This autumn marks the 135th anniversary of OCAD University. Throughout its 135 years, OCAD University has been a city builder, whether through the creation of the Grange at the north end of Grange Park that was designed by George Reid to be the first building in Canada for the sole purpose of art education, or the Sharp Centre for Design created by British architect Will Alsop which has become a symbol of the combined power of art and design, OCAD University and the City of Toronto.

Who would have thought that when it opened its doors in 1876 that the Ontario School of Art, located at 14 King Street West and home to 25 students, would become OCAD University with more than 4,000 students, hailing from 50 different countries, in a mixture of undergraduate and boutique graduate programs. In recognition of this evolving mission, OCAD University adopted the moniker “University of Imagination”. We encapsulate the vibrant passion and energy that have resounded in the school’s studios, classrooms and laboratories bursting with fearless and well-founded ideas and a solid foundation in critical thinking.

From all the Digifest team – Happy Birthday OCAD University!