Toronto’s largest free art and design exhibition, GradEx 110, attracted 42,500 at OCAD University from May 7 to 11. The energetic crowd was the largest since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The annual graduate exhibition featured work by more than 800 emerging digital media creators, artists and designers.
Several prominent guests joined in celebrating the work of the 2024-25 graduating class at the opening night reception on May 7, including Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security Nolan Quinn; Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security Lorne Coe; OCAD U alum and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow; Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik; and longtime supporters Rosalie and Isadore Sharp.
In her welcoming remarks at the opening reception, OCAD U President and Vice-Chancellor Ana Serrano thanked guests for their generous, collaborative support. She highlighted Toronto’s affection for GradEx and emphasized the University’s vital role as a vibrant hub and incubator for the creative industries.
The online version of the GradEx exhibition remains available for viewing, including work by the 16 recipients of the 2024-25 OCAD University Medal. For those who wish to support emerging talent and local artists, select pieces are available for purchase through the online exhibition.
About GradEx 110
On May 7, OCAD U kicked off the five-day GradEx 110 with an opening night celebration in Butterfield Park. The annual graduate exhibition included a presentation of poetry, music and theatre by OCAD U Creative Writing grads on May 9, a showcase of animated films, student sales of their work, and introduced the Alumni Marketplace, an opportunity for guests to purchase original artwork and handmade goods while supporting emerging artists and designers.
This year’s presenting sponsors were Hullmark and BentallGreenOak, along with opening night sponsors 13th Street Winery and Collective Arts and media sponsor blogTO.
