Get Creative
Develop your creativity with Summer Workshops!
In this immersive 5-day program, you will have the opportunity to spend time at our main campus, working in our studios and learning from OCAD U faculty who guide and support you in developing your own unique practice. We are so excited to facilitate your creative journey!
Registration is now open for the Summer Workshops 2025.
Option 1: July 7 - July 11
Option 2: July 14 - July 18
Option 3: July 21 - July 25
Registration will remain open until 1 week before each option of the program begins, or until spots are filled.
The Summer Workshops are geared toward creatives ages 15-19 who are looking to explore new materials, techniques, and concepts to add to their portfolio.
OCAD U is a place that facilitates community between other like-minded makers and thinkers. Join us to create work that reflects who you are and get excited about possibilities of connecting and collaborating! You will walk away from this program feeling motivated and excited for the creative future that awaits you, no matter where that future might be. At OCAD U, you will learn how to be original, inventive, and a well-rounded artist and designer who can speak, write, and most importantly create work!
In this week-long studio experience, you are invited to explore different methods of art and design making supported by hands-on learning that will introduce you to the programs that OCAD U has to offer.
Your experience will include:
- Exploration of 2D and 3D practices, in analogue and digital mediums
- Visiting artist series featuring OCAD U alumni
- Guided tour of OCAD U’s Onsite Gallery
- A chance to work in our specialized studios and classrooms
- Demo on how to write about your creative work
- How to install and document your work
- Discussion of what makes strong concepts, techniques, and materials
- Highly developed projects or pieces that can support your portfolio or independent learning
The total cost of the program with tax is $847.50. The cost of the workshop includes supplies.
Where will the Summer Workshops take place?
The Primary location of the Summer Workshops will be at the OCAD University main building at 100 McCaul St, Toronto, ON M5T 1G1.
What time do the Summer Workshops take place?
The Workshops take place from 9:30 am - 3:30, with a 1 hour lunch. Attendance will be taken around 9:20 am.
How many spots are in each option of the program?
There are 50 spots in each option of the Summer Workshops. The total registered for each option are then divided into Cohorts of 2.
Is Lunch Provided?
Lunch is not provided by OCAD University. Participants are welcome to bring a packed lunch or purchase lunch from the Grange Food Court across the street. Lunch is usually eaten in student spaces in the main building or if the weather permits, at the OCAD U park.
Does OCAD University have Parking?
Street Parking in front of OCAD U is extremely limited. We encourage participants and parents to look at local parking garages on McCaul Street.
Do participants receive a Certificate?
Yes, participants who participate in the Summer Workshops program will receive a physical Certificate of Completion.
Will there be an Info Session to learn more?
The Admissions and Recruitment team will be offering an online Info Session hosted on Zoom for participants and parents to ask questions and take a look at previous runs of the program. This info session will take place in early March, and will be recorded for those who cannot attend live.
Who do I contact if I have questions about the Summer Workshops?
Please reach out to us at portfolioclinics [at] ocadu.ca (portfolioclinics[at]ocadu[dot]ca) if you have questions about the Program!
Inside the studios...
Two of our 2024 Summer Workshop Participants are experimenting with collage materials to contribute a page in a collaborative zine.
Instructor Chris Lange introduced analogue to digital fundamentals and the use of Risograph printing for this visual designed focused workshop.
Instead of the traditional methods of a dark room for photography, participants experimented with fixer, developer, and other household materials on photo paper.
Luísa Cruz guided participants in a photo-based process creating a variety of exciting results, both abstract and representational.
Taught by Par Nair, participants learned how to draw from a live model using soft pastels.
These participants are pictured working on their final drawing of a live model in colour after many timed drawing exercises.
We'll be running each weeklong workshop three times this summer! Registration is now open for Summer 2025.
Portfolio Resources & Tips
