The NOW unites industry and academic leaders to reimagine the future of creative education and the creative economy

Earlier this month at The NOW event, The Creative School at TMU unveiled a bold slate of initiatives designed to reshape the creative industries here at home and abroad. From major industry collaborations to new academic models and international programs, the event brought together artists, entrepreneurs and thought leaders to set the tone for a future that’s as ambitious as it is inclusive—one that redefines the role of creativity in a rapidly evolving world.

Return of Project Runway Canada and Indigenous storyteller-in-residence

Among the night’s headlining moments was the long-awaited return of Project Runway Canada. Produced by Bell Media Studios in collaboration with Fashion (opens in new window)  at The Creative School, filming will take place at the School of Fashion studios and The Creative School Chrysalis (opens in new window) .

Students will have the opportunity to gain unparalleled hands-on learning and professional growth through Project Runway Canada’s filming at TMU, including experience in fashion, production, media, content creation, behind-the-scenes roles, and direct engagement with Bell Media professionals.

The series invites a new generation of designers to step into the spotlight, with applications now open at www.ctv.ca/projectrunwaycanada (external link) .

“Fashion at The Creative School, Toronto Metropolitan University, is thrilled to collaborate on PROJECT RUNWAY CANADA, an exciting initiative that supports the development, visibility, and long-term success of fashion in Canada. As the country’s leading fashion school, we’re proud to contribute our expertise and facilities in downtown Toronto to help spotlight Canadian talent and strengthen the creative industries,” said Joseph Medaglia, Chair, Fashion at The Creative School, Toronto Metropolitan University.

The night also marked the announcement of Jesse Wente as The Creative School’s newest Indigenous storyteller-in-residence. Wente—an award-winning writer, speaker, and advocate—has long championed approaches to media and the arts that center Indigenous and diverse perspectives. Born and raised in Toronto, with roots in Chicago and Genaabaajing Anishinaabek, Wente brings both lived experience and cultural leadership to the role.

“Storytelling lies at the heart of human understanding. Stories are essential human tools to transmit knowledge and understanding,” says Wente. “This is ever more true as technology increasingly focuses on storytelling as a means of capturing attention. So stories will always play a video role in how we perceive and understand the world, each other and ourselves. Indigenous storytelling allows for history hidden to be known and for different understandings and world senses to be expressed as humans seek out new systems to govern ourselves and our actions. Indigenous world views once shaped this place and they will again and it will be through storytelling that this occurs.”

$2 Million for The Creative School’s Chrysalis

Another major highlight at the showcase was the announcement of a $2 million investment in The Creative School’s Chrysalis to fuel its mission of engaging new audiences. 

This project has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada, the Department of Canadian Heritage.

This project has been made possible in part by the Canada Foundation for Innovation.

Other key donors include TD Bank, Power Corporation, Andy and Valerie Pringle, the William and Nona Heaslip Foundation, and the Bulmash-Siegel Foundation.

The funding will deepen the Chrysalis’ mandate to develop cultural projects that reach new audiences, including this summer’s residency of It’s a Good Life if You Don’t Weaken, an all-Canadian musical featuring the music of The Tragically Hip. Helmed by Come From Away producer Michael Rubinoff, the production will be supported through the TD Apprentice Training Program, offering students rare access to collaborative, professional experience.

A global perspective on education

Building on its international momentum, The Creative School announced new programs designed to expand creative entrepreneurship on a global scale. From the summer campus in Tuscany to Global Campus Studio’s (opens in new window)  collaborations spanning five continents—including a growing presence in New York City and Dubai—these international opportunities are creating new pathways for students to act boldly and think globally. 

With a focus on creative entrepreneurship, these initiatives aim to spotlight Canadian talent on a global stage and foster cross-cultural innovation. All while reimagining new ways of thinking, making and doing.

The Creative School Experience and Academic Clusters

And beginning in Fall 2025, the school will launch its most transformative initiative yet: The Creative School Experience and Academic Clusters. The Creative School Experience goes beyond traditional modes of teaching and prepares students for the creative landscape of tomorrow. From tackling ‘wicked problems (opens in new window) ’ to mastering ‘strategic foresight (opens in new window) ’ and gaining ‘global experiences (opens in new window) ’, this pathway guides students to be adaptive thinkers, innovators, and industry disruptors, with creativity serving as the guiding pedagogical force.

“Students will discover the indispensable role creativity and creative practice can play in intervening in the grand challenges of our historical moment,” says Natalie Alvarez, Professor and Associate Dean, Scholarly, Research, and Creative Activities.

From the runway to global residencies, and immersive learning to industry innovation—The Now offered a glimpse into the future of creative education and what students at The Creative School can expect in the semesters to come.

Because at Toronto Metropolitan University, the creative isn’t next. 

The creative is now.

The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University

The Creative School is a dynamic faculty that is making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Made up of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.