![Sharp Center from the Grange Park](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_x_large_1280_x_720/public/2024-10/OCAD%20U-%20Grange%20Park.jpg.webp?itok=QAzNWaCi) version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"? # About the University OCAD U is Canada's oldest, largest and leading art and design university, located in downtown Toronto since 1876. [Our history](https://www.ocadu.ca/about-ocad-u/history) [Academics](https://www.ocadu.ca/academics) ![](/themes/custom/ocad/img/decor/ripped-paper-whitebg.png) ![Crowd of people under the Sharp Centre](/sites/default/files/styles/square_large/public/2024-11/Screenshot%202024-11-07%20at%202.44.32%E2%80%AFPM.png.webp?itok=zhDAyq-L) ![Student at a lathe](/sites/default/files/styles/square_large/public/2024-11/53238331522_2d134196ea_k%20%281%29.jpg.webp?itok=1xct5WbS) ## OCAD University is a national and global leader in art and design. We are home to 4,500 students attending 17 undergraduate and seven graduate programs. Our classes are taught by experts who work in their fields and by some of Canada’s most accomplished artists and designers. Our more than 25,000 alumni are leaders in every imaginable sector ranging from animation to automotive design and from gaming to graphic design. OCAD U is more than a traditional university. We are a major cultural and economic force and city-builder. Our Cultural Policy Hub, Global Centre for Climate Action and the renowned Inclusive Design Research Centre are at the forefront of innovation. Our annual graduate exhibition is the largest free art and design show in Canada. [Learn more about OCAD U, our values and our history](https://www.ocadu.ca/about-ocad-u) [Explore our history](https://www.ocadu.ca/about-ocad-u) .paragraph--collage-2-image .field_pattern svg path { stroke: #9231e3 ; fill: #9231e3 ; } rgba(5,108,249,1) [ ![Classroom](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_x_large_1280_x_720/public/2024-11/53239561264_65f5f59c91_k.jpg.webp?itok=LJLNJseh) ### Academics OCAD U has 17 undergraduate programs, seven graduate programs and offers many Continuing Studies courses, certificates and micro-credentials open to everyone. OCAD U researchers partner with projects from every sector and discipline to add art and design thinking expertise. Learn more .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](/academics) rgba(160,20,236,1) [ ![Students working in the studio](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_x_large_1280_x_720/public/2024-11/53239491013_7ef731f392_6k.jpg.webp?itok=8RukXKyu) ### Hands-on learning Our students benefit from hands-on learning in small classrooms and have access to over 20 unique, state-of-the art shops and studios. Explore .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](/student-services/studios) rgb(255,255,255) ## Leadership OCAD U’s leadership includes our Board of Governors and Senate. Ana Serrano has been President and Vice-Chancellor of OCAD University since 2020. She has more than 25 years of experience in transforming organizations, creating award-winning digital products and designing cutting-edge programs to strengthen cultural and creative sectors. [ Learn more .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](/about-ocad-u/leadership) ![Ana Serrano, OCAD U President](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_large/public/2024-11/ana.jpg.webp?itok=LIOLxXlj) ![Projection on a concrete building ](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2024-11/54085881066_91f3e69235_k%20%281%29.jpg.webp?itok=jhjzima_) ![Rosalie Sharp Pavilion for Experiential Learning](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2024-11/Screenshot%202024-11-07%20at%2010.53.22%E2%80%AFAM.png.webp?itok=nBPQfBES) version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"? ![Sharp Centre](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2024-11/53975086527_1eb02f6b04_k%20%282%29.jpg.webp?itok=bOsDwbfe) ![People entering an OCAD Building](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2024-11/54084681709_a2bd2f4d9c_k%20%282%29.jpg.webp?itok=cnSyz4zE) ## Campus in the heart of the city We're located in downtown Toronto, next to beautiful Grange Park and the Art Gallery of Ontario. The University has 12 buildings downtown and we're steps away from Queen West and Toronto’s financial district. We have six public galleries and run a digital production house with a street-front studio located in the TIFF Lightbox. Our campus is easily accessible by transit and surrounded by walkable and livable neighbourhoods. The award-winning Rosalie Sharp Centre for Design is our flagship building and a Toronto architectural landmark designed by acclaimed British architect Will Alsop. [Explore our campus](/about-ocad-u/our-campus) ![Projection on a concrete building ](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2024-11/54085881066_91f3e69235_k%20%281%29.jpg.webp?itok=jhjzima_) ![Rosalie Sharp Pavilion for Experiential Learning](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2024-11/Screenshot%202024-11-07%20at%2010.53.22%E2%80%AFAM.png.webp?itok=nBPQfBES) version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"? ![Sharp Centre](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2024-11/53975086527_1eb02f6b04_k%20%282%29.jpg.webp?itok=bOsDwbfe) ![People entering an OCAD Building](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2024-11/54084681709_a2bd2f4d9c_k%20%282%29.jpg.webp?itok=cnSyz4zE) ![](/themes/custom/ocad/img/decor/ripped-paper-whitebg.png) rgb(0,0,0) rgb(0,0,0) ![Gallery wall with various art pieces hung](/sites/default/files/styles/square_large/public/2024-11/54084347896_46957450d3_k%20%281%29.jpg.webp?itok=4cKqDYoR) ![Graduate Gallery exhibition](/sites/default/files/styles/square_large/public/2024-11/gradgallery.jpg.webp?itok=qme52TeM) ## Galleries OCAD U is home to six public galleries exhibiting work by both our students and some of Canada and the world’s biggest artists and designers. [Explore our galleries](/galleries) .paragraph--collage-2-image .field_pattern svg path { stroke: #9231e3 ; fill: #9231e3 ; } rgb(0,0,0) ## Featured initiatives 01 Previous item Next item 01 [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/assets/media/Use%20this%20photo%20Aga%20Kham%20research.jpeg.webp?itok=zndPBw4o) ### RESEARCH OCAD U offers a range of undergraduate and graduate research. Researchers also partner with projects outside the university from every sector and discipline to add design thinking expertise. ](/research-and-innovation) 02 [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2025-02/cph-new_0.jpg.webp?itok=B_JukXMs) ### CULTURAL POLICY HUB The Hub is a leader in cultural policy development in Canada. It facilitates a community of practice for knowledge exchange, translation and mobilization. ](https://culturalpolicyhub.ocadu.ca/) 03 [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2024-10/live.jpg.webp?itok=K7rE_a1h) ### OCAD U LiVE This experiential learning program for students is an on-demand streaming platform, production house and content creator studio. ](/student-services/ocad-u-live) 04 [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/assets/media/EM-25.jpeg.webp?itok=Djh8gKvD) ### ONSITE GALLERY Onsite is OCAD U’s flagship professional gallery for art and design, open to the public, located at 199 Richmond St. West. ](/galleries/onsite-gallery) 05 [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2024-10/IMG_8184.jpeg.jpg.webp?itok=Evne36ZH) ### SCHOOL OF CONTINUING STUDIES Continue your education with OCAD U, and gain valuable experience and insights from top professionals across multiple fields. ](/academics/school-continuing-studies) 06 [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2024-10/gcca_0.jpg.webp?itok=YXY_NQIX) ### GLOBAL CENTRE FOR CLIMATE ACTION The Global Centre for Climate Action (GCCA) is a research centre at OCAD University that draws on creative vision, sustainable design, and artistic practice to imagine new approaches to sustainability, climate justice, and decolonization. ](/research-and-innovation/research-labs-centres/global-centre-climate-action) 07 [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/assets/media/CEAD%20Image.png.webp?itok=Ld9peZAb) ### RBC CENTRE FOR EMERGING ARTISTS AND DESIGNERS The CEAD supports the early-career advancement of students and recent alumni through career development experiential learning and other programs and services. ](/student-services/centre-emerging-artists-and-designers) 08 [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/assets/media/thumbnail_PH__0114.jpg.webp?itok=yrJ1QuOn) ### INCLUSIVE DESIGN RESEARCH INSTITUTE A community of open source developers, designers, researchers, and educators who work to ensure that emerging technology and practices are designed inclusively. ](https://idrc.ocadu.ca/) 09 [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2024-10/ocadco.jpg.webp?itok=6dtEpa1Q) ### OCAD U CO OCAD U CO helps leaders design more resilient products, services and strategies through our unique approach to futures design. ](https://www.ocadu.co/) ## Our students 01 Previous item Next item ![subin song](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_wide/public/2024-10/template.jpg.webp?itok=AK0uPpyf) ![subin song](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_large/public/2024-10/subin-song.png.webp?itok=yBVHoo--) Watch ### Subin Song Graphic Design We're thrilled to welcome Subin (@art\_art\_0615) as she embarks on her first year in the Graphic Design program at OCAD University! Subin is eager to explore new opportunities and experiences that will help her grow as an artist. [ Read more .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](/profile/subin-song "Visit Subin Song profile page") ![https://live-ocad-dpl.pantheonsite.io/profile/samuel-kwan](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_wide/public/2024-11/Samuel-Kwan.jpg.webp?itok=v2sYfokT) ![Samuel Kwan](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_large/public/2024-11/template.png.webp?itok=GtX_fv7V) Watch ### Samuel Kwan Industrial Design Learn more about the Industrial Design program: [](https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2gtNlVSeE1mRXNQYjJEclJXMVkxNmlzZjZhUXxBQ3Jtc0ttZXJScUZYR21CS0dmMkxxNUNGVUJuNDRKM2pPaDRUSjZkWmNHamJTcnhZb1ZxZlVpX1Y3NDVfeDZRdTdueDFOT2NVWHJpekZmM3FtOU1EcEdZR1VnMHZJdnk1b1lGYTAtNk5tZ0I2) [ Read more .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](/profile/samuel-kwan "Visit Samuel Kwan profile page") ![Nile](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_wide/public/2024-11/601.02.jpg.webp?itok=pLRXesqm) ![Nile](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_large/public/2024-11/nile.png.webp?itok=rDDZAVJa) Watch ### Nile Material Art & Design OCAD U student Nile (@artistnile on Instagram) has been creating art in high-traffic areas of Toronto for years, selling his first painting at Yonge and Dundas Square when he was only 12 years old. Nile let us tag along as he worked on a new painting while riding the subway, and filled us in on what’s next for him. [ Read more .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](/profile/nile "Visit Nile profile page") ![Welcome day](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_wide/public/2024-10/welcome.jpg.webp?itok=YYh1ZyEr) ![Welcome Day](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_large/public/2024-10/welcome_0.png.webp?itok=CbZ05ZWv) Watch ### Welcome Day testimonials On Welcome Day, we caught up with some new students as they stepped into life at OCAD University. From creative exploration to new experiences, they shared what they're most excited for in the year ahead! [ Read more .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](/profile/welcome-day-testimonials "Visit Welcome Day testimonials profile page") ![Yusif-Saf](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_wide/public/2024-10/Yusif-Saf.jpg.webp?itok=v9tw2w5C) ![Yusif-Saf](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_large/public/2024-10/Yusif-Saf_0.png.webp?itok=HjQXBHCC) Watch ### Yusif Saf Digital Futures (BDes, BFA) Yusif (@yusif\_safarzade) is excited to dive into new mediums as a first-year student in OCAD U’s Digital Futures program, where he’ll have the opportunity to explore the intersection between art and technology. [ Read more .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](/profile/yusif-saf "Visit Yusif Saf profile page") ![Fernanda](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_wide/public/2024-10/Fernanda.jpg.webp?itok=YqOhGHCz) ![Fernanda](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_large/public/2024-10/Fernanda.png.webp?itok=AWxtl2B-) Watch ### Fernanda - Intl Student - Integrated Media Integrated Media Meet Fernanda (@ferzf\_ame), an international student from Mexico studying Integrated Media at OCAD University. Her work beautifully incorporates her Mexican heritage through creative storytelling blending textiles, ceramics, and more – turning her unique perspective into powerful art ✨ [ Read more .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](/profile/fernanda-intl-student-integrated-media "Visit Fernanda - Intl Student - Integrated Media profile page") ![Emma Riddihough](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_wide/public/2024-10/Emma-Riddihough_0.jpg.webp?itok=NQIOfi2f) ![Emma Riddihough](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_large/public/2024-10/Emma-Riddihough_1.png.webp?itok=_drb8OPK) Watch ### Emma Riddihough Material Art & Design Growing up with artistic parents, Emma always knew OCAD University was going to be her next step after high school. Now, she's about to kick off her first year in the Material Art and Design program, and she’s ready to dive into experimenting with all kinds of tools and materials the program has to offer. [ Read more .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](/profile/emma-riddihough "Visit Emma Riddihough profile page") ![Linus Belanger](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_wide/public/2024-10/Linus-Belanger.jpg.webp?itok=7nDSYbIt) ![Linus Belanger](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_large/public/2024-10/Linus-Belanger.png.webp?itok=PbCoa4CN) Watch ### Linus Belanger - Graphic Design Graphic Design Meet Linus (@linus.belanger.art), a multi-disciplinary artist gearing up for the Graphic Design program at OCAD University this fall! 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