OCAD U x SickKids Research Institute Exhibition - Call for Curator

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. One (1) successful emerging curator will be paid $4,000 to help curate elements of the exhibition. 

The exhibition will consist of research assets from SickKids RI, and accompanying responsive artworks from seven to nine (7 - 9) OCAD U students/alumni. The research components will include captivating scientific images or videos—work that reveals unseen worlds, conveys a research message, and highlights the beauty and impact of SickKids RI scientific discoveries. The goal is to educate, inspire, and connect scientific work to children’s health in a visually compelling way.  

The 7 – 9 responding artworks to be curated will be in dialogue with this context. For example, this element might explore themes of care, wellness, resilience or unseen dimensions of the body. These artworks could offer poetic, critical and human-centered perspectives that expand how we understand health, illness and the lived experience behind medical research. 

ABOUT THE PARTNER:

The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) Research Institute is where over 3,000 researchers, trainees and staff take on the toughest challenges in child health. As Canada’s largest, hospital-based child health research institute, SickKids Research Institute conducts and translates pioneering research, training the next generation of researchers, and supporting global scientific communities with knowledge and state-of-the-art facilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The selected Curator will:  

• Review and participate in adjudication of eligible artist submissions  
• Liaise with artists on the selection of work and installation strategies 
• Draft exhibition essay, didactics, promotional copy, including the description and artist biographies 
• Select promotional images and prepare image credits, for use in print and web  
• Create curatorial plan, including floor map of exhibition layout and design  
• Schedule installation, support artists with the installation of their work (in-person) 
• Participate in essential features of the installation and de-installation of the exhibition   

TIMELINE:

• May 22 – 29, 2026 – Curator selection 
• June 1 - 15, 2026 - Review and participate in adjudication of eligible artist submissions as well as SickKids RI researcher works 
• June – August, 2026 – Curator meets with researchers and artists and artworks are readied, didactic and essay materials are organized  
• October, 2026 - Delivery of artworks  
• November 9-15, 2026 - Exhibition mounted  
• November 16-27, 2026 - Exhibition open  
• November 19, 2026 – Reception  
• November 28-29, 2026 – De-installation of Exhibition 

PARTNER:

The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute 

https://www.sickkids.ca/en/research/about-research-institute

https://www.sickkids.ca/ 

ELIGIBILITY:

• Current OCAD U undergraduate students in any discipline who have completed a minimum of 15+ credits 
• or current OCAD U Master's students 
• or recent OCAD U Alumni (classes of 2023 – 2026)

*Priority may be given to applicants who have not previously received a Career Launcher opportunity

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
 

Please provide the following information in one PDF document:

• Full contact information (Name, phone, and email)
• Current resume or CV 
• Website and/or social media
• Curatorial/Artistic statement/Bio (150 words max) 
• A short statement of intent that describes your approach, relationship to, or interest in the exhibition themes and why you would like to access this opportunity. This is not a proposal but rather an insight to what inspires you about this exhibition! (250 words) 

RATE:

$4,000 Curatorial Fee

APPLICATION PORTAL:

Apply via Typeform here