GradEx 104 draws record crowds

GradEx 104
Monday, May 6, 2019 - 3:45pm

A record 46,000 guests attended GradEx 104, a five-day exhibition from May 1 to 5, displaying the outstanding work of more than 800 graduating students.

In her remarks on opening night, Dr. Sara Diamond, president and vice-chancellor, OCAD University, commented that GradEx is probably one of the most valuable exhibitions that the graduates take part in, meeting potential clients, advertisers, gallerists and other employers.

“GradEx is an important event. Not just for the graduating students, but for the university as a whole,” said President Diamond. “It is a reminder that this is the largest art and design university in Canada…the exhibits and installations are diverse and challenging, inspirational and unexpected.” 

During opening night festivities, OCAD U Medal Winners were honoured by all attendees, including their families and friends. Medal recipients were recognized for their high academic standards, creativity and mastery of technique.

Special guests at the exhibition included Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell; Adam Vaughan, MP for Spadina-Fort York and Chris Glover, MPP for Spadina-FortYork, Isabelle Mondou,  Associate Deputy Minister of Canadian Heritage; David Dendooven, Assistant Deputy Minister of Strategic Policy, Planning and Corporate Affairs at Canadian Heritage; Seema Jethalal, Regional Director General, Ontario at Canadian Heritage; Takako Ito, Consul-General of Japan and Greg Stanford, US Consul General.

Revenues from opening night and visitor donations throughout the exhibition reached $10,000 gross. GradEx 104 was  generously supported by Presenting Sponsor Hullmark; Media Sponsor CP24; Supporting Sponsor Borden Ladner Gervais; In-kind Sponsors 13th Street Winery, Steam Whistle, Chair-man Mills, Northern Valet by Indigo, Lindsay Shaw Catering and Westbury National.

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Poster: 
GradEx 104