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October 29, 2024
# Meet Catherine (Kiki) and Ian Delaney & The Delaney Family Foundation: Championing Creativity and Indigenous Culture
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Catherine (Kiki) Delaney is a leading advocate of the arts and a cherished supporter of OCAD University. Alongside her husband Ian and the Delaney Family Foundation, Kiki has been instrumental in propelling OCAD U forward through significant philanthropic gifts totalling $5 million. This unwavering support has deeply enriched the OCAD U community and continues to inspire and shape the future of art and design education.
**A Journey of Impact and Advocacy**
During her tenure as Chancellor (2011-2017), Kiki's leadership was pivotal in an era of transformation at OCAD U. In recognition of her tremendous contributions to the University, Kiki was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2012. The Delaney Family also has a longstanding relationship with OCAD U, which has included generously funding many scholarships, The Delaney Chair in Indigenous Visual Culture and The Delaney Indigenous Visual Culture Research Initiatives Fund.
Their most recent transformational $2.5 million gift underscores this legacy, enhancing OCAD U's Onsite Gallery programming and establishing both The Delaney Family Emerging Curator’s Prize and The Delaney Family Bursary Fund. These initiatives not only champion curatorial excellence but also ensure financial support for students in need.
**What motivated their recent support of OCAD U?**
*“We are proud to support OCAD University as it leads the way in educating the next generation of creative thinkers and showcasing a broad range of dynamic artists and designers. It is our hope that this gift will contribute to nurturing creative excellence at both Onsite Gallery and OCAD University. We are delighted to be part of this journey.”*
\- Kiki Delaney
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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.
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](/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)
[### Call for Submissions: The 2027 Seed Fund for Creative Entrepreneurs
Applications Now Open: The Seed Fund for Creative Entrepreneurs 2026–27 Every business starts with an idea. The Seed Fund helps OCAD U students and recent alumni turn theirs into a real, revenue-generating creative business, with funding and hands-on mentorship from industry experts.
January 11, 2027
](/news/call-submissions-2027-seed-fund-creative-entrepreneurs)