Narcissus, an installation by Renato Baldin with photographs by Filipe Paulo - Coming Soon to Remote Gallery!

The Greek myth of Narcissus tells the story of a perfect child, a gift from the gods, fated to live into old age as long as he never saw his own reflection. One day, Narcissus walked to a lake to drink, the water was perfectly still. He leaned over and saw his own reflection. Instantly, he fell in love with himself, leaned into his reflection, fell into the water and drowned. 

Brazilian Artist, Curator Renato Baldin contemplates self reflection, beauty and celebrates body positivity in his newest show, Narcissus, an interactive installation set to take place as part of Pride Toronto, at Akin’s Remote Gallery, 568 Richmond Street West from May 25th to June 10th.

Baldin was taken by the myth of Narcissus, the way it introduces reflection and self admiration as a negative construct. A queer activist, Baldin knows that self love plays an essential role in the health and vitality of the queer,  gender non-conforming community. 

“Fighting against an oppressive environment imposed by the binary gender system, we, as queer people, forget to love ourselves as we are,” Baldin says. “We all have beauty, we are all connected, we can be stronger if we stand together as a cohesive body, working as a community.”

The result will be an interactive photo mosaic of non-conforming bodies; wrinkles, muscle, skin tone, gender nonconformity, all united together in one brilliant image. Participants will be able to take photos with their phones and use a printer within the gallery to add to the installation.  Viewers are also encouraged to participate before the show on Instagram, (@renato.baldin) where he’ll bring questions, themes and reflections, inviting people to interact. 

Narcissus reflects on toxic masculinity, homophobia, fragility and freedom in the form of a broken mirror whose shards reveal the diversity of queer bodies. The exhibit will include images by Filipe Paulo, an acclaimed Toronto based photographer and filmmaker.

Renato Baldin is a Toronto-based multidisciplinary artist, curator, and activist from Brazil. His work focuses on immersive art installations, influenced by his background in Architecture and Human Rights.  His art installations include visual statements inspired by Queer studies, Anthropology, Psychology, and Social reflections. They are experiential and invite people to reflect on our world together.

He has curated and designed over 15 exhibitions; has worked for high-tech museums like the Football Museum and Portuguese Language Museum; and is a co-founder and key organizer of the Sao Paulo LGBT Pride Parade, the largest pride event in the world with over 3.5 million participants.

Filipe Paulo is a photographer based in Toronto. His work blurs the lines of queer boudoir by exploring themes of repressed identity, sensuality, isolation and the search for the tangible in a digital world. Taking gay stereotypes, adding a wink and a bit of tenderness Filipe aims to titillate but more importantly to make the viewer feel something.

Filipe's instagram account @inappropriate.touching was started in 2019 as a venue to display his work and has grown to over 5,000 followers. He has a bachelors degree in Film Studies from Toronto Metro University and his final year queer themed short film, Porcaria, premiered at the 1994 Toronto International Film Festival and has played in numerous film festivals around the world.

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We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts

#BringingTheArtsToLife @Canada.Council

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Exhibition Details:

Dates: May 25 – Jun 10

Times: 
Wed - Fri from 3pm - 7pm
Sat - Sun from 1pm -6pm

Location: 
Remote Gallery (568 Richmond St West), Toronto

Narcissus at Remote Gallery is an
Official Affiliate Event of Pride Toronto 2023! 

Making a Living Making Art: Taxes for Artists - a free virtual workshop on March 28

Tax season can be a stressful and confusing time for artists. Join us on March 28th at 5:30 pm for a free virtual workshop that will help you get prepared!

Do you have questions about tax preparation, deductions, tax deadlines, HST, how to report grants, or file T4s? Shantae Cunningham, Founder & Senior Associate of Cobella Financial, will discuss some of the most important tax topics for artists. The session is suitable for artists who are new to filing taxes or those who are looking for a refresher. The presentation will show real life examples, and a Q+A will follow. Participants are encouraged to send along questions in advance for review, to erin@akincollective.com

This webinar is free and open to the public. Closed captioning and ASL Interpretation will be provided. The event will not be recorded, but slides may be shared with registered attendees following the event, by request.

Update March 14: This workshop is now sold out - you can sign up on the registration page to be added to a waiting list.

Click the button below to register:

About the facilitator:

Shantae Cunningham is a Seneca College graduate and is an Accounting and Bookkeeping expert with 7 years in the industry. She has worked within many industries to help them scale and grow their company from Marketing and PR to E-Commerce and service-based industries. She works with individuals and companies from freelancers to small and medium sized businesses. With uncompromising attention to detail, Shantae uses her passion for both personal and professional finance to support these businesses. Since 2018, Shantae has worked as an Independent Bookkeeper at her own boutique firm, Cobella Financial. She is analytical, experienced and known as a savvy Accountant. Her personality and business acumen sets her apart. She has volunteered with organizations such as Woodgreen Community Centre to provide tax prep services helping those in all tax situations.

This workshop is presented in collaboration between Toronto Arts Foundation’s Neighborhood Arts Network and Akin, and is in partnership with Neighborhood Arts Network’s Newcomer Spotlight program supported by RBC.

Welcome Tannis Nielsen, Indigenous Studio Space Advisor at Akin!

Akin is thrilled to welcome artist and community leader Tannis Nielsen as Indigenous Studio Space Advisor- leading Akin through a collaborative consultation practice in the planning and development of Indigenous community services, spaces and supports throughout our studios, programs and more. Alongside Indigenous Elder Artist in Residence Catherine Tammaro (Taǫmęˀšreˀ), Anti-oppressive Practice Consultant, Equity & Social Justice Educator Rania El Mugammar and Akin’s team, Tannis will advise on meaningful, actionable engagement with the Indigenous community while assessing needs and opportunities for the next phase of our work.

We want to hear from YOU!

As part of their role, Tannis is leading two upcoming virtual public community meetings to discuss Akin’s efforts in supporting Indigenous artists & creatives on February 13 (1-3pm) and February 16 (7-9pm). All are welcome to attend and we would love for your feedback and input. Please note that these sessions will be recorded for internal use as part of our research but not shared publicly and no content will be specifically attributed to individuals.

Image description: Tannie Nielsen standing on a ladder while working on a large-scale elaborate artwork, smiling at the camera

About Tannis:
Tannis Nielsen is a Métis Woman (of Sohto/Anishnawbe and Danish descent) with twenty years of professional experience in the arts, cultural and community sectors, and 12  years teaching practice at the post-secondary level. Tannis holds a Masters in Visual Studies Degree (M.V.S.) from the University of Toronto, an Art and Art History-Specialist Degree from U of T, as well as a Diploma in Art and Art History from Sheridan College, in Oakville, Ontario.

Tannis has served on the Aboriginal Engagement Committee at UBC-O, as a member of the Equity and Diversity Committee at OCAD-U, the Toronto District School Board, and is the past President of The Association for Native Development in the Performing and Visual Arts (A.N.D.P.V.A.), a national Native arts organization in service since 1972. She was also a member of the Toronto Native Community History Project and has assisted in organizing the last three annual “Indigenous Sovereignty Week” events in the city of Toronto. In 2012, Tannis became active on the Idle No More-Toronto organizing committee and continues to contribute towards this vital international Indigenous grassroots movement from her current location in Toronto, Ontario where she currently teaches at OCAD-U. 

Accessibility:
Have a computer or mobile device? Then you're good to go! Should you have any additional accessibility accommodations, requests or ideas, please email laura@akincollective.com to discuss.Captions available on-screen. Mobile phones may require a downloadable app from Google Hangouts.

RECAP: Squeezed out? Squeezed in? A community fishbowl conversation about Social Purpose Real Estate

On January 14, 2020, ULI Toronto and Akin Collective hosted a “fishbowl discussion” to explore the concept of social purpose real estate (SPRE), with an underlying focus on its importance and potential in Toronto – an emerging global city whose celebrated diversity and cultural identity are evolving in the face of unprecedented growth and a fiercely competitive market.

A carefully curated group of city-builders representing both public- and private-sector interests sat in two concentric circles assembled at the ground-level foyer of MOCA. These two circles constituted the fishbowl. Those in the inner circle led the discussion (pointedly facilitated with a balance of humour and interrogation by Jane Farrow), while those in the outer circle listened. Throughout the discussion, participants moved between the two circles fluidly, alternating turns to speak and reflect.

Article written by Melissa Daly-Buajitti of CBRE, reposted from ULI Toronto.

Akin Launch New Exhibition and Community Programming Space ‘REMOTE’ and New Studio Location, Akin Richmond

REMOTE and Akin Richmond
Gallery, Programming Space and Art Studios
568 Richmond Street West
www.remote.gallery
 

Launching Friday, March 29th, REMOTE is Akin’s new dedicated exhibition and programming space at 568 Richmond Street West. REMOTE will provide opportunities for artists and members of the public to rent low-cost space for exhibitions and programming of all kinds. This multi-use space will be available for workshops, presentations, meetings, and community events as well as exhibitions, performances and other artistic programs.

To inquire about REMOTE space rentals, please email sara@akincollective.com to discuss availability and pricing. Please include a brief description of your exhibition or idea, the dates you are looking at, and any other pertinent information in your inquiry. We aim to make our space rentals as financially accessible as possible and look forward to hearing your ideas! Akin will be prioritizing Toronto’s newcomer artists, the Toronto Arts Council’s Equity Priority Groups and Akin’s current members for rentals of the space, but everyone is welcome to inquire!
 

Gallery Launch & 'Movement' Exhibition Opening Party Next Friday!
Friday, March 29th, 6-9pm. 
Cash bar.
Join the event on Facebook 
Follow REMOTE on Instagram

Join us as for the public launch of REMOTE as we celebrate the opening of our inaugural exhibition, “Movement” featuring new and recent works by Akin artists Clara Hirsch, David Salazar, Helen Dreifelds, Jamileh Salek, Julianne Ess, Nicole Krstin and Zach Tuinman.

A huge thank you to the Toronto Arts Council for their collaboration on this space, without whom this would not have been possible. Special thanks also to our friends and collaborators Neighbourhood Arts Network and Toronto Employment and Social Services’ Art Connectionsprogram.

Programming Space Features:
Total Square Footage: ~300 sqft.
Gallery quality fluorescent lighting
Polished concrete floors
Fully accessible entrance and bathroom
Additional promotion on our website and across Akin’s social media channels
Occupancy: 42 people
Please note that artists are responsible for providing gallery attendants for their exhibitions, and planning any associated events and receptions.

Akin Richmond

In addition to programming space, Akin is also launching Akin Richmond artist studios next door, which will be available to rent on a month-to-month basis, specifically prioritizing Toronto’s newcomer artists, the Toronto Arts Council’s Equity Priority Groups and Akin’s current members. To be added to the waiting list for studio rentals at 568 Richmond Street West or inquire about any of Akin’s studio locations please contact info@akincollective.com

Akin Richmond Art Studio Features:
Studios Ranging in size for 25sf to 60sf
Shared memberships available for $70/month
Fully accessible entrance and bathroom
Separate entrance from main REMOTE programming space

Accessibility:
Akin Richmond and REMOTE are fully accessible spaces. There are no steps to access the space, automated entrances, and both have gender-neutral washrooms with grab bars.

In Between Land an Exhibition by Jieun June Kim

Opening tomorrow, Friday, January 4th at 6PM, the latest collection of work by Akin MOCA member Jieun June Kim will be on display at North York Central Library for the month of January.

In her work, Jieun creates fantasy worlds where strangers live. This imaginary world is a peaceful and safe place for everyone. Take a sneak peak at the new collection in the video below.

Exhibition: In Between Land

Location: North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge Street, Toronto

Opening: January 4th at 6PM

Exhibition Dates: January 4-18th 2019.

Jieun June Kim (b. Seoul, Korea) is a painter and muralist who lives and works in Toronto. She studied at the Washington University in St. Louis, graduating in 2012. In her painting Kim explores different ideas of “home” using colorful patterns and dynamic natural forms. Jieun June Kim has exhibited her work at numerous art galleries in North America and S. Korea. Since moving to Canada in 2016, her works has been shown at multiple art galleries in Toronto. Also Kim has been commissioned to paint a mural for Dundas West BIA(2017).

Activate Space x IP Osgoode's Innovation Clinic

Calling all Toronto start-ups and entrepreneurs! You are invited to participate in a FREE opportunity to explore that invention, creation, or brand you've always dreamed of building.

Intellectual property (IP) is an important asset for companies at all stages of development. Whether your business or service is based on an invention, creation, or brand, IP rights can be used to protect your ideas, your goodwill and place in the marketplace, and offer commercialization and valuation prospects. In this session, staff and fellows from IP Osgoode’s Innovation Clinic will discuss the importance of creating an IP strategy, things to consider when thinking about protecting your inventions, and how the Innovation Clinic can assist with beginning and solidifying an IP protection and commercialization strategy. The session will provide IP information and tips to assist start-ups and entrepreneurs from various industries.

The Innovation Clinic is a needs-based innovation-to-market legal clinic operated by IP Osgoode in collaboration with Innovation York, Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP, and Bereskin & Parr LLP.

Call for Participants: Art+Tech Jam

ChangeUp's Art+Tech Jam (September 21-23) will unite a diverse group of artists and technologists in an intensive, collaborative three-day creation period and culminating showcase (public exhibition and interdisciplinary rave). ChangeUp is currently accepting applicants from tech and arts/culture spaces of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels. Limited spots available! More information here.

ChangeUp Art + Tech Jam

Location: Toronto Media Arts Centre, 32 Lisgar St, Toronto, ON.

Date: September 21-23, 2018.

Deadline to apply: September 14th 2018.

ChangeUp is building fluid, infinitely expansive networks between the wildly creative spheres of art and tech: increasing access and forging empowering spaces for creation and exchange.

Informed by punk, rave, and DIY approaches, open source software development, and decentralized platforms, ChangeUp mounts frameworks to support art-driven approaches to technological development, the co-opting of new technologies for cultural creation, and critical examination of an increasingly technological social and cultural reality.

Through its hackathons, incubators, symposia, concerts, and exhibitions, Changeup cultivates open, decentralized spaces for tech and arts communities to experiment and explore in collaboration, catalyzing groundbreaking developments and new approaches.

Calls for Artists! Exhibitions, Residencies, Grant Programs and Professional Development Opportunities for you to apply to!

The John Willard Fibre Arts Residency at the Art Gallery of Burlington - Deadline December 15

John Willard (1939-2014) in front of one of his quilts, 2014

To celebrate the remarkable life of quilt maker, fibre artist, and community leader John Willard and to continue his legacy as a fibre art teacher, the John Willard Fibre Arts Residency Fund will enable artists access to one of the AGB resident fibre studios to develop a body of work for a solo exhibition. This exhibition will benefit from a small brochure including curatorial text, and will be presented in the RBC Gallery at the Art Gallery of Burlington.

The residency will provide a $2000 honorarium, a solo curated exhibition with publication, 10 days in one of the fibre studios (dates to be confirmed), as well as curatorial mentoring in person to the successful candidate from the beginning of the residency to the opening of the exhibition and potential invitation to teach in our hands-on program or a specific workshop.

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Trinity Square Video call for video art - Deadline December 15, 2017

Trinity Square Video is proud to announce the sixth annual juried student video screening event, Video Fever.

If you are or have been an undergraduate student at a Toronto or surrounding area post-secondary institution (as far out as London and Kingston) in 2018 and you make videos, you qualify. Submissions must be single channel videos under 10 minutes in length and will be selected for screening by the Video Fever jury. Videos will be judged solely according to their artistic merit: we are looking for works that offer conceptual and formal innovations in their investigation into video as a critical medium. This is a professional, juried screening and all chosen artists will receive a screening fee and a free one-year membership to Trinity Square Video.

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Toronto Employment & Social Services 'Art Connections' Professional Development Program - Deadline ASAP

Beginning January 2018, attend professional development workshops, connect with industry experts within the arts sector and participate in art exhibitions Learn about funding sources, The program includes information on grant writing, professional associations, creating online portfolios and more.

Art Connections candidates must:
• be foreign-trained professional visual artists
• wish to pursue a creative career in Canada
• be able to communicate in English, and
• commit to a series of group meetings/workshops over a period of two months

Call Aleksandra Molnar: 416-392-2869 for further information.

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Fogo Island Arts Residency Program - Deadline December 21, 2017

Fogo Island Arts residencies provide opportunities for artists to live and work on Fogo Island for one to two months. Artists-in-residence are provided with a studio, accommodation in a traditional Newfoundland home, a vehicle for on-island use, and a weekly stipend to offset the costs of materials and day-to-day living expenses. Most travel expenses are covered. Artists-in-residence must give one public presentation, performance, workshop, or similar event during their residency.

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Glenfiddich Call to Canadian Artists for the Coveted 2018 Glenfiddich Artists in Residence Prize - Deadline January 25, 2018

This is an Open Call to Artists currently living and working in Canada to enter the internationally renowned competition for the prestigious 2018 Glenfiddich® Artists in Residence Prize. The three-month summer residency is valued at over $20,000 CDN per artist. Now in its 17th year, the program covers the cost of travel, living expenses and materials throughout the residency.

The Canadian winner will be one of eight artists worldwide to be awarded the coveted prize to live and work at the Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown, Scotland. While living in crofts (traditional small Scottish farm houses), artists are encouraged to take inspiration from the unique setting in the beautiful Scottish Highlands. The experience provides an opportunity unlike any other for artists to work in an international community, share in a dialogue with other artists and foster cross-disciplinary ideas.

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ArtReach 2018 Granting Program for Youth Art Projects in Toronto - Deadline February 1, 2018

ArtReach is a funding program designed to support youth arts initiatives in Toronto that foster youth engagement and provide high quality arts opportunities. $300,000 in grants are available to support youth arts projects, thanks to our amazing partnership with the Toronto Arts Council.

ArtReach aims to support meaningful engagement of Toronto youth (13-29), who have experienced and/or are experiencing exclusion from active participation in quality arts opportunities.

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Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition - Deadline March 6, 2018

Visual artists and makers in craft & design are invited to apply for the 57th Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition at Nathan Phillip’s Square on July 6 - 8, 2018! A perfect chance to showcase your work to over 115,000 art lovers and buyers at Canada’s largest contemporary outdoor art fair.

'A Measure' by Emma Aurelia in the Akin Vitrine Gallery

"A Measure" is an ephemeral multi-media installation by Toronto artist and Akin Lansdowne member, Emma Aurelia on exhibition for the month of April. A hand dyed, hand woven sand bag resembling water hangs from the ceiling by industrial chain. The bag has been filled with 20 kg of both wet and dry sand. Grains seep through the open weave of the cloth representing the time sensitivity of threats posed on natural resources.

Graduating from OCADU's fibre program, Emma works primarily in textiles but her practice extends in many other directions including sound and ceramics. Emma was the recipient of the AKIN Collective Career Launcher Award granted to a student based on work exhibited at OCADU's GradEx 2016.

The Akin Vitrine Gallery launched on October 1, 2016 at our Dupont studios. This miniature gallery features the diverse talent of our members with a new installation each month.

The gallery is located at the Clock Factory Building at 1485 Dupont Street (entrance on Campbell Avenue). Find Akin Studio 215 on the second floor and follow the sign into the hallway around the corner. The building is open from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday to arrange a viewing outside of those hours please contact us at info@akincollective.com

www.emmaaurelia.ca
Instagram: @emma_aurelia_
#AkinVitrine

Artscape Launchpad - New IGNITE Workshop Series

YOU’RE INVITED!

Artscape Launchpad’s new IGNITE series of workshops for creative entrepreneurs blasts off this November. Led by industry experts, the series delivers hands-on, practical coaching to help you promote and monetize your creative work.

Upcoming IGNITE Workshops:

The 2-hr Brand Strategy Workout with Axle Davids
Wednesday, November 2 | 6-8pm | Artscape Youngplace, 180 Shaw Street, Toronto

Digital Marketing – Focus on Marketing Magic and Deliver It! With Sault Colt
Monday, November 14 | 6-8pm | Artscape Youngplace, 180 Shaw Street, Toronto

Fast-Track to Market: Effective, Authentic Communication, with Franca Miraglia
Wednesday, November 16 | 6-8pm | Artscape Youngplace, 180 Shaw Street, Toronto

$25 per workshop, or save 20% when you register for all three.
Click here for details and to register: http://www.artscapelaunchpad.ca/project/upcoming-events-workshops/


Need More In-depth Learning?

The full-day Creative Business Design Workshop shows you how to turn your creative ideas into viable business plans.

The six-month Creative Entrepreneurship Program provides a solid foundation in business fundamentals, practical insights from one-on-one coaching, and an invaluable professional network.

The monthly Artscape Launchpad eNews delivers free business tips and event invitations for creative entrepreneurs straight to your inbox.
 

CONTEMPORARY TEXTILE STUDIO CO-OP Fall 2016 Programming

The Contemporary Textile Studio offers a range of public programming, from ongoing textile classes taught by studio members suitable for first time enthusiasts, to specialized workshops led by well known artists and designers. Click here for a full listing of the fall programs.

About Contemporary Textile Studio
The Contemporary Textile Studio Co-operative was developed in 2006 by a group of textile artists and craftspersons in Toronto to provide access to affordable and properly equipped studio space. Through their studio at 401 Richmond, members and associates work, teach, learn, interact and innovate with other designers and artists, and the community.

Akin at The Collage Party

Saturday June 4 / 2-4pm / Division Gallery - 45 Ernest Avenue / everyone welcome! / FREE

This Saturday come join Akin at Division Gallery for THE COLLAGE PARTY. Scissors, tape, glue and all other collage materials are provided. Come out for a casual afternoon of cut-and-paste, create and enjoy in Paul Butler's beautiful collage paradise!

Akin Collective members and friends will be gathering between 2-4pm but feel free to show up earlier and stay later as it is the LAST DAY to enjoy the collage fun at Division Gallery.

ABOUT PAUL BUTLER'S COLLAGE PARTY:
The Collage Party is a touring studio open to the public, where people come together and make art in a social setting. Over the past two decades, Butler has staged The Collage Party throughout North America and Europe, in museums, private residences, public schools, universities, hospitals, department stores, and community centres. Butler considers The Collage Party as his studio, where he is able to draw from participants’ ideas, energies, and more specifically, the scraps they produce. Butler invites participants (friends, artists, community groups), supplies materials (magazines, scissors, adhesives), and leaves out instruction. Display and production synchronize in a choreography of tearing, pasting, shuffling, searching, tacking and ripping that negates the precincts of personal space or private ownership. For this iteration at Division Gallery, Butler has restaged his Winnipeg studio in the gallery so that disparate realms—Winnipeg and Toronto, studio and gallery, labour and commerce—are folded into one another, cancelling the gulf that once maintained their seeming separation.

Registration for Art in the Park: Birkdale in July 2016 is now open

The 6th Annual Birkdale Art in the Park will take place on July 9, 2016. This year, Scarborough Arts joins the Midland Park Community Association to execute this important event that supports the growth and visibility of Scarborough’s vibrant artistic community.

Midland Park Community Association representative David Barnes notes:

“What began five years ago continues to grow with many local artists and artisans who produce and sell original works of art including jewellery, photographs, mixed media, cards, oil and acrylic paintings and handmade crafts in our indoor and outdoor juried art show.”