OCAD University explores partnership opportunity in Hamilton
Thursday, November 8, 2018
King George School (Courtesy, The Hamilton Spectator)
OCAD University is exploring offering classes at a new Hamilton-based community and culture hub. At a recent Hamilton City Council meeting, councillors unanimously approved Ward 3 Councillor Matthew Green’s motion to transform the former King George School into a community hub.
The re-development plan aims to transform King George by establishing a new partnership between OCAD University, the Hamilton Public Library, Early Years Learning Centres, and grassroots arts and culture groups. Councillor Green has committed $1 million to fund a study of the location and to provide an initial investment in the hub. The 106-year-old school closed to students in 2012 and was originally slated to be demolished in favour of a new building.
“We are excited by the potential of OCAD University’s participation in this hub, providing continuing studies and workshops to support Hamilton’s creative cultural industries, inspiring youth and providing continuing education opportunities,” said Dr. Sara Diamond, President and Vice-Chancellor, OCAD University. “Our vision is to engage OCAD U’s students, faculty and alumni who are part of the Hamilton community to deliver learning opportunities to youth and adult learners. OCAD U has a fantastic partnership with Hamilton Youth Poets in support of its Black Youth Design initiative (BYDI) and OCAD U’s co-location in Hamilton at the KGS Hub would deepen this relationship.”
OCAD University is exploring offering classes at a new Hamilton-based community and culture hub. At a recent Hamilton City Council meeting, councillors unanimously approved Ward 3 Councillor Matthew Green’s motion to transform the former King George School into a community hub.
The re-development plan aims to transform King George by establishing a new partnership between OCAD University, the Hamilton Public Library, Early Years Learning Centres, and grassroots arts and culture groups. Councillor Green has committed $1 million to fund a study of the location and to provide an initial investment in the hub. The 106-year-old school closed to students in 2012 and was originally slated to be demolished in favour of a new building.
“We are excited by the potential of OCAD University’s participation in this hub, providing continuing studies and workshops to support Hamilton’s creative cultural industries, inspiring youth and providing continuing education opportunities,” said Dr. Sara Diamond, President and Vice-Chancellor, OCAD University. “Our vision is to engage OCAD U’s students, faculty and alumni who are part of the Hamilton community to deliver learning opportunities to youth and adult learners. OCAD U has a fantastic partnership with Hamilton Youth Poets in support of its Black Youth Design initiative (BYDI) and OCAD U’s co-location in Hamilton at the KGS Hub would deepen this relationship.”