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 Fall 2025 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.

2026 Sankofa Square Black History Month Digital Exhibition Call for Artists

Sankofa Square and the Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers are excited to announce the return of the annual Black History Month Digital Exhibition Career Launcher providing an exhibition opportunity for artists from the OCAD U community to exhibit their work on the square’s digital screens. Artists are invited to submit artworks to be displayed across five (5) digital screens for the duration of Black History Month in February 2026.

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.