Toronto is a city of opportunity, and it’s a place where you can find success in any field. The metropolis is home to many creative professionals and personalities in show business: singers, actors, television hosts, artists, designers, comedians, and more. They all pursue their craft and bring joy to people. However, working in show business requires certain knowledge. You can get it at OCAD University. Today, we decided to tell you more about this educational institution. Read more about it on the torontoski.info website.
History of its Founding
The institution’s history traces its roots back to 1876. That year, the Ontario School of Art was founded. The educational institution was established by the Ontario Society of Artists.
At that time, 14 students enrolled to study at the School of Art. However, over the years, the institution grew and became the oldest in Canada where one could receive such an education.
In 1912, the institution became the Ontario College of Art (OCA). Notably, this college was the first in Canada dedicated exclusively to training artists. The artist George Agnew Reid was appointed as the college’s first principal. This first principal designed the college’s first building. Moreover, this structure became the first in Canada built specifically for the education of artists and designers.
It’s worth noting that the institution relocated several times, but in 1921, the college moved into its permanent home.
Development of the Institution
The college grew steadily, as did the number of students seeking an education there. In 1945, the School of Design was established, expanding its curriculum. Within a few years, classes began to be held not only on the central campus but also off-campus: in Port Hope and at William Houston Public School in downtown Toronto.
The institution’s leadership understood that students were running out of space, so in 1957, an expansion of the main college campus began.
In 1996, the institution was renamed the Ontario College of Art and Design. It offered students three faculties: Basic Studies, Art, and Design.
In the 2000s, the institution underwent another reconstruction and expansion. In 2000, funding was received from Ontario’s SuperBuild infrastructure program to construct the fifth expansion of the main building. Construction lasted two years, and in 2004, the project was unveiled to the public. This led to the creation of the Sharp Centre for Design.
Also in the 2000s, the institution attained university status. In 2008, the college became a member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. In 2009, it began offering continuing studies to non-degree students through its School of Continuing Studies. A year later, the institution officially became OCAD University (Ontario College of Art and Design University).
Notable Alumni
Today, OCAD University, located in Toronto, stands as one of the largest art and design educational institutions in North America. The university boasts not only a high-quality education but also its notable alumni. Among OCAD University’s graduates are Jane Friedman, a renowned curator and art critic; James Jean, an artist and illustrator who has won numerous international awards; Jennifer Van Wees, a designer; and Jonathan Wong, a multidisciplinary artist. This is certainly not an exhaustive list, as thousands of artists and designers have passed through the institution’s doors and gained a truly excellent education here.
That is the story of OCAD University’s founding. We hope you found this material informative and that you learned something new about your home city.