Visual Identity Program
The OCAD University is Canada’s “University of the Imagination.” Established in 1876 by the Ontario Society of Artists, the University was originally known as the Ontario School of Art, and was incorporated as the Ontario College of Art in 1912. OCAD was the first school in Canada dedicated exclusively to the education of professional artists in fine and commercial art. In 1996, it was renamed the Ontario College of Art & Design.
On April 27 2010, the Ontario Government introduced legislation that proposed the addition of ‘University’ to the name of the institution. The Legislation was passed on June 3, 2010 and received Royal Assent on June 8, 2010. This new legislation formally changes OCAD’s name to OCAD University, and therefore requires new visual identity, which is vital to launching a new image of OCAD University, and a rapid growth in mandate and reputation of the University.
The next 24 months will represent a momentous period in OCAD’s storied history. Three critical initiatives �" developing a new visual identity; celebrating OCAD’s 135th Anniversary (fall of 2011), and launch of a major fundraising campaign will combine to formulate significant opportunities for the institution to build brand and communicate the objectives of the organization. The development of a new visual identity for the University is paramount to re-facing the organization both internally and externally.
Please note that it is OCAD’s intention to treat “OCAD” as a word, not as an acronym. Therefore, “OCAD University” (or OCAD for short) will be used in all applications. The phrase “Ontario College of Art & Design University” will never be used.
