Dr. Bonaventure Ndikung named first OCAD U International Curatorial Resident

Dr. Bonaventure Ndikung; photo by Abrie Fourie
Tuesday, July 23, 2019

After an extensive search of candidates internationally,OCAD University has selected Berlin-based curator and biotechnologist Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung, PhD, as the first curator of its International Curators Residency (ICR) program. The ambitious new program, supported with a grant from Partners in Art, will be the largest of its kind in Canada. The program will stimulate curatorial research and excellence through an original exhibition at OCAD U’s flagship professional gallery, Onsite Gallery. Curated by Dr. Ndikung, the exhibition will then travel internationally to promote Canadian creators abroad. The ICR program will also create educational opportunities for the OCAD U community and the public, introducing innovative curatorial methods while advancing cultural dialogue on contemporary curatorial practice. 

“We are delighted to announce the selection of Dr. Ndikung as OCAD U’s first curator of our exciting, new International Curatorial Residency,” said Dr. Sara Diamond, President and Vice-Chancellor, OCAD University. “The opportunity to interact closely with innovative international curators will enhance the learning experience for OCAD U students and our community, while heightening international awareness of Toronto as a vibrant contemporary art community. It will build opportunities abroad for Toronto artists. We must take our talent out to the world.”

Born in Yaoundé, Cameroon, Dr. Ndikung is an independent curator, author and biotechnologist, and is the founder and artistic director of SAVVY Contemporary Berlin. He was curator-at-large for Documenta 14 in Athens and Kassel, and guest curator of the 2018 Dak'Art Biennale in Senegal. Together with the Miracle Workers Collective, he is curator of the Finland Pavilion at the Venice Biennale in 2019. Dr. Ndikung is currently guest professor in curatorial studies and sound art at the Städelschule in Frankfurt; artistic director of the 12th Rencontres de Bamako, a biennale for African photography, 2019; as well as artistic director of Sonsbeek 2020, a quadrennial contemporary art exhibition in Arnhem, the Netherlands.

Dr. Ndikung was selected from a shortlist of five international curators by OCAD U’s Curatorial Advisory Committee to develop his project titled, “The Cochlea: Sonic by Nature,” which explores sonority and auditory phenomena in a world saturated with images. 

The three-phase program will begin in January 2020, with the arrival of Dr. Ndikung for his extended residency at OCAD U. The second phase will be the presentation of an original exhibition at Onsite Gallery in early 2022, curated by Dr. Ndikung. In the third phase, the exhibition will tour internationally to a venue that will be announced at the opening of the exhibition in Toronto. 

Partners in Art will support OCAD U on phases one and three. “We are thrilled to be supporting OCAD U in its first cultural residency program. Dr. Ndikung’s international experience and vision will be an incredible asset for Toronto’s multicultural landscape and will also help promote the work of Canadian artists globally,” said Antonella Vergati, Co-President of Partners in Art.  

While in Toronto, Dr. Ndikung will participate in multiple engagements that will include visits with OCAD U classes, local studios, artists and designers, as well as public talks and dialogue with multiple cultural leaders. The program will also include symposia, workshops and publications in order to support and extend scholarly knowledge on contemporary curatorial practices in art, design and new media. 

About OCAD University
OCAD University (www.ocadu.ca)is Canada’s university of the imagination. Founded in 1876, the university is dedicated to art, design and digital media education, practice and research, and to knowledge and invention across a wide range of disciplines. 

About Partners in Art
Partners in Art (PIA) is a volunteer-led charitable organization that funds contemporary art projects across Canada and around the world. Since 2002, the Toronto-based PIA has raised over $4.7 million and supported 80 projects. PIA collaborates with Canadian curators, arts organizations and museums to fund projects featuring contemporary artists with challenging works and thoughtful perspectives. For more information visit www.partnersinart.ca.

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For more information, please contact:

Natalie Pavlenko
Strategic Communications Officer, OCAD University
416-977-6000 Ext. 475
npavlenko@ocadu.ca

Photo: Abrie Fourie

Industrial Design student needs your vote in Sneaker Championship!

Rendering of sneaker by Artur Wrona, design student
Tuesday, March 22, 2016 - 4:00am

Artur Wrona, a second year Industrial Design student, has made it to the second round of competition in the World Sneaker Championship held by Pensole Footwear Design Academy in conjunction with Foot Locker.

The top 64 designs were announced Sunday March 20, voting continues through Thursday, March 24. Entries come from all over the world, including Poland, Hong Kong Sweden and Mexico.

Wrona describes his sneaker design:

“Inspired by Vancouver’s urban and natural landscapes, this lifestyle sneakerboot features a premium wool felt upper along with a lacing system that wraps around the perimeter of the midfoot allowing the wearer to lace the shoe in as many different ways as he can imagine.”
 

Onsite Gallery is Hiring International Students

Onsite Gallery is currently recruiting International Students to fill Student Monitors positions for their winter exhibition (January 22 to April 25, 2020) to serve as front-line staff welcoming and informing visitors about exhibitions and public events, to supervise the gallery and engage with visitors. 

Onsite Gallery is Hiring International Students

T.M. Glass: The Audible Language of Flowers
Thursday, October 31, 2019 - 9:30am

Onsite Gallery is OCAD University’s flagship public professional gallery and experimental curatorial platform for art, design and new media. Fostering social and cultural transformations, Onsite serves the OCAD U community and the general public.

Onsite Gallery is currently recruiting Student Monitors for their winter exhibition (January 22 to April 25, 2020) to serve as front-line staff welcoming and informing visitors about exhibitions and public events, to supervise the gallery and engage with visitors. 

Reporting to the Programs & Community Coordinator, Onsite Gallery, the International Student Monitor, Onsite Gallery will

  • Greet visitors as they enter the gallery and provide information on present and upcoming exhibitions, public events and general gallery and OCAD U information.
  • Supervise the entrance and all areas of the exhibitions to enhance visitor experience, encourage conversation and engagement and enforce gallery rules and etiquette.
  • Research the exhibiting artists/designers and exhibition themes, prepare and lead thoughtful tours and maintain a comprehensive understanding of the artists/designers and themes in the exhibition to facilitate discussion and meaningful engagement with viewers.
  • Track daily attendance and encourage the recording of email addresses for Onsite Gallery's e-newsletter database, so patrons are aware of upcoming exhibitions and events.
  • Ensure all exhibition elements are in proper working order and front reception and gallery areas are clean/tidy. Examine the exhibitions daily to identify if maintenance is needed on artworks, perform corrective action (as appropriate) and notify other staff as needed.
  • Perform administrative tasks including writing reports related to gallery attendance and audience response. Replenishes gallery material, such as exhibition brochures, at the front desk and other areas as needed.
  • Perform opening and closing duties including: turning on and off the works in the exhibition, keeping front reception tidy and locking all doors.
  • Provide staffing assistance for all public programs and events, such as the opening reception, where duties may include: setup and takedown of chairs and tables, serving food, selling drinks and taking photographs.
  • Assist with installation and de-installation of exhibitions, as needed, which may include: light lifting and moving of objects, installing hanging material, moving plinths, patch/repair and paint walls and hanging wall labels.
  • Attend Student Monitor orientation meeting prior to the opening of an exhibition, and any other meetings as called by the Programs & Community Coordinator or Curator. 
  • Perform other tasks as assigned by the Programs & Community Coordinator and senior management. 

Requirements:

To be eligible to apply for jobs through the Campus Employment Program for International Students (CEPIS), you must:

  • be an international degree-seeking student at the undergraduate or graduate level
  • have a valid study permit issued by Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada
  • be registered in full-time studies in Fall/Winter 2019/2020

Before applying for this job, you must submit a request to the Office of International Student Support to confirm that you meet the requirements to work on campus. If you meet the requirements, you will receive a confirmation email to include with your job application.

Additional requirements:

  • Interest in contemporary art and design
  • Comfortable in a public speaking role
  • Strong verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work under general direction and in a team environment
  • Strong interpersonal skills; enjoy working with the public
  • Must be able to work flexible hours for public event shifts

Assets: 

  • Ability to operate audio/visual and office equipment
  • Knowledge and comfort using social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) to assist with Onsite Gallery's digital presence and promotion
  • Smart Serve certified 

Duration: January 22 to April 25, 2020, with possibility of renewing for the following exhibition period 

Rate of pay: $15.68 per hour (which includes in lieu of vacation and benefits)

Schedule: one-two regular weekly shifts

Vacancies: 2

Please submit the following to Linda Columbus, Programs & Community Coordinator, at lcolumbus@ocadu.ca:

  1. confirmation from the Office of International Student Support, stating you meet the requirements to work on campus
  2. cover letter
  3. resume

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m., November 17, 2019.

As an employer committed to employment equity, we encourage applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.

Exhibition Tour in Spanish

Sunday, April 7, 2019 - 1:00pm

Exhibition Tour in Spanish
Sunday, April 7 at 1 p.m.

Free

Onsite Gallery
199 Richmond St. West

Join us for a free guided tour of Onsite Gallery's exhibition, How to Breathe Forever. This tour will be conducted in Spanish, led by Karina Roman Justo, an emerging writer currently at her third year in Visual and Critical Studies at OCAD University.

How to Breathe Forever underlines the importance and interconnectedness of air, animals, coral, humans, insects, land, plants and water. The belief that everything in the universe has a place and deserves equal respect is the core of this exhibition and positions our relations with others — including the 'natural' world — as active and reciprocal. The artwork invites you to consider a personhood that attentively collaborates and exchanges with all living things.

 

Karina Roman Justo is an emerging writer currently at her third year in Visual and Critical Studies at OCAD University. She also holds BA in Early Childhood Education. Her research focuses on the relation between pedagogy, identity and the arts. 
 

Onsite Gallery is the flagship professional gallery of OCAD U and an experimental curatorial platform for art, design and new media. Visit our website for upcoming public events. The gallery is located at 199 Richmond St. W, Toronto, ON, M5V 0H4. Telephone: 416-977-6000, ext. 265. Opening hours are: Wednesdays from noon to 8 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays from noon to 7 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Free admission.

Image: Karina Roman Justo.

Venue & Address: 
Onsite Gallery (199 Richmond St. West)
Website: 
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/exhibition-tour-in-spanish-tickets-57627287769
Email: 
onsite@ocadu.ca
Phone: 
416-977-6000 x456
Cost: 
Free
Karina Roman Justo

Exhibition Tour in Spanish

Wednesday, February 27, 2019 - 1:00pm

Exhibition Tour in Spanish
Wednesday, February 27 at 1 p.m.

Free

Onsite Gallery
199 Richmond St. West

Join us for a free guided tour of Onsite Gallery's exhibition, How to Breathe Forever. This tour will be conducted in Spanish, led by Karina Roman Justo, an emerging writer currently at her third year in Visual and Critical Studies at OCAD University.

How to Breathe Forever underlines the importance and interconnectedness of air, animals, coral, humans, insects, land, plants and water. The belief that everything in the universe has a place and deserves equal respect is the core of this exhibition and positions our relations with others — including the 'natural' world — as active and reciprocal. The artwork invites you to consider a personhood that attentively collaborates and exchanges with all living things.

 

Karina Roman Justo is an emerging writer currently at her third year in Visual and Critical Studies at OCAD University. She also holds BA in Early Childhood Education. Her research focuses on the relation between pedagogy, identity and the arts. 
 

Onsite Gallery is the flagship professional gallery of OCAD U and an experimental curatorial platform for art, design and new media. Visit our website for upcoming public events. The gallery is located at 199 Richmond St. W, Toronto, ON, M5V 0H4. Telephone: 416-977-6000, ext. 265. Opening hours are: Wednesdays from noon to 8 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays from noon to 7 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Free admission.

Image: Karina Roman Justo.

Venue & Address: 
Onsite Gallery (199 Richmond St. W.)
Website: 
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/exhibition-tour-in-spanish-tickets-55077785138
Email: 
onsite@ocadu.ca
Phone: 
416-977-6000 x265
Cost: 
Free
Karina Roman Justo

Exhibition Tour in Farsi

Friday, March 22, 2019 - 1:00pm

Exhibition Tour in Farsi
Friday, March 22 at 1 p.m.

Free

Onsite Gallery
199 Richmond St. West

Join us for a free guided tour of Onsite Gallery's exhibition, How to Breathe Forever. This tour will be conducted in Farsi, led by Setayesh Babaei, multidisciplinary artist and designer in her final year at OCAD University in Environmental Design.

How to Breathe Forever underlines the importance and interconnectedness of air, animals, coral, humans, insects, land, plants and water. The belief that everything in the universe has a place and deserves equal respect is the core of this exhibition and positions our relations with others — including the natural world — as active and reciprocal. The artwork invites you to consider a personhood that attentively collaborates and exchanges with all living things.

 

Setayesh Babaei is a multidisciplinary artist and designer in her final year at OCAD University in Environmental Design. She’s previously attended the University of Art in Isfahan, Iran and Community College of Art and Design in Liverpool, England. Currently, her area of focus is on Toronto’s ravine system and its relationship with the City’s urban fabric.

 

Onsite Gallery is the flagship professional gallery of OCAD U and an experimental curatorial platform for art, design and new media. Visit our website for upcoming public events. The gallery is located at 199 Richmond St. W, Toronto, ON, M5V 0H4. Telephone: 416-977-6000, ext. 265. Opening hours are: Wednesdays from noon to 8 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays from noon to 7 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Free admission.

Image: Setayesh Babaei. Photo by: Khadijah Morley.

Venue & Address: 
Onsite Gallery (199 Richmond St. W.)
Website: 
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/exhibition-tour-in-farsi-tickets-53813853685
Email: 
onsite@ocadu.ca
Phone: 
416-977-6000 x456
Cost: 
Free
Image: Setayesh Babaei. Photo by: Khadijah Morley.

SFI Students at the Relating Systems Thinking and Design Symposium 7 (RSD7) Turin, Italy

SFI students Ariana Lutterman and Tara Campbell with their poster Designing Designers: A critical look at design education
SFI student Adam Oliveira presenting his poster Interstellar: “To Boldly Go Where No One Has Gone Before” which he prepared with
SFI students Nadia Abuseif, Nicole Norris, and Jen Wilson-Lee presenting their poster Flourishing Cybernetics: A Biomimetics Pos
Thursday, November 22, 2018

By Ariana Lutterman and Tara Campbell

The Relating Systems Thinking and Design Symposium (RSD) is an annual international gathering of academics, researchers, and practitioners engaged in systemic design, a discipline that brings together systems thinking and systems-oriented design. This year, the seventh RSD took place in Turin, Italy from October 24-26th to explore the theme of “Challenging Complexity by Systemic Design Towards Sustainability”.

RSD is convened by the Systemic Design Association, co-founded by Dr. Peter Jones, an associate professor in the Faculty of Design here at OCAD, where he teaches in two graduate programs: Strategic Foresight and Innovation, and Design for Health. Both of these programs have courses in systemic design. As part of these courses, students create maps that visually illustrate complex topics, unpacking relationships, histories, and layers of a system in a way that can be more easily understood and digested. The symposium included a track for these visual maps specifically, and several OCAD student groups submitted and had their maps accepted to be presented in the RSD7 gallery.

The conference itself began with a day of workshops covering topics ranging from the idea of place in systemic design to connected products and the circular economy. The following days were broken down into parallel presentation sessions for participants to choose from based on different themes within systemic design. These were punctuated by keynote presentations from systems thinkers whose backgrounds spanned public policy, ecology, economics, farming, and architecture - a representation of the diverse voices needed across disciplines to truly think systemically. A number of OCAD faculty, Peter Jones, Greg Van Alstyne, and Michele Mastroeni, presented their work relating to systemic design. Students and alumni from Strategic Foresight and Innovation and Design for Health also presented work, including the aforementioned posters in the Visualization of Complex Systems exhibit, as well as paper presentations.

After the conference, participants were given the opportunity to attend a “de-conference” in the nearby alpine village of Ostana. Here, RSD members who founded the MonViso Institute brought attendees to visit their mountain laboratory, a community they are constructing using systemic design principles. Participants visited the buildings being constructed through net-positive, sustainable, cradle-to-cradle construction and shared meals sourced from local, seasonal ingredients produced with an emphasis on permaculture.

Overall, OCAD had a large presence at this year’s symposium, a tradition that will hopefully be continued at RSD8 next year in Chicago.

Security Considerations for International Travel with Mobile Devices

OCAD University employees should understand that special considerations may apply when encrypted devices are taken outside of Canada. Staff and faculty must be aware of restrictions to avoid the confiscation of their device, or other penalties and should contact the countries that they are planning to visit to determine what the requirements are in those jurisdictions.Computers and laptops managed by OCAD U IT Services have encryption enabled on them. We recommend employees set up encryption on personally-owned devices if they are using them for OCAD U related work. 

OCAD U forges new partnership with University of the Arts London

OCAD U signs partnership with UAL
Thursday, December 21, 2017

OCAD University has launched a new partnership with University of the Arts London (UAL). The agreement supports the goals of OCAD U’s internationalization strategy, to support the expansion of global opportunities for OCAD U students, faculties and staff. The partnership with UAL is among the more than 60 institutional partnerships that OCAD U has established around the globe.

UAL is made up of six colleges; Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion and Wimbledon College of Arts, and is recognized as one of the top creative institutions in the world. They offer a range of fine arts, design, creative business, media and technology programs, and, much like OCAD U in Canada, are recognized as industry leaders in their field.

The agreement, established with the intention of aligning goals, opportunities and global networks of creative thinkers for faculty, researchers and students at both institutions, was signed by Vice-President & Provost, Academic Dr. Gillian Siddall’s visit to the London College of Communication earlier in December.

In recent years, faculty at OCAD U and UAL have collaborated on various projects and initiatives. In the inaugural year of OCAD U’s Global Experience Project, the university hosted renowned artist and faculty member of UAL, Isaac Julien as an artist-in-residence, and as a capstone to the project’s in-depth creative experience, participants traveled to London for behind-the-scenes access to Julien’s studio, as well as a course taught at the Chelsea College of Arts at UAL.

In 2016, Professor Job Rutgers from OCAD U’s Industrial Design program began a collaboration with faculty from UAL’s London College of Communication (LCC). This exciting partnership between both educators and researchers at both institutions, applies design thinking to the creation of design pedagogy and design curriculum, and is inspired by OCAD U’s Industrial Design program approach on Design Competences. Although this collaboration is still in its early stages, the group recently presented workshops on Design Competencies at Cumulus in Kolding, Denmark, an annual conference for the International Association of Universities and Colleges of Art, Design and Media and for the annual American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) conference in Minneapolis. In 2018, the collaboration will lead to additional workshops as a part of Cumulus Paris and a paper for the Design Research Society Conference in Limerick, Ireland. This work has positioned OCAD U and UAL as leaders in design education and curriculum in the global community of design educators. 

OCAD U is thrilled to have formalized its relationship with UAL, and looks forward to creating new initiatives between our communities, and broadening the range of international opportunities for OCAD U students, faculty and staff. 

Many thanks to Professors Anda Kubis, Michael Prokopow, Job Rutgers and many others for their support and hard work in establishing such an exciting partnership. 

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