2026 CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES
2026 Toronto Animated Image Society (TAIS) Residency
The Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers is excited to announce the Toronto Animated Image Society (TAIS) Residency Career Launcher for OCAD U graduating students. The selected artist will work towards a self-directed final project during the residency and give an artist talk.
One (1) successful applicant will be awarded a membership with TAIS ($50 value), $600 in studio rental credits at TAIS to be used in the summer of 2026, and $220 towards production supplies. An artist fee of $300 will be given for the talk.
Deadline: Sunday, March 1, 2026, 11:59 PM ET
2026 Contemporary Textile Studio Co-op Residency
The Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers is excited to announce the return of the Contemporary Textile Studio Artist Residency Career Launcher for students graduating in 2026. Two (2) successful applicants will be awarded a 9-week self-directed residency with Contemporary Textile Studio Cooperative ($500 value) which grants them access to the co-op’s studio, facilities and equipment. Additionally, the CEAD will provide the selected artists with $300 to support the cost of materials and supplies during their residency.
Deadline: Sunday, March 1, 2026, 11:59 PM ET
2026 Format Website Prize for Graduating Students
OCAD University’s RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers is excited to announce the return of our opportunity with Format for one (1) graduating designer and one (1) graduating artist to each receive a prize which consists of: free hosting of their Format website for life ($300/year USD value), a $500 CDN monetary prize, and one-on-one consultation with Format’s Expert Site Building Team ($500 value). The selected recipients’ portfolios will also receive promotional support with Format.
DEADLINE: Sunday, February 22, 2026, 11:59 PM ET
2026 Vector Festival,
Festival Assistant
OCAD University’s RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers is excited to announce a recruited placement in partnership with InterAccess’ Vector Festival for the role of Festival Assistant. The Festival Assistant will work closely with staff, curators, and volunteers to support the administration, planning, and execution of InterAccess’ annual Vector Festival - a participatory and community-oriented initiative dedicated to showcasing digital games and creative media practices.
DEADLINE: Wednesday, February 4, 2026; 11:59 PM ET
Toronto Outdoor Art Fair
Call for Artists & Makers
Our partnership with Toronto Outdoor Art Fair (TOAF), Canada’s leading contemporary outdoor art fair returns this year. The TOAF Career Launcher is for students in the Illustration, Material Art & Design, Photography, Sculpture and Installation and Printmaking/ Publications programs. The selected students will have a free opportunity at the 65th TOAF to showcase their artworks in-person and online at TOAF.ca.
DEADLINE: Friday, February 27, 2026 (11:59 PM)
2026 Open Studio
Printmaking Residency
The RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers is excited to announce the Open Studio Residency Career Launcher for OCAD U graduating students. The selected artist will work towards a self-directed final project during Summer 2026 at and give an artist talk in Fall 2026 at Open Studio. One (1) successful applicant will be awarded a Full Membership with Open Studio ($216 value), a three month access pass to the facilities ($810 value), $324 in credits to go towards materials, and on-site storage rental ($180 value). An artist fee of $324 will be given for the presentation.
Deadline: Sunday, March 1, 2026, 11:59 PM ET
Partial x OCAD University Artist Showcase
Winter 2026 Call for Artists
Partial and the RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers are excited to announce the return of our partnership which provides an exceptional career opportunity for OCAD U student artists and recent alumni. Selected artists will be given complimentary 2 year Pro Accounts ($240 value) on Partial and permanent inclusion as featured artists within the OCAD University Artist Showcase on Partial to display their works, and administrate artwork sales and rentals.
DEADLINE: Sunday, February 22, 2026, 11:59 PM ET
Akin Career Launcher
2026 Call for Artists
OCAD University’s RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers and Akin have partnered since 2016 to offer this amazing annual opportunity exclusive to OCAD U graduating artists. Two (2) successful applicants will be awarded $2,000 in credits to go towards a studio space at Akin’s shared workspaces in 2026-2027, and $450 in credit for use at Remote Gallery!
Deadline: Sunday, January 11, 2026, 11:59 PM ET
2026 VIBE Arts
Program Assistant
OCAD University’s RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers is excited to announce a recruited placement in partnership with VIBE Arts for the role of Program Assistant. The Program Assistant will join the VIBE team to support their programming efforts, communications, and general administration under the direction of the Community Programs Manager. This role will help support and facilitate tailor-made, multi-disciplinary arts education programs in various communities across Toronto.
DEADLINE: Sunday, February 1, 2026. 11:59 PM ET
The RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers recognizes the generous support for the Career Launcher program from the Province of Ontario through its Career Ready Fund.
