OCAD U CAREER LAUNCHERS

2022 ROM, Canadian Modern Exhibition
Call for Designers

OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

OCAD University’s RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (CEAD) and ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) have partnered to co-create the Canadian Modern exhibition Career Launcher. The opportunity will select six (6) emerging designers, representing different practices, and a diverse range of voices and approaches for ROM’s fall 2022 exhibition, Canadian Modern.

Canadian Modern explores the legacy of Canadian creativity and ingenuity and its impact on our everyday lives. Through over 100 objects designed and crafted in Canada from the mid-twentieth century to the present, this ROM original exhibition reveals that design is everywhere—whether we know it or not. Delving into the inspiration behind Canada’s innovative contributions to modern design and craft, Canadian Modern features work from more than 70 designers and 40 manufacturers, celebrating makers from across the decades.  A detailed exhibition summary can be found here.

The CEAD and ROM are inviting emerging designers to submit existing works of furniture, jewelry, fashion, glassware, ceramics, textiles, industrial design, product design, and graphic design for an opportunity to be displayed in the exhibition. Designers are asked to respond to the prompt “My work responds to Canadian Modern because / by / to....”. 

In order to uplift the voices, experiences and ideas of individuals and communities who have not historically been recognized at the forefront of the design industry, this opportunity will prioritize designers who self-identify as belonging to equity-seeking communities including racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions. Submissions will be reviewed by a committee consisting of representatives from OCAD U’s Faculty of Design and ROM's curatorial team. 

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Contact info (Name, phone, and email)
• Current creative CV
• Website and/or social media handle
• Artist statement/bio (70 words max)
• A written response to the prompt “My work responds to Canadian Modern because/by/to...” (100 words max). Selected designers will be able to revisit their statement before the final exhibition.
• 5 - 10 images of one to two works to be considered, and a corresponding image list including: artist(s) name, title, year, medium, and dimensions.
• Works must be smaller than 18” x 18”x 18” in order to fit within ROM’s display cases. Digital work must include dimensions and details of how work will be printed (eg: presentation board). Models (such as prototypes, 3D printed models) are welcomed.

APPLICATION SUPPORT

The OCAD U RBC CEAD is committed to promoting substantive equality for equity-seeking groups that are under-represented in the creative sector. We encourage applications from first-time applicants to the program and graduates of equity-seeking communities including racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities / expressions. Applicants are welcome to advise the CEAD of any accommodations needed to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process. 

Applicants who need assistance with their submissions are invited to connect with the RBC CEAD for Advising support. Click here to learn more about how to book an advising appointment.

ACCESSIBILITY

Applicants who have concerns about meeting a Career Launcher application deadline are invited to connect with the CEAD in order to discuss possible alternatives. We encourage all who might require assistance with the application process to reach out to determine available support. Outreach of this nature should be undertaken at least one week prior to the published application deadline.