The Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD U) is a renowned institution located in Toronto, Canada, dedicated to fostering creativity and innovation through art, design, and digital media education. As Canada's largest and oldest university specializing in art and design, OCAD U offers a diverse range of programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as continuing studies and research opportunities. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, OCAD U provides a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where students can explore their artistic passions, engage in critical discourse, and develop the skills necessary to make a meaningful impact in the creative industries.

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Criticism and Curatorial Practice at OCAD U is the first undergrad program in Canada to prepare artists to be critics and curators. Students in our program also get experience in the studio making art themselves. We believe that people who work in all areas of the art and culture world benefit from this hands on experience. In this program you’ll learn about professional practices in museums, galleries and many other creative institutions. You’ll benefit from studying with artists, curators, writers and designers. You’ll also learn how contemporary art and design productions and exhibitions reach the public. Show less

First Year
All art students, including those going into Criticism and Curatorial Practice, take the First Year Art program. You’ll have lots of choices to explore different kinds of classes and to establish a strong base for your future years. A few courses are mandatory, such as Global Visual Culture, Time-based Media, and Drawing Across the Disciplines, but the rest of your classes could include:

Animation
Art & Code
Body & Technology
Curating: Nature & Culture
Indigenous Sculpture
Sculpture concepts
Painting
Photography
Wearable Art

Second Year
In second year, you’ll take Museums, Galleries and Alternative Spaces and studio courses based on your interest in art or design. You’ll take an Art or Design History course of your choice and:

Art History and Visual Culture
Contemporary Issues: Art Today
An English course of your choice

Third Year
In third year, you’ll take The Work of the Curator. This class gives you professional experience and an experiential learning course that could include the opportunity to study at the AGO or work in one of the OCAD U galleries. You’ll also take courses based on your studio interest in art or design. And, you’ll take:

A Question of Beauty: Reframed
Art Writing: Practice and Ideas
Professional Practice
History and Theory of Art Criticism

Fourth Year
In fourth year, you will work on your thesis project and take the Proseminar (a course with graduate and undergraduate students) that puts you in direct contact with professionals in the field. You could curate your own show in one of the OCADU galleries. You’ll take breadth courses based on your interest in humanities and the social sciences. Finally, you’ll also showcase your work at GradEx - OCAD U’s Graduate Exhibition, the biggest free art and design exhibition in Toronto with more than 40,000 visitors.

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OCAD University, formerly known as the Ontario College of Art and Design University, is a leading institution dedicated to fostering innovation, creativity, and critical thinking in the fields of art, design, and digital media. Located in Toronto, Canada, OCAD U has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1876. It offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as continuing studies, research opportunities, and professional development courses. As Canada's largest and oldest university specialized in art and design, OCAD U is renowned for its forward-thinking approach to education and its commitment to preparing students for the rapidly evolving creative industries. The university embraces an interdisciplinary approach that encourages collaboration and exploration across disciplines, enabling students to gain a well-rounded understanding of the creative process. OCAD U boasts a vibrant and diverse community of students, faculty, and staff, who contribute to the rich tapestry of artistic expression and innovation on campus. The university provides state-of-the-art facilities, including specialized studios, labs, and exhibition spaces, where students can experiment, create, and showcase their work. At OCAD U, students have the opportunity to engage with renowned faculty members who are accomplished artists, designers, and scholars in their respective fields. Through a combination of rigorous academic instruction, hands-on studio work, and critical discourse, students develop the necessary skills and knowledge to become leaders and change-makers in their chosen creative fields. Beyond the classroom, OCAD U actively promotes community engagement and collaboration. The university encourages students to connect with the vibrant arts and design scene in Toronto, forging meaningful partnerships with industry professionals and cultural organizations. This emphasis on real-world experience prepares students for successful careers and entrepreneurial endeavors in the global creative economy. With its rich heritage, commitment to innovation, and emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, OCAD University continues to be at the forefront of art, design, and digital media education. It nurtures and empowers the next generation of creative thinkers, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and making a significant impact in the cultural landscape of Canada and beyond.

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You will need to book the accommodation after you have been accepted.

You can choose to live on campus or off campus in private accommodation.

How to book:

• Make a booking online after you have been accepted (in this case please let us know your choice when you apply).
• Register when you arrive - its not possible to reserve a room before arriving. You can arrive a few days before and book it

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