OCAD University is pleased to announce the renewed commitment of $1 million from the RBC Foundation over the next three years. This generous contribution will play a pivotal role in elevating and enhancing the RBC Centre for Emerging Artists and Designers (RBC CEAD) while also bolstering the RBC Continuing Studies Professional Skills Fund.
Established in 2013, the RBC CEAD is committed to supporting the early-career advancement of all students and recent alums at OCAD U. It was renamed in 2021 in recognition of the RBC Foundation's initial $1 million gift to the University.
"At RBC, our commitment to the arts includes supporting artists in the earliest stages of their careers and helping them bridge the gap from emerging' to established'," said Mark Beckles, Vice President, Social Impact and Innovation, RBC. "We are thrilled to continue our support of OCAD University's RBC Centre for Emerging Artists and Designers, to help even more emerging artists make their mark."
Over the past 10 years, OCAD U students have benefited from hands-on learning opportunities, practical career training and mentorship opportunities with industry leaders. The RBC CEAD's objective is to boost the employability and entrepreneurial potential of students and recent graduates, transforming them into career-ready professionals who drive creativity and innovation.
The new funding will be used to meet the rapidly growing demand for RBC CEAD programming and increase the offerings available to students and alums. The RBC CEAD offers more than a dozen career development initiatives, including Experiential Learning Placements, the esteemed Career Launchers program, Creative Professionals-In-Residence, Coffee Chats series, support for Creative Entrepreneurship and the Ten Thousand Coffees OCAD U hub.
These programs have generated thousands of opportunities for students and recent alums that range from commissioned artworks to gallery exhibitions and jobs in the creative and cultural sectors. Students and alums build meaningful, lasting relationships within the creative community and industry. Over 4000 students and alums access these programs annually, giving them an important step toward early career success.
"We are deeply grateful to the RBC Foundation for their renewed $1 million commitment," says Ana Serrano, OCAD U's President and Vice-Chancellor. "Their generous support drives the transformative work of the RBC Centre for Emerging Artists and Designers, empowering OCAD U students and alums with invaluable opportunities for career advancement and creative excellence."
