Introduction
Akin is a Toronto-based, artist-run social enterprise located on Ancestral Wendat territory and the territory of the Anishinaabe and the Haudenosaunee, providing affordable studio space to nearly 350 artists in its 10 locations and programs roughly 50 arts-based events per year across the city. Akin is run by artists, and is dedicated to providing a working environment that maintains a friendly and inspiring atmosphere where people can work on creative endeavours and entrepreneurial undertakings of all kinds. Akin builds community through monthly art critiques, workshops, open studio events, gallery tours, exhibitions, as well as various other art projects.

We are currently seeking an individual to assist in assessing the needs of emerging Indigenous artists in this area, in order to start a discussion around what our organization can offer this community in terms of meaningful support.

For more information about Akin, please visit: www.akin.art

The Role
In collaboration with Indigenous Elder Artist in Residence Catherine Tammaro (Taǫmęˀšreˀ), Anti-oppressive Practice Consultant, Equity & Social Justice Educator Rania El Mugammar and Akin’s team, we are looking to continue our ongoing work towards understanding our treaty obligations in Toronto by hiring a consultant to guide us in meaningful, actionable engagement with the Indigenous community while assessing needs and opportunities for the next phase of our work in better supporting Indigenous artists. This work would include researching and identifying suitable funding opportunities to support ongoing work (public etc), designing and facilitating community conversations to ensure input from diverse Indigenous communities, work collaboratively with Akin staff and advisors to complete preliminary grant applications and compiling a final report on work completed which may be shared publicly if all parties agree.

Duration: Approximately 6 weeks (Flexible, Work remotely)
Compensation: $2,000.00 (40hrs at $50/hr, 50% in advance, and 50% upon completion)

Process
Given the scope and focus of this role, we require the chosen candidate to have lived experience as an Indigenous person and involvement in the local art community as an artist or arts worker will be considered an asset.

Adapting the Toronto Arts Council’s Equity Priority Group Policy, applicants who self-identify as belonging to one (or more) of Toronto Arts Council’s Equity Priority Groups (Persons of Colour, Deaf Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Persons Living with Mental Illness, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIAP) will all be prioritized in addition to our preference for Indigenous candidates. We encourage applications from these communities and will endeavour to accommodate job applicants with a disability during the hiring process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code guidelines and other applicable legislation.

This effort is part of an ongoing commitment to anti-oppressive practices, equity and inclusion at Akin and an effort to engage diverse communities and artists in our organization and across our programs- this includes Anti-Oppression training and the development of a revised Code of Conduct and needs assessment strategies.

Application Accessibility Support
Applicants who require additional resources, support or time to apply can request as such. Please request this assistance at least one week in advance of the submission deadline. To do so, or for additional information, please contact michael@akincollective.com.

To Apply:
Please email your résumé with any applicable web links (in PDF format) to laura@akincollective.com with the subject heading: ATTN: Indigenous Consultant Role.

Akin will only be accepting applications by email at this time.

Application deadline: 11:59 pm, March 20, 2020