Call for Applications: OCAD U Summer Intensive Program for Emerging Artists with Van Maltese

Left to right: Photography by Brittany Carmichael. Circling the drain, 2018. Images courtesy of Van Maltese.

Apply to OCAD University’s new summer program for emerging artists, led by Toronto-based artist and OCAD U alum, Van Maltese

June 2 – June 27, 2025
OCAD University, Toronto, Canada

Early bird deadline extended!
Apply before March 2, 2025, and save $200.

About the Residency:

THIRDSPACE: Emerging Artist Summer Intensive Program is a new month-long residency program at OCAD University that brings together a dynamic group of interdisciplinary emerging artists. During the residency, you will have dedicated time and space to develop a new body of work, experiment with new techniques, expand your practice and showcase your work, guided by 2010 OCADU alumni and 2025 Summer Artist & Mentor-in-Residence, Van Maltese.

This year’s theme, “Hypothesizing how we see” invites artists to explore conflicts of perception as a means of reshaping understanding. Through play, experimentation, critical inquiry, and collaboration, the residency examines how ambiguity and fluidity can open new ways of thinking, seeing, and engaging with the world.

This Residency Includes:

• Mentorship from our Summer Artist & Mentor-in-Residence
• A studio to develop and refine your work
• Specialized facilities access depending on level of experience and technical skills, including:
  ◦  Rapid Prototyping Centre
  ◦  Fabrication Studios
  ◦  Printmaking & Publications Studios
  ◦  Integrated Media Studios
  ◦  Drawing & Painting Studios
  ◦  Photography Studios
• Hands-on workshops designed to expand your practice
• Reading discussions and guest talks
• Cultural field trips
• Final group exhibition showcasing the projects developed during the program

About the Summer Artist & Mentor-in-Residence:

Van Maltese’s interdisciplinary practice employs trickery, illusion, and associative play to deconstruct the experience of perception. They are fascinated by pattern recognition, brain plasticity, and how conflicts in what we see, or hear, can reshape our thinking.

Maltese is based in Tkaronto/Toronto, Canada and is a graduate of OCAD University (Class of 2010). They were awarded the national prize of the 2012 RBC Canadian Painting Competition, and the Canadian prize of the 2018 Glenfiddich Artist-in Residence Program. Most recently, Van Maltese was in residence at the School of Art and Design at Alfred University as the 2023 International Randall Chair in Painting.

Van Maltese, Desk no. 6, 2021, oil on panel, wood frame, 31.25 x 60.87 x 7.25 inches

Eligibility:

This program is for you if you are:

• A current undergraduate or graduate student
• A recent graduate
• A practicing artist in the early stages of your career
• A practicing artist exploring new directions in your practice

Fee:

CAD $4,600.00 + applicable taxes. Accommodation, transportation and meals are not included.

Fee with Accommodation:

CAD $7,450 + applicable taxes. Transportation and meals are not included.

How to Apply:

Fill out the online application form. Be ready to submit a written statement of intent and a portfolio.

Extended Early Bird Deadline: March 2, 2025
Final Application Deadline: May 13, 2025

Questions? Get in touch with us.
Meichen Waxer
Program Development Specialist
mwaxer@ocadu.ca

OCAD University
100 McCaul Street
Toronto, ON M5T 1W1

Accessibility Level: This venue is accessible.