Driving sustainability forward is a key priority at OCAD University.

That is why the University is launching the new lab—the OCAD U Sustainable Colour Lab (SCL).

This new, interdisciplinary space and community at OCAD U is dedicated to sustainable colour material research for artists and designers.

“The lab was inspired by the long tradition of materials-based studio pedagogy in the Drawing and Painting and Illustration programs combined with a growing Pedagogy of the Land through the Indigenous Visual Culture Program,” explains Associate Professor Nicole Collins, who co-leads the lab with Assistant Professor Julia Rose Sutherland and Associate Professor and Chair of the Illustration program Lauchlan Reid.

“Our work is in response to a local and global movement of creative people seeking a deeper connection with place and the materials used to create,” she says.

The lab offers a space to investigate the sourcing and production of material colour more deeply and share outcomes within a community of artists, designers, students and scholars to realize the full potential of materials in art and design.

Collins says programming is under development and the lab will be accessible to OCAD U students, faculty and staff through an application process.

Eighteen OCAD U community members will have first access to the space, located in room 466 at 100 McCaul St., through a series of workshops with Collins, Sutherland and Reid, with guest artist Lauren Nurse, in September and October.

“Currently the lab houses manual/analog equipment and tools for the production, processing and development of plant-based and mineral pigments, dyes, inks, oil paints and other biodegradable paints,” says Collins. “We are seeking funding to expand capacity with rock crushing and pulverizing machinery and a three-roll mill for small scale production of oil paints.

LAUNCH TAKES PLACE ON SEPT. 20

The lab’s launch takes place on September 20 during the fall speaker series event organized by the University-affiliated Global Centre for Climate Action.

Material Value takes place at 113 McCaul St. from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in room 525 and features a conversation between Collins and artist Anong Migwans Beam (BEAM Paints), followed by a question-and-answer period with the audience.

RSVP for Material Value and the launch of the SCL on Eventbrite. 

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.