Ryan Rice, Associate Dean of OCAD University’s Faculty of Arts and Science, is taking on a special assignment as Curator, Indigenous Art for the University’s Onsite Gallery.
“We are excited to welcome Ryan to this role, which reflects our ongoing commitment to advancing Indigenous Knowledge embedded in the first priority, Indigenous Learning: Nothing About Us Without Us, of the University’s Academic Plan (2017-2022),” says Francisco Alvarez, Executive and Artistic Director of OCAD U Galleries.
Rice will lead the conceptualization and organization of focused exhibitions and related public engagement at the Onsite Gallery for the OCAD U community, the greater public and Indigenous communities, as it aligns with the gallery’s vision and mandate.
“This role will also contribute towards building sustainability for Onsite and address questions posed by The Wapatah Centre for Indigenous Visual Knowledge Indigenizing the (Art) Museum series to increase Indigenous community and institutional awareness in shaping the future of art institutions,” says Alvarez.
Says Rice: “This appointment formally advances the curatorial work I have been undertaking with Onsite Gallery since presenting the award-winning 2017 inaugural exhibition raise a flag: Works from the Indigenous Art Collection 2000-2015 and developing the upcoming exhibition Jordan Bennett: Souvenir (June 2022).”
He says the position aligns with the University’s committed efforts towards decolonization and is a unique opportunity to ensure Indigenous visual culture and curatorial practice are actively present and elevated at OCAD U.
“I look forward to contributing and collaborating further with Onsite in this designated role by presenting future exhibitions, cultivating development and community engagement,” says Rice whose appointment was effective on July 1, 2021.
ABOUT RYAN RICE
Rice, Kanien’kehá:ka of Kahnawake, is an independent curator, associate professor and the associate dean in the Faculty of Arts and Science. His institutional and independent curatorial career spans 30 years in community, museums, artist-run centres and galleries.
His writing on contemporary Onkwehón:we art has been published in numerous periodicals and exhibition catalogues, and he has lectured widely.
He is currently working on three solo exhibitions, including Jordan Bennett: Souvenir for the Onsite Gallery and Pageant: Natalie King for Centre [3], while his touring exhibition Bait: Couzyn van Heuvelen recently ended in Summer 2021.
Additionally, Rice is curating two public art projects through his temporary role as the Indigenous Public Art Curator with Waterfront Toronto.