## Breadcrumb
1. [Home](/)
2. Markdownify
3. Node
4. [DXC26 to Launch with Utopia Rewired Exhibition on Opening Night](/markdownify/node/4330)
March 27, 2026
# DXC26 to Launch with Utopia Rewired Exhibition on Opening Night
Photo courtesy of DemocracyXChange.
rgb(255,255,255)
DemocracyXChange (DXC), in partnership with OCAD University and the European Union through its Delegation to Canada, has announced the artists selected for [*Utopia Rewired: Creative Visions for Democratic Futures*](https://www.democracyxchange.org/sessions/utopia-rewired), the Opening Night exhibition of DemocracyXChange 2026, Canada’s annual summit dedicated to democracy, civic imagination, and civic participation.
Presented April 16–17, 2026 in Toronto, *Utopia Rewired* brings together emerging youth artists from Canada and the European Union to explore how creative practice can help reimagine democratic life and the economic systems that shape our collective future.
Selected through an international open call, the artists chosen to exhibit include: **Slavko Petek (Croatia), Parumveer Walia (Canada), Loretta Jeff-Combs (Tl’esqox First Nation, Canada),** and the artist duo **Jan Munske (Germany)** and **Luisa Cruz (Canada/Brazil).**
The exhibition launches during DemocracyXChange 2026, co-produced by OCAD University, The Open Democracy Project, and The Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University. This year’s summit explores the theme *Side by Side: Building an Economy that Serves Democracy,* examining how democratic values can shape the design of economic systems.
“The European Union has long promoted and defended democracy worldwide, so we are delighted to partner with DemocracyXChange and to create a platform where European and Canadian youth artists can spark dialogue and reflection on key issues which affect us all,” said [H.E. Geneviève Tuts](https://www.democracyxchange.org/speakers/genevi%C3%A8ve-tuts), Ambassador of the European Union to Canada, who will deliver opening remarks at the summit.
“The Delegation of the European Union to Canada celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, thus partnerships like this highlight the ongoing strength of the EU-Canada relationship and the efforts undertaken by policy makers and civilians alike to further democratic values across Europe, Canada and beyond.”
*Utopia Rewired* invites artists to imagine economies that are not rooted in extraction. Through installation, performance, film, and beadwork, the selected artists present works that question dominant assumptions about value, power, and belonging.
“*Utopia Rewired* presents a chance to rethink the world through the eyes of emerging artists,” says OCAD U President and Vice-Chancellor [Ana Serrano](https://www.democracyxchange.org/speakers/ana-serrano). “Their work challenges us to imagine economies rooted in care, reciprocity, and shared stewardship—ideas that are central to building a more democratic future.”
Croatian designer [**Slavko Petek**](https://www.democracyxchange.org/speakers/slavko-petek) will present ***The Inversion Vault***, a spatial installation that inverts the pyramid — one of the most enduring architectural symbols of hierarchy and concentrated power. By reversing the structure, Petek transforms the pyramid into a shared interior space that reframes the concept of a “vault”. Instead of protecting private wealth, the installation symbolically safeguards essential foundations of society such as resources, care labour, and digital rights, inviting viewers to imagine value measured through mutual connection rather than accumulation.
Vancouver-based artist [**Parumveer Walia**](https://www.democracyxchange.org/speakers/parumveer-walia-) will contribute ***Untitled (Future Studies)***, an image-based installation that combines archival research, photography, and moving image. Working across documentary and speculative storytelling, Walia’s practice examines queerness, memory, and identity while collapsing distinctions between past and present. The work creates what the artist describes as a “Third Space,” where hybrid narratives open new possibilities for imagining democratic futures.
Tŝilhqot’in artist [**Loretta Jeff-Combs**](https://www.democracyxchange.org/speakers/loretta-jeff-combs) presents ***Qats’ay ʔundziny (Strawberry Basket)***, a work rooted in Tŝilhqot’in matriarchal governance and land-based law. Through beadwork inspired by traditional basket forms, Jeff-Combs reflects on systems of collective responsibility and women’s leadership embedded within Indigenous governance. The strawberries referenced in the work symbolize renewal and continuity, asserting Indigenous knowledge as a living framework for shaping future economic and social systems.
Artists [**Jan Munske** and **Luisa Cruz**](https://www.democracyxchange.org/speakers/luisa-cruz-%26-jan-munske%C2%A0) present ***The International Bureau of Honey***, a participatory installation and performance that transforms the exhibition into a fictional public office. Visitors are invited to complete a short form reflecting on the purpose of an economy and the often invisible forms of care and labour that sustain society. In exchange, participants receive a small jar of honey and a seed-paper envelope embedded with wildflower seeds. By staging a miniature economy grounded in reciprocity and participation, the project uses humour and institutional aesthetics to question how resources are distributed and how collective responsibility might be reimagined.
Alongside the Opening Night exhibition, DemocracyXChange will feature keynotes, panels and workshops, convening policymakers, artists, scholars, students and community leaders to explore creative responses to the most pressing democratic challenges of our time.
For more information and tickets, please visit:[ ](http://democracyxchange.org/)[**democracyxchange.org**](http://democracyxchange.org/).
**About OCAD University**
**OCAD University (OCAD U),** located in downtown Toronto, is Canada’s largest and oldest art and design university. It is a world-famous hub for art, design, digital media, research, innovation and creativity. Students benefit from hands-on studio learning and have access to state-of-the-art shops and studios for both traditional and digital creation. Alongside a diverse and supportive team of instructors and peers, students gain employable skills. Graduates work in different sectors such as urban planning, environmental design, gaming, film, animation, publishing, illustration, graphic design, visual arts and arts administration.
Web:[ OCAD University](https://www.ocadu.ca/) \| X:[ @OCAD](https://twitter.com/OCAD) \| Facebook:[ ocaduniversity](https://www.facebook.com/ocaduniversity/) \| Instagram:[ @ocaduniversity](https://www.instagram.com/ocaduniversity) \| TikTok:[ @ocaduniversity](https://www.tiktok.com/@ocaduniversity)
For inquiries or to arrange an interview, please contact Karen McCarthy, Director of Communications and Media, at 514-826-0597 or
**About DemocracyXChange**
DemocracyXChange (DXC) connects, celebrates and equips people who are taking action to strengthen democracy. Co-produced by[ OCAD U](https://www.ocadu.ca/),[ The Open Democracy Project](https://opendemocracy.ca/) and[ the Dais](https://dais.ca/) at TMU, the annual summit brings together artists, policymakers, researchers, community leaders, and civic innovators to explore new ideas for democratic renewal. DemocracyXChange 2026 takes place in Toronto from April 16–18 and features three days of keynote talks, expert panels, participatory workshops, and artistic programming designed to examine today’s most pressing civic challenges. This year’s theme, **“Side by Side: Building an Economy that Serves Democracy,”** explores how democratic values can shape the design of economic systems and strengthen civic life.
Web:[ ](http://democracyxchange.org/)[democracyxchange.org](http://democracyxchange.org/) \| Instagram:[ @democracyxchange](https://www.instagram.com/democracyxchange) \| X:[ @dxcsummit](https://twitter.com/dxcsummit) \| Facebook:[ @democracyxchange](https://facebook.com/democracyxchange) LinkedIn:[ democracyxchange](https://www.linkedin.com/company/democracyxchange/) \|[ @](https://bsky.app/profile/dxcsummit.bsky.social)[dxcsummit.bsky.social](http://dxcsummit.bsky.social/) \| [\#DXC26](https://www.democracyxchange.org/search/posts?query=%23#DXC26)
For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact: Sue Holland, Communications and Marketing Lead, DXC at:
**About the Delegation of the European Union to Canada**
The Delegation of the European Union to Canada is the official diplomatic representation of the European Union in Canada. As the EU's primary presence in the country, it works to strengthen political, economic, and cultural ties between the European Union and Canada. The Delegation facilitates dialogue on shared priorities including trade, climate action, security, and innovation through the implementation of the EU-Canada Strategic Partnership Agreement and the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Its team promotes EU policies and interests, fosters people-to-people connections, and supports collaboration in research, education, and cultural exchanges. The Delegation serves as a vital link between Canadian stakeholders and EU institutions, while also providing information services to the public on EU developments and initiatives.
Web:[ EU Delegation to Canada](https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/canada_en) \| Facebook:[ EUinCanada](https://www.facebook.com/EUinCanada/) \| Instagram:[ EUinCanada](https://www.instagram.com/euincanada/) \| LinkedIn:[ Delegation of the European to Canada](https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-canada/posts/?feedView=all)
For press inquiries or to schedule an interview with the artists, please contact: [**eupopcanada@gopa-pace.com**](mailto:eupopcanada@gopa-pace.com).
## Other Recent News
[### The OCAD U Mystery Art Sale Whodunit? Is Back!
More than a decade ago, the Whodunit? Mystery Art Sale was a hugely popular OCAD U tradition, drawing crowds and even public line-ups outside the doors. Now, we’re bringing it back for a new generation. On April 3, 2027, the Great Hall will host a sale of 150 original works by OCAD U students, faculty, staff and alumni, as well as artists and supporters from the broader community.
March 5, 2027
](/news/ocad-u-mystery-art-sale-whodunit-back)
[### 2027 Akin Career Launcher Call For Artists
OCAD University’s RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designersand Akin have partnered since 2016 to offer this amazing annual opportunity exclusive to OCAD U graduating artists. Two(2) successful applicants will be awarded $2,000 in credits to go towards a studio space at Akin’s shared work spaces in 2027-2028, and $450 in credit for use at Remote Gallery!
January 31, 2027
](/news/2027-akin-career-launcher-call-artists)
[### Partial x OCAD University Artist Showcase Fall 2026 Call for Artists
Partial and the 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.
December 13, 2026
](/news/partial-x-ocad-university-artist-showcase-fall-2026-call-artists)
Related Stories
## Related Stories
[### The OCAD U Mystery Art Sale Whodunit? Is Back!
More than a decade ago, the Whodunit? Mystery Art Sale was a hugely popular OCAD U tradition, drawing crowds and even public line-ups outside the doors. Now, we’re bringing it back for a new generation. On April 3, 2027, the Great Hall will host a sale of 150 original works by OCAD U students, faculty, staff and alumni, as well as artists and supporters from the broader community.
March 5, 2027
](/news/ocad-u-mystery-art-sale-whodunit-back)
[### 2027 Akin Career Launcher Call For Artists
OCAD University’s RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designersand Akin have partnered since 2016 to offer this amazing annual opportunity exclusive to OCAD U graduating artists. Two(2) successful applicants will be awarded $2,000 in credits to go towards a studio space at Akin’s shared work spaces in 2027-2028, and $450 in credit for use at Remote Gallery!
January 31, 2027
](/news/2027-akin-career-launcher-call-artists)
[### Partial x OCAD University Artist Showcase Fall 2026 Call for Artists
Partial and the 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.
December 13, 2026
](/news/partial-x-ocad-university-artist-showcase-fall-2026-call-artists)