In celebration of its 150th anniversary, Toronto’s OCAD University will provide 150 undergraduate scholarships to support Canadian art, design, and culture, according to the university’s president. Each scholarship is valued at $40,000, with recipients receiving $10,000 annually over a four-year period.
The president and vice-chancellor, Ana Serrano, described the initiative, named 150 FUTURES, as the most expansive scholarship program in the institution’s history since its establishment in 1876. Emphasizing the importance of nurturing upcoming talents, Serrano highlighted the aim to offer more students the chance to study, create, and shape their futures at OCAD University.
These scholarships are directed towards exceptional new student applicants from across Canada, showcasing exceptional creative abilities, strong academic performance, and financial need. Funding for the scholarships has been boosted by generous contributions from individuals like Nancy McCain, Bill Morneau, John MacIntyre, and Jan MacIntyre.
OCAD University has garnered over half of the $6 million fundraising target for the program. Serrano underscored the significance of such philanthropic support in not only aiding individual students financially but also in articulating the value of creativity and the pivotal role of art, design, and culture in the Canadian landscape.
Reflecting on the institution’s evolution over the past 150 years, Serrano highlighted the transformation from traditional tools like paintbrushes to modern technologies such as pixels and complex systems. Despite these advancements, the core values of creativity and innovation have remained central to the university’s ethos.
William Snyder, a fourth-year student specializing in drawing and painting from Sandy Lake First Nation, praised art institutions for offering fresh perspectives through visual mediums. Snyder’s focus on portraying nature as interconnected spirits rather than mere subjects showcases the depth of artistic exploration at OCAD University.
Snyder also expressed admiration for the institution’s longstanding presence, referring to OCAD University as a collective masterpiece shaped by generations of artists. He credited the school for fostering strong bonds and providing a supportive community for artistic growth and personal development.