## Breadcrumb 1. [Home](/index%2Ephp/) 2. [News and Stories](/index%2Ephp/news) 3. [Building Cultural Bridges through Animation: A Collaborative Journey Between the Philippines and Canada](/index%2Ephp/markdownify/node/2667) August 20, 2024 # Building Cultural Bridges through Animation: A Collaborative Journey Between the Philippines and Canada ![Cover image displaying a group photo of people participated in the "Building Cultural Bridges through Animation: A Collaborative Journey Between the Philippines and Canada"](/sites/default/files/styles/1_5_1_large/public/2025-02/IMG_0400_Philippe%20Blanchard_0.jpeg.webp?itok=iXSQ6x8P) OCAD University recently embarked on an exciting collaboration with **iAcademy** in Manila, Philippines, under the leadership of **Philippe Blanchard**, Chair of the Experimental Animation Program at OCAD U. This unique initiative, spanning from May 10th to 25th, 2024, united six OCAD U students with their counterparts at **iAcademy** to create a short animated documentary. The project delved into the rich history of independent animation in the Philippines, highlighting Canada's significant influence within this field. ![OCAD U and iAcademy Faculty posing at iAcademy campus](/sites/default/files/inline-images/IMG_0491_Philippe%20Blanchard.jpeg) ***Unearthing hidden histories*** The project was centered around an exhibition curated by Dean **Jon Cuyson** of **iAcademy**, which showcased the history of Filipino independent animation. OCAD U's contribution highlighted Canada's impact on the Philippines' animation industry, revealing the pivotal roles Canadian studios and tools have played in the region. Through interviews with industry leaders like **Patricia Burns**, former VP of International Production at Nelvana, and **Trevor Bentley**, founder of Toon City, students delved into the complexities of outsourcing in the animation world. Their research and insights culminated in a collaborative short film that blended academic investigation with real-world perspectives. ***Learning beyond the classroom*** The collaboration provided invaluable lessons for OCAD U students. Immersed in the realities of international animation production, they gained firsthand experience of the global networks that shape the cartoons they grew up with. Working under tight deadlines and in unfamiliar environments, they learned to adapt, collaborate, and prioritize the learning process over the final product. Despite challenges like jet lag and cultural acclimatization, the students left with a deeper understanding of both their craft and the broader animation landscape. This collaboration marks the beginning of an ongoing relationship that promises to inspire future projects and foster cross-cultural connections in the world of animation. ![OCAD students posing infront of Top Draw studios](/sites/default/files/inline-images/IMG_0249_Philippe%20Blanchard.jpeg) ## Other Recent News [### 2026-27 Call for Funding Proposals for Student Groups that Support Creative Entrepreneurship on Campus The RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (CEAD) invites OCAD University student groups with a mandate to support entrepreneurship on campus to apply for funding for student-led initiatives that strengthen and expand the creative entrepreneurship ecosystem at OCAD U. This funding is intended to help student groups create opportunities for entrepreneurship skills development, community building, and revenue-generating activities for students and recent alumni, while reducing barriers to participation for equity-seeking individuals. November 6, 2026 ](/news/2026-27-call-funding-proposals-student-groups-support-creative-entrepreneurship-campus) [### 2027 Critical Distance Centre for Curators Projections Program Call for Artists OCAD University’s RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (CEAD) and Critical Distance Centre for Curators (CDCC) have partnered to co-create CDCC Projections Program Career Launcher. Four (4) to five (5) selected emerging artists will receive $690 to exhibit work in a single channel, projection-based screening program that will be displayed at the CDCC in March 2027. October 30, 2026 ](/news/2027-critical-distance-centre-curators-projections-program-call-artists) [### Call for Vendors: BAM! Holiday Art Market 2026 OCAD University's RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (CEAD) is excited to partner again with Wychwood Barns to offer a curated group of OCAD U students and recent alumni the opportunity to share a vendor table at the BAM! Holiday Art Market. October 26, 2026 ](/news/call-vendors-bam-holiday-art-market-2026) Related Stories ## Related Stories [### Creative Ecologies: Art, Sustainability & Community Resilience in Nassau, Bahamas In May 2026, the International Programs & Collaboration Office is offering a co-curricular opportunity in Nassau, Bahamas. This program is tailored to students working in all mediums and creative disciplines and is designed to strengthen their professional practice through hands-on learning. February 17, 2026 ](/news/creative-ecologies-art-sustainability-community-resilience-nassau-bahamas) [### OCAD University announces 2026 Ateneo Art Award Resident Jel Suarez Filipino artist Jel Suarez has been selected as OCAD University’s 2026 Ateneo Art Award Resident, part of OCAD U’s partnership with the Ateneo Art Gallery at Ateneo de Manila University. The residency supports emerging artists whose practices reflect creativity, critical engagement and innovation. Building on the 2024 residency of Doktor Karayom, who presented No One’s At Home (Walang Tao Sa Bahay) in Toronto, proceeds from a limited-edition shirt designed by Karayom will help support Suarez’s upcoming residency and strengthen cultural exchange between OCAD University and the Ateneo Art Gallery. October 15, 2025 ](/news/ocad-university-announces-2026-ateneo-art-award-resident-jel-suarez) [### OCAD U at FUZE Caribbean Art Fair 2025 OCAD University students, alumni and faculty will present In Common Ink at FUZE Caribbean Art Fair 2025, held October 22–26 at Baha Mar in Nassau, The Bahamas. The project features collaborative risograph prints exploring shared histories and identity, created with visiting Bahamian artist John Cox. Limited-edition prints will be for sale. October 7, 2025 ](/news/ocad-u-fuze-caribbean-art-fair-2025)