Kiln Operator at Akin Davisville: Call for Expressions of Interest - Deadline March 1st

Akin Davisville, 224 Merton Street, is looking for a kiln owner who is interested in an Akin Studio Membership starting in February or March 1st 2024 and would like to operate their kiln from the studio. If you have a kiln and would like to operate your own kiln firing business out of an Akin studio, read on to learn more about this opportunity. We have approval for one kiln to be installed in the building so this is a limited opportunity. 

What does running a kiln out of an Akin Studio look like? 

Kiln owners and operators run their own firing business out of an Akin studio. Akin does not take a cut of any profits earned from firings. It is up to the kiln operator to determine how often they will fire for themselves and others, what they will charge as a fee, and how they will communicate with clients and organize their firing schedule. We have members doing this at Akin Dupont and Akin St Clair currently. Akin can support your business by promoting it on our website like this: www.akincollective.com/ceramics  

Kiln owners will rent the space from Akin to be used as a kiln room. At Akin Davisville, we’ve reserved a suitable room to dedicate to kiln use. Additional space in the building could be rented as well if you needed more space for working, shelving or other storage.  

The kiln operator will also be responsible for signing Akin’s Kiln Contract for Kiln Owners and Operators at Akin Studios prior to joining. This contract can be found here and should be reviewed prior to filling out the submission form. 

What will it cost me to install a kiln at Akin Davisville? 

The kiln operator will rent the studio we’ve designated as the kiln room. The kiln room we’ve chosen is 55 square feet, and the price is $310/month which includes HST, insurance, wifi, 24/7 access, access to communal workspace, kitchen and bathrooms. There will be an additional monthly fee for hydro usage, based on the frequency and duration of kiln firings and the electricity consumption of the kiln. You will also be responsible for all of the expenses related to installing the kiln including electrical work and ventilation.

You must supply all of your own equipment, including the kiln, shelving and anything else that is needed (eg materials and supplies).

The kiln must be installed by a certified electrician to ensure the safety of all studio members. The kiln must be put on its own breaker.

What do the facilities look like? 

Image Above: The designated kiln room at Akin Davisville

The designated kiln room is a 55 square foot (about 7.5’ x 7.5’) private room with a door that closes, tile floors, and a window leading to outdoors. This room was built with an air vent, as we suspect it served the former tenants as a laundry room.

What control will Akin have over my firing business? 

Aside from selecting a suitable kiln owner who is knowledgeable and experienced in operating a kiln, Akin will not assume any control over your firing business. The kiln owner is expected to set their own rates, have their own insurance, organize their own schedule, and assume responsibility for all aspects of their own business. We aim to find a kiln owner who is willing to fire for people within the studio or the larger Akin community if you wish to, and not just for themselves. 

The kiln owner will also need to abide by Akin policies including our Code of Conduct, Health and Safety Policy and Guest Policy. 

How long will I be able to keep my kiln at Akin Davisville? 

As long as you’re a member who pays their monthly fee on time, follows our Code of Conduct and Health and Safety policy, you will be allowed to run your kiln firing business out of Akin Davisville for as long as Akin is leasing the building. Please note that our studio lease end date is November 30th, 2026, however, the landlords may ask us to leave earlier if their site development plans change and we would receive four month’s notice of this. We expect to be staying in the studio at least until the end of 2024. Although we often operate on short term leases we have found that in most cases we are able to extend our stay in these buildings due to the typically slow pace of property development in Toronto. There are however other instances in which property owners make use of the demolition termination clause that often exists in ours and many commercial leases, which means that we have to move out before the end of the lease. 

As a team we feel it is important for us to be open and transparent with you as current and prospective studio members so that you have the necessary information in order to make the decisions that are best for you and for your career. 

How do I apply?

If you’re interested in becoming a kiln operator at Akin Davisville, please fill out this form. Akin staff will review the form submissions and connect with respondents directly. The deadline to fill out the form to express interest in this opportunity is March 1st, 2024  Filling out the form does not guarantee Akin Davisville membership. Priority will be given to folks who are already on an Akin Waiting List, and folks who self-identify as belonging to our priority equity-deserving groups (Persons of Colour, Deaf Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Persons Living with Mental Illness, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQ+)

We look forward to hearing from you! Please email info@akincollective.com with any questions you may have. 

FORM LINK: https://forms.gle/Jt1DCML3QvKEFdjf6

Deadline March 1, 2024

New Year, New Opportunities - upcoming Calls for Artists

Goodbye 2022, hello 2023! 

Hit the ground running in 2023 with these opportunities coming your way! There are opportunities for artists of all experience levels. To give yourself the best chance, prepare your application ahead of time and ask a friend to review your proposal before sending it out. 

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Art Nest, Toronto Outdoor Art Fair (TOAF)

Deadline: January 16, 2023

Description: TOAF is seeking proposals for installation, sculpture, new media and performance art that are appropriate for an outdoor setting and related weather conditions.

Art Nest project provides emerging and equity-seeking artists with the opportunity to create their first public artworks in consultation with a curator and mentor during the Fair. The program provides artists with the experience, infrastructure, training and audience exposure needed to build confidence for future public art competitions and commissions.  Proposals should also account for visitor safety. All proposals are subject to approval by the City of Toronto. Show organizers will assign space at Nathan Phillips Square. 

An artist fee of $2,000 plus $2,000 for material costs will be paid to each selected artist.

More details and to apply here 

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The Get Real Film Fest 

Deadline: March 1, 2023

Description: The Get Reel Mental Health Film Festival at Stella's Place is an opportunity to spark conversation, educate our community, create a space for healing, and feature stories about our mental health. Looking for short film proposals to be a part of the 2023 Get Reel Film Festival.

Learn more and submit here

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Oeno Gallery’s Call for Sculpture 2023 

Deadline: February 6, 2023

Description: This outdoor sculpture garden invites artists to submit proposals for the garden’s 11th exhibition year. The property offers a wide variety of sites for placement. Areas to consider include the sculpture garden proper, the outdoor area by the wintery, the zone immediately surrounding the gallery, and the pond (limestone quarry). Proposals will be reviewed and selected by the gallery. Sculptures must be original, durable and safe for viewing by the public in an unsupervised natural area. They must be able to withstand extreme year-round weather conditions and tolerate strong winds. This includes rain, snow, wind and salty air. The work must also be available for sale. The artist is responsible for the transportation, installation and removal of their work in the event it does not sell. Interested artists are to submit proposals to: Dana Charles dcharles@oenogallery.com

Learn more and submit here

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The World Illustration Awards 

Deadline: February 14, 2023 

Description: The World Illustration Awards are a year-round celebration of the power and diversity of illustration being made today. Selected entries are shared on the popular @worldillustrationawards Instagram. This is followed by the announcement in May of 500 longlisted projects, and then the release of the 200 shortlisted projects which will feature in an Online Showcase on the AOI’s website launching in July. A highlight of the Awards year is the excitement of the winners announcement in September. One New Talent and one Professional Overall winner will be awarded cash prizes and profiled on the AOI website. 

Learn more and submit here

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Lumière: The Art of Light 2023

Deadline: January 16, 2023 

Description: Lumière: The Art of Light (formerly Winter Light Exhibition) is an acclaimed annual art event that will temporarily transform Trillium Park, the new home for the event in 2023. This free light exhibition invites visitors to explore the park and experience art developed by Ontario artists. Utilizing innovation, light and discovery, Lumière encourages Ontario-based artists and creators to “illuminate” the park under a curatorial theme of “renewal”, celebrating the change of seasons from winter to spring.

Learn more and submit here

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Leslie Grove Gallery Rental Proposals

Deadline:  January 9, 2023

Description: The Artists’ Network is welcoming exhibition proposals from the visual arts community, curators, artists, collectives, working across a wide range of mediums to exhibit in its Leslie Grove Gallery during 2023.

The Artists’ Network is particularly interested in engaging proposals from diverse creative communities to share their respective voices. We also encourage proposals that challenge the visual arts’ definition and boundaries, whether socially or aesthetically. Besides a gallery exhibition, submissions can include an artist’s talk, art demonstration, community participation event.

Learn more and submit here

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Pride Toronto Call for Artists

Deadline: January 13, 2023

Description: Pride Toronto is excited to announce that applications have now opened for their 2023 Festival for artists of all forms and mediums. This year it will be a fully in-person Festival featuring over 400 artists across Festival Weekend with 3 days and 6 stages, as well as many events throughout May and June. They are looking to hire all mediums of artists, including but not limited to, singers, dancers, drag artists, DJs, performance artists, circus artists, graphic designers, digital installation artists and visual artists. There will be an online info session on January 11 for any prospective artists which you can register for here

Learn more and submit here (scroll down to Artist Registration)

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Step Above Stigma Silent Auction

Deadline: February 13, 2022

Description: Step Above Stigma (SAS) is a registered mental health charity focused on empowering youth and young adults, facilitating systemic change, and eliminating stigma. SAS is hosting its upcoming Candid Conversations Coffee House at Beatrice Society Cafe (subject to change) on March 8th, 2023. They are looking for submissions of interest from artists to participate in the silent auction portion of this event. They are planning on running a silent auction throughout the night that features artwork by local artists. Artists may choose the starting bid and receive 70% of the purchase price, with the remainder retained as a donation to SAS. We are looking for art pieces that speak to individual experiences with mental health.

To learn more Click here to download the PDF Call 

We're Hiring: Administrative Assistant - Part Time

Job Title: Administrative Assistant - Part Time

Location: This will be a remote position.

Compensation:  $21/hour, approximately 5-20 hours a week

The Opportunity

At Akin, we’re excited to bring your eye for detail, your organization skills, and your creative aptitude to our organization. Reporting to the Facilities Manager, Studio Operations Manager, and Director your responsibilities will include: 

• Regular, ongoing administration related to Akin memberships, and supporting ongoing initiatives such as the Akin Studio Rent Relief Fund

• Supporting with administrative tasks related to Akin’s leases, contracts, payment processing, applications, purchases, and accounting

• Studio and Akin community research, file, and data management

• Managing and organizing applications on an as-needed basis for the Akin Studio Program, hiring at Akin, and other special projects

• Managing Akin’s Google listings for all locations

• Managing Akin Membership data in our member management software (software used: Pickspace and Quickbooks)

• Supporting the Studio Operations Manager with Customer Relationship Management data (software used: Streak)

• Occasional administrative support related to marketing and programming (software used: Hootsuite, and Squarespace)

• Calendar management using Google Calendar

• Payment processing

• Studio inventory management

• Note-taking and other participation in meetings with the Akin team members on an as-needed basis. 

• Optional: joining one or more of Akin’s Committees, depending on your interests and experience/skill set (Programming, Marketing, Community Experience, Conflict Resolution, Fundraising) 

• Optional: Participating in community building Akin events and programming. 

Benefits: You will have access to a free shared membership at Akin or a free Dedicated Studio (100sf or less), as well as access to the Akin Office located near Yonge and Bloor. You will also be able to book Akin’s Remote Gallery for 3 days for free ($450 value). 

To Apply: Submit resume and cover letter by email to work@akincollective.com (one PDF preferred) with “[YOUR NAME] - ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT” in the subject line. Please have your file(s) labeled with your name as well. 

Call for Applications: Akin Studio Program at Auto BLDG 2022

Craving a space to grow your art practice? An opportunity to surround yourself with artists and other creatives? The Akin Studio Program applications are open and ready to accept our 2022 cohort!

The Akin Studio Program at Auto BLDG (158 Sterling Road) is a unique and publicly open opportunity for art practitioners, curators and writers to lease shared studio space within the historical Auto Building at 158 Sterling Road in Toronto. In addition to a studio space throughout 2022, selected artists will be immersed within a community of peers, offering various opportunities for engagement. Studio members will be encouraged to develop and expand their individual practices while playing a role in the artistic community within the studios itself.

Studio Membership Program Start Date: January 7 2022,
Studio Membership Program End Date: December 31, 2022.

While the focus for selected artists will be to use their studio spaces for independent practice, research and development, this is an inclusive, shared studio environment where artists will benefit from insight provided by not only their studio peers and guests but also through occasional opportunities as part of the broader Akin community. 

Selected artists will be encouraged to participate in four, quarterly/seasonal public ‘Open Studio’ events that will occur across the studio program space(s) throughout 2022. This may include opportunities to present a workshop or artist talk at one of these specific events, for those that are interested.

Full application details are available at www.akin.art/call

Deadline to apply: November 22, 2021, 5:00pm EST

We're so excited to receive your applications! Please visit our Akin Studio Program Frequently Asked Questions for any questions or email us at info@akincollective.com and we'll be happy to support you in any way we can.

Share this call as widely as you can on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! 

Upcoming Events & New Initiatives

Here are some great opportunities for artists & community members this spring :)

Learn the basics of applying for an Ontario Arts Council Grant: Applying for a grant can be confusing and overwhelming. This spring, the Ontario Arts Council is offering a series of webinars for Ontario-based artists and arts groups to learn the basics of applying for OAC funding. Click here for more details.


Rhythm and Movement Dance Program (FREE): May 10th - 14th & May 24-28th / Rhythm and Movement Dance Program is a creative, innovative and hands on program for Black youth that will provide a safe space for young people to voice their concerns, share their opinions, acquire knowledge about healthy living through rhythm and movements. Black students ages 14-18 will gain physical education, social skill development and they will learn about the different forms of creating rhythms and movement. This program is a series of 4 sessions via zoom. Click here to register.


Ismailova Theatre of Dance is holding auditions for Contemporary dancers: Auditions for a physical theatre production in Toronto. Seeking female and male dancers for its new site-specific dance/physical theatre production to be presented over the weekends and some weeknights in July outdoors in Toronto. Auditions are May 1st 2021 9am-2pm. Auditions will be via Zoom. Herearsals and shows will be outdoors near Dufferin and Steeles with strict social distancing in place. More details here.


St. Joseph Hospital is looking for artwork: Throughout the pandemic, St. Joseph's Health Centre has received messages of support, hope, and gratitude from our community which have done wonders to lift the spirits of the staff, physicians, and learners who have been coming to work each day to support the west-end community. We would like to continue to offer images and words of encouragement to those making the important step in the fight against this terrible disease. We invite our schools across the west-end to get involved! Simply scan or photograph your artwork and inspirational messages, and send them to gillian.brunning@unityhealth.to to be proudly displayed in St. Joe’s vaccination clinic for all to see as they line up to receive their doses!

BBPA’s Community Space Financial Literacy Program: Saturdays at 10am. The ultimate financial literacy program for Black youth. This is an online and in class financial literacy / personal development program integrated into the SAY IT LOUD initiative, a national campaign for Black youth aged 14-29 that promotes Black prode and positive cultural identity. Click here to learn more and register.


Building a Black Archive Call-Out for Emerging Black Writers: A communitu initiative dedicated to unearthing of lost and forgotten Black Histories in Canada with a focus in Ontario. Click here to learn more and sign up.


Laidlaw Foundation’s Indigenous Youth and Community Futures Fund: Applications due by May 20th, receive funding for an Indigenous Youth lead project. Click here to learn more.


Labour Arts Catalyst: The Labour Arts Catalyst is a new initiative that pairs four artists from the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area to work with four local labour organizations in a collaborative art-making process that is in line with Mayworks’ vision to incite the creation and production of art that engages diverse artists adn workers in the advancement of cultural, exonomic and social justica. Click here for more details.


Girls with Grit Scholarship 2021: Girls with Grit has partnered with Armstrong Acting Studios to offer the Girls with Grit Scholarship. This opportunity will allow emerging female artists to have access to training and an introduction to Toronto’s TV and film industry. This scholarship is for anyone who has faced barriers entering into this industry, particularily those disproportionately impacted by systemic discrimination. Find out more here.


STEPS has launched their CreateSpace BIPOC Public Art Residency: A national program designed in consultation with advisors from coast to coast, to provide Black, Indigenous and Racialized artists with the skills, relationships and practical experience needed to take their public art practice to the next level.

Meet the 2021 CreateSpace artists-in-residence:
Yasmeen Nematt Alla
Bruno Canadien
Laara Cerman
Shelby Gagnon
Jieun June Kim
Arjun Lal
Amanda Lederle
Charmaine Lurch
Anna Jane McIntyre
Nuff
For residency updates and programming events for the public, follow @STEPSpublicart and #CreateSpaceResidency on Instagram and Facebook or visit publicartresidency.ca.


Selling your work online an Artist Project workshop: Artist Project is pleased to present a workshop series focused on skill-building for artists and the art-curious. Wednesday April 28, 5:30-7PM (ET) Click Here to Register
Fee: $20


Creating Opportunities Beyond the Gallery (International Exhibitions, Commissions, Artist Residencies and more): Join artists Kal Mansur and Nathan Eugene Carson on Zoom for a workshop focused on creating career opportunities as an independent artist. Kal and Nathan will share their unique perspectives and paths to success, from soliciting art commissions, navigating exhibition opportunities, living/working internationally and more. The session will be interactive, and will include time for questions. Wednesday May 12, 5:30-7PM (ET) Click Here to Register
Fee: $20


The 2021 Emerging Digital Artists Award (EDAA) has a Call for Applications: Applications are now open for the Emerging Digital Artists Award. Five artists will be awarded a $5000 prize and their award winning works will be featured in a group exhibition at Trinity Square Video as well as online September 10 - October 2 2021. To learn more and to apply click here.

AGO X RBC EMERGING ARTISTS EXCHANGE

Call for [Digital] Artist-Researchers

Three paid research mentorships available in 2021

Deadline for submissions: May 10, 2021 at 5 pm EST
Each selected artist will complete a six-week research mentorship between June and September 2021.

Apply here

The AGO is launching a paid research mentorship program for emerging artist-researchers to explore ideas of museum practices, audience engagement, or the AGO’s permanent collection to be developed over a six-week period. With the support of advisors across the gallery, each selected artist will present their research findings to the various teams at the AGO. The call is open to emerging artists who work in all mediums.

We welcome research proposals that connect to our audiences, challenge the museum field, or engage with the content and programming of the AGO. These proposals could examine any area at the museum, including but not limited to: Conservation, Collections, Curatorial, Education & Programming, Library & Archives, Food & Beverage, and Visitor Experience.

We seek research ideas which challenge conventional understandings of museum practices. Experimentation is encouraged; failure is learning.

Selected artists will receive the following:

• A one-time $2,000.00 CDN stipend;

• Mentorship from select AGO team members over six-week period, culminating in a presentation of research findings; and

• have their practice featured on the AGO X RBC Emerging Artists Program webpage.

Who should apply:

• Artists, individuals, and/or artist collectives who self-identify as emerging artists and are in the early stages of their career in their art form;

• Applicants who are living in Canada or are Canadian citizens;

• Practicing professional artists with two (2) or more years' experience; and

• Artists who are able to connect virtually with AGO staff, with the expectation of 12 hours/week of research and development, during their six-week research mentorship.

To apply, please complete the below form. The following materials must be included to be considered:

• Research proposal, including artist statement (250 words maximum, one (1) page, size 12 font);

• Résumé/CV (one (1) page, size 12 font); and

• Five (5) sample images, allowing us to understand your artistic practice.

Successful proposals will address the following:

• Focus on either a connection to our audiences, challenge the museum field, or engage with the content and programming of the AGO

• How your project advances your artistic growth/development;

We are prioritizing populations who have not been equitably represented in museums, which includes Black, Indigenous, artists of colour, LGBTQ2+, women and persons with disabilities.

Successful artists must be available between June 1 – September 30, 2021. Three selected artists will be notified by June 8, 2021.

Application deadline: May 10, 2021 @ 5 pm EST.

Call for Applications for the 2021 The Akin Studio Program at Auto BLDG (158 Sterling Road)

The Akin Studio Program is a unique and publicly open opportunity for art practitioners, curators and writers (hereafter referred to as artists) to lease shared studio space within the historical Auto Building at 158 Sterling Road in Toronto. In addition to a studio space throughout 2021, selected artists will be immersed within a community of peers, offering various opportunities for engagement. Studio members will be encouraged to develop and expand their individual practices while playing a role in the artistic community within the studios itself.

Studio Rental Program Start Date: January 7 2021
Studio Rental Program End Date: December 31, 2021
Deadline to apply: October 31, 2020, 5:00pm.

Join us on Google Meet on October 13, 2020 at 6:00pm for a live info session on the program to learn more, and have any questions you have answered.  Click here to RSVP to the Info Session.

Call for Board of Directors Members

Akin Projects

Call for Board of Directors Members

Deadline: August 31, 2020

Akin is an artist-run social enterprise (consisting of sister organizations Akin Projects & Akin Collective) located on Ancestral Wendat territory and the territory of the Anishinaabe and the Haudenosaunee in Toronto. We provide affordable studio space to approximately 250 artists within our 8 locations and programming of roughly 50 arts-based events per year across the city. Akin Projects is a registered nonprofit, established in 2015, providing artists and creatives with the support they need for creative production and development of their careers to benefit and enhance the communities where they work and live. We have offered services to thousands of individuals since our inception through our creative studios and arts programming. Akin Projects builds community through monthly art critiques, workshops, open studio events, gallery tours, exhibitions, and various other art projects.

For more information about Akin Projects, please visit: www.akinprojects.org

Akin Projects is seeking six (6) individuals to join its Board of Directors. These individuals will ideally bring expertise, dedication, lived experience and vision to our organization. We are seeking additions to our team with a variety of qualifications and interests including financial expertise/treasurer, public programming, marketing, government relations and fundraising, human resources, board governance as well as familiarity with Akin and the larger visual arts community in Toronto and ideally, previous board experience. We strongly encourage and will prioritize the applications of practicing artists and creatives, including current and former Akin members.

Akin Projects’ Board of Directors is a working Board. Each member is expected to attend six Board meetings per year, participate in committee work between meetings, and commit to serving a two-year term. 

Akin Projects has committed to at least 50% BIPOC representation at the Board and staff levels. 

PROCESS:

Adapting the Toronto Arts Council’s Equity Priority Group Policy, we will be prioritizing applicants who self-identify as belonging to one (or more) of Toronto Arts Council’s Equity Priority Groups (Black, Indigenous, Persons of Colour, Deaf Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Persons Living with Mental Illness, 2SLGBTQIAP). We encourage applications from these communities and will endeavour to accommodate 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 within our organization and across our programs This includes Anti-Oppression training and the continual revision of our Code of Conduct and needs assessment strategies. 

Commitments & of each Akin Projects Board member include:

• Regular attendance at Board meetings and all related meetings, along with a commitment to actively participate in work as it arises and participate in at least one Board committee.

• Being an active, informed and engaged participant in Akin Projects matters including preparing for meetings, reviewing and commenting on minutes and Reports, attending Akin Projects events and training exercises,

• Familiarizing yourself with the activities of the organization and the larger arts community in Toronto, while also building a strong working relationship with fellow board members and Staff as applicable.

• Participation in fundraising for the organization, and volunteering time to assist at programs

• A deep interest in supporting artists, creatives and the arts sector.

Please note that Board members are volunteers and therefore cannot be financially compensated by Akin Projects for their related work while serving on the Board.

To Apply:

Please email a brief (one page maximum) statement explaining why you are interested in this volunteer position along with your CV, résumé or statement of experience and any applicable web links (in PDF format) to laura@akincollective.com with the subject heading: ATTN: Board of Directors Position.

Akin is actively prioritizing self-identifying applicants from Black and Indigenous communities.

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.

Application deadline: 11:59 pm, August 31, 2020

Successful applicants will be contacted no later than September 9, 2020.

Call for Community-led Public Art Projects Seeking Support!

Since 2011, STEPS has supported Business Improvement Areas  (BIA), community groups, and social service agencies across the GTA in realizing projects that foster vibrant public spaces and encourage diverse participation in arts based initiatives.

Do you have a community project that you’re struggling to launch?

A place you’ve identified for public art but are unsure how to make it happen? 

An identified cultural programming gap in your community, but not sure how to fill it?

We want to hear your project idea!

If you’re a non arts-based community group, STEPS may be able to help you through: 

• sharing our knowledge and expertise in project management, partnership development, public outreach, program facilitation, artist recruitment, design development, onsite production and community engagement.

• supporting a lead organization in funding requests through identifying opportunities, grant proposal coaching, and providing letters of support.

• leveraging our relationships within the cultural sector in order to identify collaborating artist(s)/ artistic facilitators/ documentarians who may be a fit for a project.

• integrating capacity building opportunities within the proposed project for host agencies and/or area residents.

This is NOT A GRANT PROGRAM. We strive to lend support, knowledge, and capacity to projects that may not come to fruition without a strong and experienced community partner. Interested?

To request an application, send us an email to renee@stepsinitiative.com.

Akin Vitrine Galleries 2020 Exhibitions - Call for Submissions for Akin Studio Members

Akin is very excited to announce our 2019 Call for Submissions for Akin’s Vitrine Gallery! We are programming for the coming year and looking to fill our monthly exhibitions with a variety of work from our studio members. 

These miniature galleries feature the diverse talent of our members with new installations each month. The first Akin Vitrine Gallery launched in 2016 at Akin’s Dupont studios. At the beginning of 2018, the second Vitrine Gallery location launched at the Akin St. Clair studios.

APPLICATION DETAILS:

Deadline to apply: Monday, December 2nd, 2019, 5:00pm

Akin will program 12 exhibitions in 2020, each for a duration of two months. Featured artists will be exhibiting for one month in our Dupont Vitrine location and for the following month in our St. Clair Vitrine location.  

The first month of the exhibition will be at the Akin St. Clair Vitrine gallery location (1747 St. Clair Avenue West), corresponding with a month-long online feature on Instagram. Akin Vitrine Gallery Instagram account: @akinvitrine showcases the current artist in a spotlight interview style, month-long series of posts. Make sure to check out the account for more information, to follow us and support your fellow Akin members!

The second month of the exhibition will be at the Akin Dupont Vitrine gallery location (1485 Dupont St). In addition to this, each featured artist is welcome to organize, host and promote a reception during their exhibition at the Akin St. Clair Studios Vitrine. They will work with the Akin St. Clair studio manager on the logistics for their reception, but be responsible for planning and hosting their reception themselves. 

This call for submissions welcomes fine artists of all mediums, craftspeople, designers and those whose work expands the limits of these mediums to apply; we only ask that your project reads as visual art as opposed to a window display/merchandising. Please note this call is only open to Akin studio members from any of our nine locations.

Akin is a Queer and Trans friendly organization, and we encourage folks who identify as womxn, Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, and members of sexual minority. Should you desire to, please identify if you are a member of one the these groups.

Submission Details: 

If you are an Akin studio member and would like to submit work for consideration, please email your submission to janet@akincollective.com by December 2nd with the words ‘VITRINE 2020 SUBMISSION’ as the email subject. You must include:

• Project description: due to the timeline of our programming, it is not imperative that you apply with finished work. If you are applying with a concept not yet realized, please provide a description of your project in one paragraph. Sketches for the project or photographs of similar work are preferred.  

• Up to 3 images of the work to be exhibited, or similar if you are applying with a work in progress.  Images must be titled: FULLNAME_TITLE_SIZE_MEDIUM_DATE

• Brief bio/statement (maximum 150 words).

• Contact information – including phone number, website and Instagram username if available.

• Requested month for exhibition - if you have a particular month in which you would prefer to show, please let us know what that month is and why. We will consider all requests but cannot guarantee we can accommodate them all.

Our goal is to curate a cross-section of work, representing a variety of media from all of our studio locations. This does mean that space is limited. We appreciate all of your submissions, and what we can’t accommodate for this project, we will keep in mind for future opportunities. We will respond to submissions via email. 

Thank you from the Akin team.

About the Vitrine spaces:
The miniature galleries feature white walls, floor and ceiling, overhead lighting, electrical access and large window. The Vitrines lend themselves well to 2D hanging work, 3D display and site specific pieces, and are a perfect space to experiment with new materials and to try out new work or installation projects. 

Call for Proposals - Artscape Gibraltar Point’s Winter Island Artist Residency 2020

Artscape Gibraltar Point is now accepting project proposals for the fifth annual Winter Island Artist Residency, happening between January and April of 2020. Deadline to apply is October 14, 2019 at 12:00pm EST.

The Winter Island Artist Residency at Artscape Gibraltar Point on the Toronto Islands is a unique, juried artist-in-residence program aimed at emerging, mid-career and established artists who are working in community engaged practice.

Four Canadian artists, each with a strong and unique voice, will be selected to participate in this month-long residency at Artscape Gibraltar Point, a short ferry ride from Toronto’s downtown core. The four selected artists will have access to a studio to create or develop a new and exciting work (or body of work) that seeks to activate the artistic community on the Toronto Islands and the broader Toronto community.

At the end of the Winter Island Artist Residency, participants will also have the opportunity to present their projects at a public exhibition at Artscape Youngplace in the summer of 2020.

Artscape Gibraltar Point, located on the southwestern-most tip of Toronto’s Ward Island, is a unique community cultural hub, operated by Artscape, that has become well-known for its artist residencies. Since opening in 1999, Artscape Gibraltar Point’s secluded retreat centre, artists’ lodge and long-term artist work studios–surrounded by 46 acres of parkland and its own beachfront–have provided thousands of local and international artists-in-residence with an idyllic place to focus on their practice. For more information about artists residencies, including self-directed residencies, please visit the Artscape Gibraltar Point website.

For more information More information please contact Andrew Lochhead, Residency & Programming Coordinator, Artscape Gibraltar Point at alochhead@artscape.ca.

CUE Grant Cycle now open!

CUE is a radical arts initiative dedicated to supporting new generation artists who live and work on the margins. CUE has designed a high-access funding program offering not only financial support for art projects, but also consultation in preparing project proposals, support throughout the production process, and opportunities for public exhibition. 

CUE operates the Margin of Eras Gallery,  multidisciplinary arts space dedicated to showcasing the work of new-generation artists who live and work on the margins.

CUE has just opened up a new grant cycle for artists who are facing systemic barriers to accessing professional arts opportunities. Applicants can apply for a grant of up to $1000 to produce an art project in any discipline. Application Deadline is October 31, 2019.

CUE Art Grants are for artists who:

• Work in any artistic discipline

• Have a solid idea for an art project that can be completed in 3 months, and can be exhibited or presented to the public in some way.

• Demonstrate experience in their medium.

• Have a track record of finishing projects and following through on goals.

• Have not received funding from the Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council, or Canada Council for the Arts, or other substantial arts funding.

• Are not in a Masters program in a post secondary institution, and do not hold a Masters degree.

• Connect with CUE before submitting an application

Groups of artists working collaboratively may apply, however, one artist must be responsible for acting as the project lead and being accountable for funds.

The Grant Process:

• CUE team members host information sessions at various locations across the City of Toronto

• Artists meet with CUE before submitting an application, and receive consultation in developing project proposals

• Proposals are reviewed by peer jury of artists and arts professionals. Results are released and feedback is included
  for every applicant

• Artists approved for grants receive funds and are given 3 months to produce projects. CUE remains available to artists throughout the production process to provide support in a variety of ways

• Artists submit final documentation that will be uploaded to CUE’s website, and short final reports about the process

• All artworks are exhibited/performed in a group show(s)

• CUE remains available to artists as a resource to help make connections with various future opportunities, lend
  consultation on external funding proposals, and help artists keep developing their careers and practices.

Drop-in Grant Writing Sessions:

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 3-8pm at Margin of Eras Gallery, 1684 Queen St. West

TUESDAY OCTOBER 1, 3-8pm at Margin of Eras Gallery, 1684 Queen St. West

TUESDAY OCTOBER 8, 3-8pm at SKETCH, 1800 Shaw Street Unit 201

TUESDAY OCTOBER 15, 3-8pm at Margin of Eras Gallery, 1684 Queen St. West

TUESDAY OCTOBER 22, 3-8pm at Margin of Eras Gallery, 1684 Queen St. West

TUESDAY OCTOBER 29, 3-8pm at Margin of Eras Gallery, 1684 Queen St. West

Call for Submissions: Textile Museum of Canada's Creative in Residence Program

The Creative in Residence program at the Textile Museum of Canada invites three emerging professionals – an artist, a curator, and an educator – to explore new forms of engagement with Museum audiences by animating exhibition spaces and activating the permanent collection. Deadline to apply is September 27, 2019 at 5:00pm EST.

The selected participants will be integrated into the daily life of the Museum during each three-month residency. Through access to resources and mentorship, they will advance their own creative practice, challenging both themselves and Museum visitors to engage with art, craft, and design in new and innovative ways through participation in demonstrations, public programs, performance, and conversation in the galleries. This is an opportunity to re-imagine the museum experience. This program is supported by a Seed Grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Selected applicants will receive a $18,600 honorarium.

For more information please direct any questions via email to Susan Fohr, Curator of Education, at sfohr@textilemuseum.ca

Call for Applications! Curator in Residence for Tangled Art + Disability

The Tangled Art Gallery Curator in Residence position is an opportunity for Mad, Deaf and Disability-identified curators and artists with curatorial experience interested in researching and developing accessible/crip curatorial practices and developing an exhibition or project for the 2020/21 Tangled Art Gallery season. This residency will provide an opportunity for a curatorial resident to research, develop, implement, and document innovative curatorial practices through a disability cultural lens. This residency is suited to curators and artists interested in forming relationships with artists, thinking critically about crip aesthetics (and how they can be highlighted within curatorship), and implementing these learnings in the curation of an exhibition at the end of this residency.

This residency is co-developed and supported in partnership with Bodies in Translation: Activist Art, Technology and Access to Life, a SSHRC-funded multidisciplinary, university-community research project that aims to cultivate activist art, including Deaf, Mad, and disability art through research. Reporting to the Director of Programming at Tangled and the Program Directors of Bodies in Translation, the Curator in Residence will be encouraged to engage in self-directed research on accessible curatorial practices, outreach to national and international artists who could potentially be curated by, or connected to Tangled, and work independently in the development of a curated exhibition.

The Residency program will provide artists with a $5000 stipend. The exhibition will culminate with a public exhibition, essay and curatorial talk at Tangled Art Gallery in the 2020/2021 season.

This Call is open until August 30, 2019.

Tangled Art + Disability is committed to programming from within Deaf, Mad and disability communities and will only consider applicants for this position who identify with one of these communities. We encourage applications from First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons; members of racialized communities and LGBTQ-identified persons.

Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre Public Art Competition

Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre Public Art Competition

Artists/artist teams are invited to submit proposals for a one-stage competition to provide a site-specific work of public art that combines an artistic vision with functionality for an outdoor seating installation at Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre, Kitchener, Ontario. The competition is open to all emerging and established artists/teams residing in Canada. Each artist(s)/team is limited to one entry. 

Location:

The Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre is located in the southwest corner of the city at 150 Pioneer Park Drive, on the territory of Six Nations on the Haldimand Tract, near the majestic Grand River.  This area is forecasted to be the fastest growing neighbourhood in Kitchener over the next 20 years.  

People who visit and live here value the walkability of nearby trails, and a variety of wildlife in the area.  Residents describe Doon as a great place to live because of the “small town” feel.  One family says:  “It feels like a small community as there is still a divide between Doon and the rest of Kitchener in terms of transportation and the surrounding industrial lands”.

Submissions are due by Monday, September 23, 2019 at 11:59 p.m.

Help Animate Storefronts for Nuit Blanche - Call for Proposals

Nuit Blanche - East Danforth is just around the corner, and East End Arts is still accepting submissions for this unique artist opportunity: IN VIEW: East Danforth Storefront Installations.

IN VIEW pairs local business owners with artists from across the city to transform their storefront windows for the evening of Nuit Blanche (October 5, 2019) under the theme of Future Danforth. Thematically, Future Danforth invites artists to (re)interpret what the future of East Danforth looks like and means to them and the broader community.

Think you've got a fun idea that could fit? Apply today before the deadline! Each artist will receive a $500 Artist Honorarium, inclusive of HST.

Application Deadline: Wednesday July 31, 2019 by 11:59 pm, EST

Digital Project Funding Opportunity: The Creation Accelerator

The Canada Council for the Arts and CBC/Radio-Canada are teaming up to offer The Creation Accelerator, an exciting opportunity for Canadian artists to develop an original concept and create a digital project for potential distribution on CBC/Radio-Canada’s platforms. 

Pitch your idea for a podcast, web series, short doc, sound art, digital graphic novel, experimental dance video, animation, and more and receive up to $50,000 in funding! No prior digital experience is required.

Individuals who are Deaf or who have disabilities, including those living with mental illness, and require accommodation at any stage of the application process may be eligible for additional assistance.

Deadline – 16 October 2019
Notification of results – January 2020

There are two Phases to The Creation Accelerator: Phase 1 is a development phase, while Phase 2 is a production phase. In Phase 1, the Canada Council for the Arts will provide up to 20 successful applicants with grants of up to $50,000 each. CBC/Radio-Canada will provide grant recipients with an orientation to digital creation. CBC/Radio-Canada will also pair successful applicants with an independent producer or approve a producer identified by the recipient.

For more information please contact accelerator@canadacouncil.ca or call 1-800-263-5588 (toll-free), ext.5574 or click the link below:

Upcoming Calls for Submission

The 2020 Eyebeam Residency

Deadline: June 21, 2019 at 11:59 p.m.
Residency Dates: January 2020 through June 2020, with extended access to Eyebeam’s shared workspace and equipment through September 2020

Located in Brooklyn, NY, Eyebeam’s flagship program, the Eyebeam Residency, is a prestigious award for those creating work which engages technology and society, through art. Residents’ projects are experimental and wildly interdisciplinary, often existing outside of more traditional structures in the fields of both art and technology. The 2020 Residency will launch as a 6 month research and experimentation-focused program for creative practitioners. The residency will be awarded to 4 individuals or collaborative projects. A stipend of $22,000 is offered to all residents.

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Call for host venues at the 10th Annual DesignTO Festival

Deadline: June 21, 2019 at 11:59 p.m.
Exhibition Dates: January 17-26, 2020

The DesignTO Festival brings people together to celebrate  contemporary design across the city of Toronto. Join the Festival to become a part of an exciting network of creative  people, exhibitions, events, and a captive audience of designers and  design-lovers. From design talks to experimental  installations to prototypes to opening parties and curated exhibitions, the Festival featured the work of over 600 artists and designers in 2019. Potential venues include spaces in the City of Toronto such as shops, galleries, studios, cafés, schools, and lobbies. There is an associated fee: $250 + HST for small businesses (including independent shops, artist-run centres, and private galleries) or $325 + HST for large businesses and institutions.

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Neilson Park Creative Centre’s (NPCC) 27th Annual Juried Exhibition, Impact 2019

Deadline: June 21, 2019 at 4 p.m.
Exhibition Dates: July 22- August 9, 2019

Impact is NPCC’s most-anticipated exhibition that fosters creativity in the artistic community. Impact 2019 aims to bring together artists practicing in diverse media and approaches (both traditional and contemporary) while showcasing artwork of the highest standard. There is an application fee for this call; the fee ranges from $25-$35 fo NPCC members or $40-$50 for non-members depending on the number of works being submitted.

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Call for Visual and Performing Artists for the 9th Annual StArt Youth Presenting Art (StArt YPA) Festival

Deadline: Must register online and attend the open call on Saturday, June 29, 2019, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, at Christ Church, 155 Markham Rd, Scarborough. *First come, first seen*

StArt Youth Presenting Art (StArt YPA) is festival is looking for artists to perform and present at their 9th annual arts festival! StArt YPA is a youth-led volunteer-based initiative based in Scarborough Village that strives to provide young people with accessible arts education and outlets for self-expression, giving youth opportunities to excel in various art forms - radically enhancing creativity, and contributing to self-confidence as cultural producers in society.

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The RBC Arts Access Award

Deadline: June 24, 2019 at 11:59 p.m.

The RBC Arts Access Award is presented by Neighbourhood Arts Network and RBC Foundation. It awards a total of $30,000 annually to support newcomer artists across Toronto and Toronto Greater Toronto Area. The awards range from $500 to $1500 to support costs associated with arts projects, such as artist fees, art supplies, equipment rental, space rental and food costs for a workshop or event. Additionally, awards may also support professional development, training and mentorship requests for newcomer artists looking to improve their skills regarding working in and with community.

StreetARToronto Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI)

StreetARToronto (StART) requests Expressions of Interest to expand StART’s awareness of street art creatives who are interested & available to participate in StART projects. Expressions of Interest will assist Advisory Panel members when considering artists and other participants for StART Projects. This is StART’s most accessible Call ever, and offers multiple ways to apply.

Expressions of Interest received by July 2, 2019 at 5pm EST will be reviewed by StART Advisory Committees between July 15 and September 30, 2019. For more information about StART, please visit www.toronto.ca/streetart.

Complete the Request for Expression of Interest here

StreetARToronto (StART) is a suite of innovative programs specifically designed for streets and public spaces. StART programs encourage active transportation (walking and cycling), make Toronto streets more vibrant and safe, showcase local artists, mentor emerging talent, reduce overall infrastructure maintenance costs and create opportunities for positive engagement among residents, business owners and operators, artists, and arts organizations. Individually and collectively StART projects are designed to celebrate the City of Toronto motto "Diversity Our Strength" and foster a greater sense of belonging among all. StART welcomes and actively seeks out partners for initiatives that support program objectives. StART works closely with partnership staff in other City divisions and agencies as well as external partners and collaborators.

For more information or general questions please contact streetart@toronto.ca or visit StART’s website at www.toronto.ca/streetart