Leaders from Alberta University of the Arts, Emily Carr University of Art and Design, NSCAD University, and OCAD University have formed a national coalition called UAD4 to advocate for Canada’s art and design institutions. The coalition will meet quarterly to raise awareness of the sector’s contributions to the economy, cultural life, and local communities. The group will also discuss shared challenges—such as the high costs of studio-based education—and advocate for policies that reflect the value of creative education. “We recognize that there’s more that holds us together than separates us,” said ECU President Trish Kelly. “This is a real opportunity to think about not just what we do for our local economies in context, but what we do for Canada.”
