Call for participants - Creative Contrasts: From Contrast to Creation in Mexico City
Event
Public
Creative Contrasts: From Contrast to Creation in Mexico City
11:51 a.m. - 11:59 p.m.
Internationalization
11:51 a.m. - 11:59 p.m.
Internationalization
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Creative Contrasts: From Contrast to Creation in Mexico City
Submission Deadline: Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2025, by 11:59 P.M.
About the opportunity
Join us in exploring Mexico City as a creative industry professional. This international workshop series, hosted by Culturans in collaboration with the International Programs & Collaborations Office (IPCO) at OCAD University, invites students to move beyond tourism and fully engage with the city’s vibrant creative landscape. Over five days, we will journey through the city's dynamic contrasts—the intersection of mesoamerican history and modern design, the vibrant chaos of a public market and the silent order of a hidden courtyard, the colourful traditions set against grey brutalist architecture.
The goal is to sharpen your creative lens — training you to uncover beauty, inspiration, and hidden treasures in unexpected places. Through five days of half-day activities, you’ll learn to observe the city’s diverse spaces, capture insights, and translate them into your own personal record of discoveries and reflections. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet and learn directly from local artists, designers, and creative entrepreneurs who are shaping Mexico City’s cultural scene — gaining firsthand insights into working and creating within a global context. By the end, you’ll walk away with practical tools and a fresh perspective to apply creativity to your professional and personal life in new, unexpected, and meaningful ways.
This co-curricular program goes beyond observation. By engaging with the city's cultural, creative and community landscape, you will also build a network that extends beyond your own discipline, connecting with people and places that can inspire your work long after the workshop ends, and develop cross-cultural skills that are highly valued in today’s creative industries.
This is an invitation to adventure, to create, and to discover the endless fountain of inspiration that you and Mexico City hold.
Key Dates
- Travel dates: Arrive Saturday, Feb. 14 - Depart Sunday, Feb. 22
- Students must be present for the Welcome event Sunday, Feb. 15 at 11A.M.
- Programming runs: Monday, Feb 16 – Saturday, Feb. 21
- Attendance for the entire week of programming is mandatory for all students
- Participants will receive pre-departure orientation and travel safety guidance from IPCO
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Preliminary Itinerary
Monday, Feb. 16
Theme: Knowledge of the past as a tool to solve today’s challenges
- Activity: Creative Drift — a reflective walking journey through a curated selection of symbolic and contrasting landmarks in Downtown Mexico City. Along the way, participants will engage in creative activities and conclude with a group reflection session.
Tuesday, Feb. 17
Theme: Cities are reflections of who we are and the ideals we stand for
- Activity: Street Art Immersion — an exploration of Mexico City’s vibrant street art scene, guided by one of its leading artists. Participants will experience how identity is expressed in public spaces and collaborate in the creation of a collective artwork.
Wednesday, Feb. 18
- Independent work & reflection day
Thursday, Feb. 19
Theme: The Renaissance Person — free to explore every facet of oneself with the goal of creating something useful, beautiful, and innovative
- Activity: Journey to the Chinampas — an experiential visit to the ecological and cultural oasis of Xochimilco, in southern Mexico City. Through a series of multidisciplinary exercises, participants will explore creativity, sustainability, and the interconnection between nature and human ingenuity.
Friday, Feb. 20
Theme: Art in service of the people
- Activity: Culinary and Creative Volunteering — in collaboration with our partner Gastromotiva, students will blend art and gastronomy to create and share meals as a social action for the community.
Saturday, Feb. 21
Theme: Society must give artists a mission — art as a vehicle for the values and ideas we wish to advance
- Activity: Final Reflection — a closing gathering and group reflection held within an inspiring architectural space filled with art, designed to synthesize the week’s experiences.
Estimated Cost & Expenses
| Airfare and local travel | Shared Accommodation | Meals | Programming Expenses (e.g., local guides, site entries, materials, coordination) | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 CAD | $600 CAD | $350 CAD | $1,660 CAD | $3,610 CAD |
Please note that the schedule and estimates are subject to change. Students receiving OSAP are guaranteed financial support through the Joubin Selig Bursary, which will cover the estimated program cost listed above. Please apply through AwardSpring.
Students who are not eligible for OSAP may still participate in the program by self-funding their costs. Limited additional funding may be available for students who self-identify as low-income; these cases will be reviewed by OCAD U’s Financial Aid & Awards office and may require additional documentation.
Accommodations
Participants will share rooms (two students per room). Accommodation will be arranged and reserved by Culturans, with costs included in the total program fee.
Airfare
Airfare is included in the estimated program cost. Students are responsible for booking their own flights and must ensure they arrive in Mexico City in time for the Welcome Event on Sunday, February 15, 2026, and remain for the full duration of the program.
Eligibility
Open to all current OCAD U undergraduate students across all faculties and programs.This is a co-curricular learning experience and does not carry academic credit.
Application Timeline
- Submission Deadline: Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2025, by 11:59 P.M.
- Interviews: Selected candidates will be contacted for interviews on Monday, Dec. 8
- Notification: Final participants will be notified by Wednesday, Dec. 10
How to Apply
To apply please complete the submission form HERE
Selection Criteria
Participants will be selected based on the clarity and strength of their artistic statement, as well as their motivation to engage with the program themes. The committee will look for students who demonstrate curiosity, openness to intercultural learning, and a willingness to collaborate across disciplines. Previous creative, academic, or community-based work that reflects an interest in exploration, reflection, or social engagement will also be considered. Above all, we are seeking participants who are eager to contribute to a supportive and dynamic group environment while developing their creative perspective in new contexts.
For any inquiries or information please contact the International Programs & Collaborations Office at internationalprograms@ocadu.ca
Accessibility: Please reach out to our office email to discuss accessibility requirements and available accommodations.
We look forward to receiving your submissions and discovering how you envision exploring Mexico City through your creative lens.
About Culturans
Culturans use art, culture and social innovation to imagine and create sustainable cities –on a human scale. We work with local and global communities to transform urban well-being for people and nature. Our team offers a unique perspective on urbanism that combines creative industries, community engagement, and sustainable development. We see urbanism as a network of social relationships that combines community-based action with global cooperation. We work with and learn from grassroots communities, scientific and educational institutions, civil society organizations, and government agencies across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Culturans is based in Mexico City and works internationally.
OCAD University is Canada’s largest and oldest art and design institution, known for fostering inclusive, forward-thinking approaches to creativity, research, and global collaboration. OCAD U’s International Programs & Collaborations Office (IPCO) supports initiatives that connect students, faculty, staff and our global partners through meaningful international exchanges, events and professional development opportunities.
Please be advised that OCAD U hosted events may be documented through photographs and video. These images may be used by the University for promotional, advertising, and educational purposes. By participating in our events, both on campus and off-site, you consent to allowing OCAD University to document and use your image and likeness. However, if you do not want us to use a photo or video of you or your child, please don’t hesitate to let us know when you arrive at the event. You’re also welcome to get in touch with OCAD University’s Marketing & Communications office: communications@ocadu.ca.
Be mindful of those in our community who have scent sensitivities; please help OCAD U maintain a healthy, scent-free campus.