied history, innovative curriculum, and commitment to fostering creativity make it a cornerstone of Toronto\u2019s cultural identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sources:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ocadu.ca\/about\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ontario College of Art and Design University<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.globaladmissions.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Global Admissions<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/torontoobserver.ca\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Toronto Observer<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/arquitecturaviva.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Arquitectura Viva<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) has been the alma mater of many prominent Canadian artists, including Arthur Lismer and A. Y. Jackson of the Group of Seven, as well as Michael Snow, Jack Bush, and Harold Town. Renowned as the largest and most prestigious art school in Canada, OCAD is located in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":469,"featured_media":3329,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1166],"tags":[3250,3252,3251,3253],"moimportance":[78,81],"motype":[1158],"moformat":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-4226","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-education","8":"tag-ontario-college-of-art-and-design-facts","9":"tag-ontario-college-of-art-and-design-history","10":"tag-ontario-college-of-art-and-design-location","11":"tag-ontario-college-of-art-and-design-photos","12":"moimportance-golovna-novina","13":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatori","14":"motype-eternal"},"modified_by":"Katya Koshevaya","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/toronto1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4226","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/toronto1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/toronto1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/toronto1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/469"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/toronto1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4226"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/toronto1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4226\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4239,"href":"https:\/\/toronto1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4226\/revisions\/4239"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/toronto1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3329"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/toronto1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4226"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/toronto1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4226"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/toronto1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4226"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/toronto1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=4226"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/toronto1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=4226"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/toronto1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=4226"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}