Emerging artists get to flex their “creative muscles” thanks to a partnership program between OCAD University and MARTK’D.
Since 2014, creatives have had opportunities to showcase their creativity and learn more about possible careers in the creative industries by participating in the Art on Sneakers Invitational.
OCAD U was the first higher education institution to partner with MARTK’D on its Art on Sneakers Invitational, leveraging the event as a creative way to introduce youth to the University and expansive career opportunities in creative fields.
“We developed the MARTK’D: Art on Sneakers Invitational to create a sports-like competition geared for high school aged creatives and artists whose talents could be showcased in front of their peers and family,” explains MARTK’D founder Dion Walcott.
“What is unique about this program is that it celebrates the intersection between education, art and culture by connecting, empowering and providing access to emerging artists to showcase their talent,” he says.
In recent years, OCAD U has hosted the invitational both on and off campus and winners have received scholarships to attend the University’s Portfolio Clinic programs. Winners have also received cash prizes and career opportunities such as working on a sneaker concept that goes into production with the brand partner.
MARTK’D has also hosted similar invitationals in New York, Houston, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Detroit, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Hamilton.
LATEST INITIATIVE CELEBRATES ARTISTS
MARTKD’s latest initiative builds on the theme of celebrating artists like we celebrate athletes.
“The idea behind this program is to sell our MARTK’D Celebrate Artists classic crew neck sweatshirt with an OCAD x MARTK’D lock-up to raise awareness about the partnership and use the sales to go towards future programming. In 2024, we are using the classic chest design and in 2025 we will work with a student to get new graphics designed,” explains Walcott.
The sweatshirts are now available on the OCAD U online store.
