Through a paid, hands-on training initiative, OCAD University is building capacity for the country’s booming creative industries, which generated more than $55.5 billion, accounting for 2.7% of Canada’s GDP in 2020. 

 

Students in programs such as Experimental Animation, Integrated Media, Digital Futures and Advertising are getting paid to create content for OCAD U LiVE, a 24/7 on-demand digital streaming channel now in its fourth year.

 

They are also gaining employable skills for film, television and digital media production by working in a professional street-facing studio located at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. Thanks to a partnership with the Toronto International Film Festival, these content creators have access to professional equipment such as lighting, recording and editing tools.

 

OCAD U LiVE not only trains students to land jobs in the creative sector, but it has evolved into a dynamic, professional, for-profit production house. Clients have included Toronto West BIA, the Centre for Mindfulness Studies and Secret City Adventures. Students have been hired by other production companies, including Zero11Zero. 

 

Other Recent News

Partial x OCAD University Artist Showcase Fall 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. 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.

2026 Sankofa Square Black History Month Digital Exhibition Call for Artists

Sankofa Square and the Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers are excited to announce the return of the annual Black History Month Digital Exhibition Career Launcher providing an exhibition opportunity for artists from the OCAD U community to exhibit their work on the square’s digital screens. Artists are invited to submit artworks to be displayed across five (5) digital screens for the duration of Black History Month in February 2026.

Call for OCAD U Vendors – Bamtori Studio JingleBam Market

OCAD University’s RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (CEAD) is partnering with Bamtori Studio, a Toronto-based creative design and lifestyle brand that celebrates local and emerging artists by hosting community art markets in the GTA. A small, curated group of OCAD U students and recent alumni will be invited to share an OCAD U table to sell products and artworks as part of Bamtori Studio’s JingleBam Market.