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May 12, 2026
# GradEx 111 attracts nearly 50,000 visitors
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OCAD University’s GradEx, the 111th Annual Graduate Exhibition, attracted 48,000 visitors during the May 6 to 10 event, the biggest crowd in event history. GradEx is not only the largest free art and design exhibition in Toronto but also one of the largest and most-attended student art and design exhibitions in the world.
“As OCAD University is about to enter its 150th anniversary, the growing popularity of GradEx signals our continued relevance as the centre of emerging creative talent in Canada,” says OCAD U President and Vice-Chancellor Ana Serrano. “Our students continue to innovate – whether it’s working in traditional mediums, digital and AI or most interestingly, the blending of both. OCAD U students showcased the incredible range of what art and design can do from thought-provoking artwork to complex system designs.”
In addition to showcasing the work of approximately 800 graduating art, design and digital maker students, the event also featured:
- An opening night celebration featuring an outdoor party which attracted 10,000 guests;
- A reception and tours for industry leaders, ranging from art and design to tech looking to hire the next generation of emerging talent;
- Pop-up shops, sales and an alumni maker marketplace; and
- A GradEx lounge with an OCAD U merch pop-up shop featuring a new Roots collaboration, a [Dark Horse café](https://darkhorseespresso.com/) pop-up and sponsor activations.
While the event is over, people can still continue to view student work on a supplemental [online exhibition](https://eportfolio.ocadu.ca/exhibition/details/8ef6aa4a-16d8-41a7-9c86-961c47060a40). [Medal winners](https://www.ocadu.ca/news/ocad-u-announces-2025-26-medal-recipients) for each program were also announced at GradEx.
OCAD U is very thankful to GradEx 111 presenting sponsors [Hullmark](https://www.hullmark.ca/) and [BGO](https://bgo.com/) for their generous support.
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