As we come to terms with how the Covid-19 pandemic is reshaping our way of life, one thing is certain: it’s never been more important to be creative. To work, socialize, shop, teach and learn in ways that are safe, we’re now compelled to discover and embrace new ways of doing things.. That’s where OCAD U comes in. On 25 May 2020 the university launches its Inside Art and Design: Summer Seminar Series ̶ a range of complimentary online learning seminars that explore the key role of art and design and how it impacts various aspects of our lives.
As we come to terms with how the Covid-19 pandemic is reshaping our way of life, one thing is certain: it’s never been more important to be creative. To work, socialize, shop, teach and learn in ways that are safe, we’re now compelled to discover and embrace new ways of doing things.. That’s where OCAD U comes in. On 25 May 2020 the university launches its Inside Art and Design: Summer Seminar Series ̶ a range of complimentary online learning seminars that explore the key role of art and design and how it impacts various aspects of our lives.
Hosted by the school’s Office of Continuing Studies, Inside Art and Design features discussion on different aspects of art and design, featuring the research and creative practice of professors from across the University. Topics include areas such as design for health, human-centred design, industrial design and interaction design.
“This programming is not just for creative people,” says Robert Luke, VP,Research and Innovation at OCAD U. “Someone who works at a hospital, bank or technology company would benefit from the kinds of creative disciplines in which our faculty members specialize.”
The initiative stems from OCAD U’s recent This Is Research poster campaign, which highlights the different ways the school’s community of creative professionals, scholars and strategic thinkers are engaged in inclusive, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research.
Inside Art and Design: Summer Seminar Series will build on this campaign by incorporating brief videos of faculty members explaining the nature of their research and its significance followed by an invitation to the public to contribute to exploring the work in a broader context. We’ll get a taste of this programming in the coming weeks as the videos are released by the university and the professors on social media.
OCAD U’s free online Summer Seminar Series will feature asynchronous instruction, which means you can learn at your own pace. You can also choose to participate in the full Series , or in just the sessions that appeal to you. Participants will be able to have meaningful discussions on learning materials directly with instructors and with other participants. Plus, once you register, you’ll automatically qualify to receive a 10 per cent discount on online Continuing Studies courses offered this summer.
“Our faculty have expertise in art and design that are useful not just for managing the coronavirus crisis, but for all sorts of purposes, professional and personal,” Luke says. “Creativity applies to every sector, really to every part of life.”