Ada Slaight and the Slaight Family Foundation have profoundly impacted OCAD University with donations totalling nearly $3.75 million and fostering a vibrant environment for art and design education. Their contributions have provided vital financial aid to students and supported transformative projects, including the Ada Slaight Studios and the Ada Slaight Exhibition Centre. These initiatives have enhanced the educational experience for students and faculty alike. 

A Legacy of Creativity and Support 

Ada Slaight was a steadfast advocate for the arts and a recipient of an honourary doctorate from OCAD U in 2015. She believed in the power of creative minds to drive societal change. The Slaight Family Foundation's support has also been instrumental in creating the Ada Slaight Graduate Scholars Fund, offering renewable scholarships to graduate students. The Fund enables students to focus on their studies and passions without financial impediments and emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility within the OCAD U community.  

Advancing Professional Growth and Community Engagement 

The Ada Slaight Exhibition Centre, featuring the Ada Slaight Gallery and Ignite Gallery, serves as a central hub for student exhibitions, professional development and community programs. The revitalized Ada Slaight Studios have reimagined learning spaces to incorporate technology-enabled studios and a student gallery, promoting experiential learning and creativity. 

What motivated the Slaight Family Foundation’s most recent gift? 

“OCAD University has always been a beacon of creativity and innovation, which resonates deeply with my family’s values. It’s our hope that the Ada Slaight Graduate Scholars Fund will empower the next generation to break boundaries and shape the world with their visionary ideas.”  

 
- Gary Slaight 

Other Recent News

Partial x OCAD University Artist Showcase Summer 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 (2024 grads). Thirty (30) 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.

2025 Mentorship Program for Creative Entrepreneurs: Call for Participants

OCAD University’s RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers is launching a mentorship program for creative entrepreneurs. Running from June to December 2025, this initiative is designed to empower early-stage creative businesses across a spectrum of disciplines—including visual art, cultural production, design fields, media production, social enterprise, technology-enabled services and more. Through mentorship, the program aims to bridge the gap between ideas and successful business ventures.