OCAD University’s RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers is excited to announce Jenelle Smith and Kathleen Foran-Spragge as the recipients of the 2025 Critical Distance Centre for Curators, Public Art Billboard and Exhibition Essay Career Launcher!

Jenelle's work will be on display at 180 Shaw Street in August/September 2025 and will be accompanied by an essay written by Kathleen which will soon be available to read on criticaldistance.ca

 

2025 Critical Distance Centre for Curators Career Launchers recipients.


 

Jenelle Smith (b. 2001, Mississauga, Ontario) is a first generation Jamaican-Canadian visual artist based in Toronto, Ontario. Jenelle is an emerging artist delving into the intricate concepts of the mind through her dreamlike work. Working in digital and analog image-based media, Jenelle aims to speak upon thought provoking topics such as, mental health, technology, race, and family. Jenelle strives to challenge conventional perceptions and spark conversations through her work.

Website

Instagram


Kathleen Foran-Spragge is an independent researcher, curator, and writer interested in how patterns of listening and sounding may be transformed to support relationships between humans and with the more-than-human. Her MFA Exhibition Thesis at OCAD U explored how sound and movement can be used to form connections across linguistic divides.

Instagram
 


Learn more about our Career Launchers at: https://careerlaunchers.format.com

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.