George Reid House officially re-opens!

On September 26, OCAD U’s historic George Reid House officially re-opened following a dynamic renovation of the building.

Faculty, staff and guests gathered to celebrate and tour the refurbished building—as part of OCAD University’s larger, Creative City Campus revitalization project—and to view the new permanent artwork by Inuk artist Couzyn van Heuvelen. Longlisted this year for the Sobey Art Award, van Heuvelen explores Inuit culture and identity, new and old technologies, and personal narratives.

The celebratory event included remarks by Dr. Sara Diamond, Urban Elder Duke Redbird, Jaime Watt, Chair of the OCAD U Board of Governors and student representative Gabriel Rojas Hruska.

Ribbon is cut on the George Reid House!

Couzyn van Heuvelen, Duke Redbird, Sara Diamond, Jaime Watt and Gabriel Rojas Ruska
Friday, November 9, 2018

OCAD University’s historic George Reid House has officially re-opened following a dynamic renovation of the building, including the addition of Indigenous artwork created by Inuk artist Couzyn van Heuvelen.

The building’s refurbishment – as part of OCAD University’s larger, Creative City Campus revitalization project  ̶  includes the modernization of interior facilities, the creation of new event, meeting and program spaces, and the development of an enhanced circulation space with display opportunities.

“This renewed space allows for dynamic social gatherings with upgraded technology, re-establishing the house as a significant university and community asset,” said Dr. Sara Diamond, President and Vice-Chancellor, OCAD University. “In addition to the benefit to students, the refurbishment provides a unique opportunity for an Indigenous presence, in honour of the university’s commitment to Indigenous learning, as outlined in our Academic Plan.”

OCAD University commissioned van Heuvelen to create permanent artwork following a call to Indigenous artists and designers to submit proposals for artwork to be permanently installed in the refurbished building.

Longlisted this year for the Sobey Art Award, van Heuvelen was born in Iqaluit, Nunavut, and now lives in southern Ontario. His work explores Inuit culture and identity, new and old technologies, and personal narratives.

George Reid House is the original 1921 campus building of the Ontario College of Art (OCA) and the first building in Canada built specifically for the purpose of the education of professional artists and designers.
The renovation project is part of the Creative City Campus capital initiative and is funded by the Government of Ontario (through the Ministry Training, Colleges and Universities) and the Government of Canada through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (through the Federal Development Agency for Southern Ontario).

Poster: 
Large slate slab carved with two blue birds
Student Gabriel Rojas Ruska speaking at podium
Large slate slab carved with four red birds

Couzyn van Heuvelen chosen for George Reid House project

Portrait of a young bearded man, Couzyn van Heuvelen
Monday, April 30, 2018 - 12:45pm

OCAD University is pleased to announce that it has commissioned artist Couzyn van Heuvelen to create permanent artwork that will embed Indigenous presence within the historic George Reid House.

Recently longlisted for the Sobey Art Award, van Heuvelen is an Inuk artist born in Iqaluit, Nunavut, living in southern Ontario. His work explores Inuit culture and identity, new and old technologies, and personal narratives. He holds a BFA from York University and an MFA from NSCAD University.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with OCAD U,” says van Heuvelen. “I will be creating a series of carved stone slabs which respond to Inuit stonecut printmaking and will highlight the associated studio processes. The work will call attention to Inuit art making, and contribute to making an Indigenous presence visible at the university."

“Van Heuvelen’s work will draw from the rich cultural history born from the establishment of printmaking co-ops in the North that catapulted Inuit art into global appreciation,” says Ryan Rice, Delaney Chair in Indigenous Visual Culture at OCAD U. “The work acknowledges Inuit art history, a significant component of Canada’s national identity, and represents the unique studio process and practice that OCAD University affords.”

In February, the university issued a call to Indigenous artists and designers to submit proposals for artwork to be permanently installed in the refurbished George Reid House, the first campus for what was then the Ontario College of Art. The building is undergoing renewal as part of the university’s Creative City Campus project, and funded by the Government of Ontario (through the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development Capital Support Program and the Government of Canada through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (through the Federal Development Agency for Southern Ontario).

A jury of six reviewed the submissions:

  • Ryan Rice – Delaney Chair in Indigenous Visual Culture
  • Bonnie Devine – Associate Professor
  • Gerald McMaster – Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Visual Culture and Curatorial Practice
  • Brian Porter –Two Row Architect
  • Duke Redbird – Elder
  • Aylan Couchie – IAMD Graduate student

Van Heuvelen will work with members of the jury throughout the summer, with the final artwork set to be officially unveiled in Fall 2018.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Creative City Campus Update

Experiential Learning Centre in the Rosalie Sharp Pavilion

Renovations of the Rosalie Sharp Pavilion (115 McCaul St.) are underway. OCAD U’s new Centre for Experiential Learning is anticipated to open in the Fall of 2018. The Centre will also be the new home of the Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (currently located in 49 McCaul St.), student working and gathering spaces, and thesis space for fourth-year students. The Experiential Learning Task Force, led by Vice-Provost, Students & International Deanne Fisher and the Director of the Writing & Learning Centre/Faculty & Curriculum Development Centre, Susan Ferguson, is actively working on refining the program for the project.

Creative City Campus Update: December 2017

An update on the status of the Experiential Learning Centre, George Reid House construction, Fabrication Studios, and the CCC Site Strategy for the campus expansion. 

Creative City Campus Update

Renovations of the George Reid House began last week. The first phase involves work on Level 2 to provide two multi-purpose rooms, as well as a universal washroom, storage and display. The next phase (winter 2018) will involve renovations of the Foundry and Mouldmaking studios, in addition to the circulation space.

Creative City Campus Update: George Reid House Renovations Begin

The George Reid House renovation is part of Creative City Campus project, a major expansion and renovation that will revitalize the main campus along McCaul Street.