Against the backdrop of tariff threats and annexation and an upcoming federal election, DemocracyXChange (DXC), Canada’s premier democracy summit, is bringing together people from the public, private and non-profit sectors to take positive action and strengthen our democracy. 

Co-presented by OCAD University, the Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), and the Open Democracy Project, the sixth edition of DXC takes place from April 3 to 5 in Toronto at multiple locations, including OCAD U, TMU and the Toronto Reference Library. 

Workshops, panel discussions, keynote speakers and a special Sing for Democracy experience with Choir! Choir! Choir! will address the summit’s theme, Challenge assumptions, spark action, examining pressing issues such as growing economic and social inequality, polarization in media and mistrust in public institutions. 

KEY FEATURES

 • Historian and award-winning author Timothy Snyder discusses his new book On Freedom. 

• Sociologist and author Musa al-Gharbi speaks about rethinking divisions in our society. 

• Pollsters Shachi Kurl and Andrew Parkin discuss the challenges capturing the true pulse of public opinion. 

• An art exhibition highlights the creator's unique role in civil discourse and explores art’s unparalleled ability to reveal alternative perspectives. The exhibition includes Counterbalance, presented in partnership with OCAD University and the Delegation of the European Union to Canada. 

• Generation Bold: Emerging Leaders workshop equips students and early career professionals with the skills, confidence and networks to drive meaningful impact in their communities. • Sing for Democracy with Choir! Choir! Choir! teaches us how to work together to create a collective experience. 

Ticket sales and the full summit schedule is available at democracyxchange.org.

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.