## Breadcrumb 1. [Home](/index%2Ephp/) 2. [News and Stories](/index%2Ephp/news) 3. [OCAD U X Roots Merch Design Open Call](/index%2Ephp/markdownify/node/4431) May 15, 2026 # OCAD U X Roots Merch Design Open Call ![ocadu x roots](/sites/default/files/styles/1_5_1_large/public/2026-05/ocaduXroots_cropped.png.webp?itok=c5vu3tXc) rgb(255,255,255) OCAD U students are invited to submit samples of **existing work** to be considered for a paid opportunity to collaborate with Roots on a new OCAD U **limited-run** merch design (for example for a t-shirt, hat or hoodie) to be sold this fall. PROCESS 1. Students can send samples of **existing** work to [shopocadu@ocadu.ca](mailto:communications@ocadu.ca "mailto:communications@ocadu.ca") with subject line “ROOTS” by **May 15, 2026.** 2. Shortlisted students will be chosen, given a design brief and paid $200 to create a concept sketch. 3. One student’s concept sketch will be chosen and that student will work with Roots designers to complete the merch design. This student will be paid an additional $250 and 5% of profit of the sales of the product and be featured in Roots promotions (which could include social media content). Established in 1973, Roots is a Canadian lifestyle brand that grew from a dream into a global brand with over 100 retail stores across Canada. Roots has always championed Canadian design and craftsmanship. Through this partnership with OCAD U, they’re creating a platform for emerging talent to contribute to the brand and connect with a wider audience. [ Send your samples of existing work here .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](mailto:shopocadu@ocadu.ca) ## Other Recent News [### 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) [### OCAD U’s Global Centre for Climate Action and EU bring large-scale art to Toronto’s Canada Malting Silos "The Light" and "Melting Temporalities" transformed the waterfront into a canvas for climate reflection. October 6, 2026 ](/news/ocad-us-global-centre-climate-action-and-eu-bring-large-scale-art-torontos-canada-malting) [### Call for Project Participants: From Our Points of View Encounters with Artists A student-led year-long visiting artist project, under the mentorship of Governor General's Award winning artist Max Dean September 30, 2026 ](/news/call-project-participants-our-points-view-encounters-artists) Related Stories ## Related Stories [### 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) [### OCAD U’s Global Centre for Climate Action and EU bring large-scale art to Toronto’s Canada Malting Silos "The Light" and "Melting Temporalities" transformed the waterfront into a canvas for climate reflection. October 6, 2026 ](/news/ocad-us-global-centre-climate-action-and-eu-bring-large-scale-art-torontos-canada-malting) [### Call for Project Participants: From Our Points of View Encounters with Artists A student-led year-long visiting artist project, under the mentorship of Governor General's Award winning artist Max Dean September 30, 2026 ](/news/call-project-participants-our-points-view-encounters-artists)