Many OCAD University faculty and alums are taking part in the Toronto Biennial of Art, which opened on September 21 and runs until December 1. 

Every two years, the free, ten-week event aims to make contemporary art accessible to everyone. The Biennial, which launched in 2019, commissions artists to create new works for a city-wide exhibition in dialogue with Toronto’s diverse local contexts. Registration is required for most events.

OCAD U affiliated participating artists include:

Faculty of Design Instructor Misbah Ahmed, who is hosting Andbothwith a Gift: A Ceramic Workshop on October 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. at 32 Lisgar Street and Park. This workshop offers an opportunity to explore ceramic hand-building and surface design techniques inspired by the artist Pamila Matharu.

Faculty of Design Associate Professor Peter Morin, who will lead the community gathering and performance, Love Songs to End Colonization, alongside Jimmie Kilpatrick on November 30 from 8 to 11 p.m. at The Theatre Centre. This is a participative karaoke project that repurposes popular love songs, where attendees are invited to engage. 

Astrid Ho, Drawing and Painting, Class of 1997 and 2010, who will be a part of VIBE Arts Family Days: Mini Monotype Printmaking on November 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 32 Lisgar Street and Park. This is a free, drop-in, public art-making program. 

Jenny Chen, Drawing and Painting, Class of 2016, who participated in VIBE Arts Family Days: Magical Bead Mandala, on September 21. 

Laura Dawe, Interdisciplinary Master’s in Art, Media and Design, Class of 2018, who will facilitate the workshop Joyful Still Lives on October 12 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at 32 Lisgar Street and Park. Participants will each paint a little still life.

Rajni Perera, Drawing and Painting, Class of 2011, whose painting Joyous Procession/The Infinite Serpent will be on display at Collision Gallery until December 1. The painting portrays dancing mythological characters which Perera describes as manifestations of dreams, highlighting the deep ancestral connections to a spiritual dimension.

Other Recent News

Partial x OCAD University Artist Showcase Summer 2026 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. 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.

OCAD U x SickKids Research Institute Exhibition - Call for Artists

OCAD University’s RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (CEAD) and The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute (SickKids RI) have partnered to co-create an exhibition in the Great Hall at OCAD University on November 16-27, 2026. The CEAD and SickKids RI are inviting emerging artists to submit existing works for consideration. The responding artworks to be curated will be in dialogue with captivating scientific images or videos from SickKids Research Institute. 7-9 successful artists will each be paid a $500 Artist Fee.