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October 29, 2024
# Meet Rosalie and Isadore Sharp: Shaping the Future of Art and Design
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Rosalie and Isadore Sharp's transformative philanthropy, with gifts totalling nearly $9 million, has left an indelible mark on OCAD University. As OCAD U’s largest donor to date, their unparalleled generosity has reshaped the campus, prominently establishing the Rosalie Sharp Centre for Design and the Rosalie Sharp Pavilion. These iconic structures have not only enhanced the University's architectural landscape but also solidified OCAD U's position as a global beacon of creativity and innovation.
**A Legacy Rooted in Education and Creativity**
Rosalie Sharp's journey from an Ontario College of Art and Design (OCA) student to becoming OCAD U’s first Chancellor and a celebrated alumna (AOCA, Material Arts, 1969) exemplifies her profound connection to the University which led to her also receiving an honourary doctorate in 2008. Rosalie’s achievements and dedication to the arts echo through her and Isadore's philanthropic efforts, enriching the educational experience for countless students.
Isadore Sharp, a visionary leader in the hospitality industry as the founder of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, alongside Rosalie, has played a pivotal role in fostering environments that encourage creativity and excellence. Their shared commitment to art and design education has spurred significant advancements within the University and the broader community.
**Champions of Architectural Innovation and Community Engagement**
Through Rosalie and Isadore’s support, the Sharps have not only contributed to the physical transformation of OCAD U’s campus buildings but have also championed the role of art and design in community engagement and cultural enrichment. Their belief in the power of architecture to inspire and engage has made the Rosalie Sharp Centre for Design and the Rosalie Sharp Pavilion landmarks of innovation and creativity in Toronto.
**What motivates Rosalie and Isadore to Support OCAD U?**
*“What was once the provincial OCA has spread through downtown like the ripple effect of a skipping stone. I truly believe in OCAD University which graduates the image makers of the world and I hope that the closeness and understanding between nations can be achieved through music and art.”*
\- Rosale and Isadore Sharp
## Other Recent News
[### 2026-27 Call for Funding Proposals for Student Groups that Support Creative Entrepreneurship on Campus
The RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (CEAD) invites OCAD University student groups with a mandate to support entrepreneurship on campus to apply for funding for student-led initiatives that strengthen and expand the creative entrepreneurship ecosystem at OCAD U. This funding is intended to help student groups create opportunities for entrepreneurship skills development, community building, and revenue-generating activities for students and recent alumni, while reducing barriers to participation for equity-seeking individuals.
November 6, 2026
](/news/2026-27-call-funding-proposals-student-groups-support-creative-entrepreneurship-campus)
[### 2027 Critical Distance Centre for Curators Projections Program Call for Artists
OCAD University’s RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (CEAD) and Critical Distance Centre for Curators (CDCC) have partnered to co-create CDCC Projections Program Career Launcher. Four (4) to five (5) selected emerging artists will receive $690 to exhibit work in a single channel, projection-based screening program that will be displayed at the CDCC in March 2027.
October 30, 2026
](/news/2027-critical-distance-centre-curators-projections-program-call-artists)
[### Call for Vendors: BAM! Holiday Art Market 2026
OCAD University's RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (CEAD) is excited to partner again with Wychwood Barns to offer a curated group of OCAD U students and recent alumni the opportunity to share a vendor table at the BAM! Holiday Art Market.
October 26, 2026
](/news/call-vendors-bam-holiday-art-market-2026)
Related Stories
## Related Stories
[### A night of art, design and community at the OCAD U Gala
More than 300 guests gathered for the second annual OCAD U Gala, raising $420,000 through an evening of art, design and community. Proceeds from the event will support student bursaries at OCAD University.
June 4, 2026
](/news/night-art-design-and-community-ocad-u-gala)
[### Taking graduate work beyond the studio
With support from the William and Nona Heaslip Foundation, OCAD U graduate students are expanding their practice through travel, experimentation and new creative work.
May 5, 2026
](/news/taking-graduate-work-beyond-studio)
[### Rosalie Sharp honoured with inaugural Chancellor’s Lifetime Achievement Award
The OCAD U award recognizes Rosalie Sharp’s extraordinary contributions to the advancement of art, design and culture in Toronto and across Canada.
October 22, 2025
](/news/rosalie-sharp-honoured-inaugural-chancellors-lifetime-achievement-award)