Upcoming events from Akin!

We have many interesting events coming up in November, we hope you can attend some or all of them! You can always visit our online calendar to see what events are coming up or sign up for our newsletter, follow us on Instagram or Facebook to get updated programming announcements!

Akin Lakeshore Studio Launch and Potluck - TONIGHT!

October 24 (tonight!) / 5-7pm / Akin Lakeshore (2970 Lakeshore Blvd W, 3rd Floor) / FREE

Akin invites fellow artists, friends and family members to celebrate the opening of our newest location Akin Lakeshore in Etobicoke! Please join us on the 3rd floor on Thursday, October 24th for food and drinks and some spooky, pre-Halloween fun. Let's get to know each other and the space! Potluck: Eat Drink & Be Merry!! Everyone is welcome and encouraged to bring some snacks or your favourite dish to the party for us to enjoy a meal together. Click here for more details.

Akin DIY Comics School November Meeting

November 4 / 7:30PM - 9:30PM / Akin St Clair, 1747 St Clair Ave West / FREE / No RSVP Necessary but you can join the Facebook Group or join the mailing list or find out more at www.akin.art/comics

The Akin Collective D.I.Y. Comics School is a group that meets the first Monday of every month with the goal of working together to provide our own continuing comics education. Everyone is welcome regardless of experience!

Taxes 101 Workshop for Artists and Creatives

November 6 / 6:00PM - 8:00PM / Toronto City Hall - Council Chambers / PWYC (suggested donation of $5 per person). Space is limited, you must register to attend: https://bit.ly/2kxmInC

This workshop will help you to be prepared for next year! Atbooks Senior Tax Preparer Tova Epp will touch on some of the most important tax topics for artists including: tax preparation, deductions, tax deadlines, HST, how to handle grants, T4s and more. The session is suitable for artists who are new to filing taxes or those who are looking for a refresher. More info here.

Xpace x Akin: Tenants' Rights Workshop

November 9 / 1:00 AM - 3:00 pm / Xpace Cultural Centre, 2-303 Lansdowne Ave, Unit 2 / FREE - you must RSVP here: https://bit.ly/2P8oOHo

Please join us for a workshop about the basics of tenant rights and affordable housing in Toronto, facilitated by lawyer Ryan Martin. Ryan will give a presentation about some general questions and inquiries regarding tenant rights, as well as advice about housing rights through his experiences as a lawyer. There will also be an opportunity for a Q&A.

Anti-Black Racism Workshop

November 20 / 6:00PM - 9:00PM / 918 Bathurst St / $45 or PWYC Option (Suggested Donation $15-$30) / Please RSVP at https://bit.ly/33RzdeF

*All proceeds from this event will be put towards the development of the Akin Studio Rent Relief Fund, providing artists short term financial aid towards their studio rent in unexpected situations or times of financial instability.

This session uses the anti-oppressive framework and an intersectional approach to explore anti-Black racism within a Canadian cultural context. Internalized, interpersonal and institutional manifestations of anti-Black racism are contextualized through the lens of intergenerational trauma, systemic barriers and monolithic narratives. The impact of anti-Black racism, as it interacts with other sites of oppression is explored through case studies, personal reflections, quantitative and qualitative data. Systemic power structures and their impact on the spiritual, emotional, physical, financial and mental well being of Black communities as well as profound institutional inequities will be introduced and contextualized. Participants will critique and problematize current models for allyship and community engagement as well as explore interpersonal interventions and systemic transformations that cultivate liberation.

Upcoming Calls for Submissions

ARTSIDEOUT Festival: call for artwork, market vendors, performers and more!

Deadline: July 26, 2019 at 11:59pm
Event date: October, 3 2019

ARTSIDEOUT (ASO) is a large-scale, one-day, multidisciplinary arts festival at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC). Involving individuals from various walks of life, ASO celebrates the rich diversity of the community. The festival transforms UTSC with site-specific installations, exhibitions, performances, and film screenings. ASO is a result of wide-ranging collaboration between student organizers from various disciplines, community organizations, and passionate artists.

ARTSIDEOUT is currently accepting submissions for its 2019 festival, In Between, taking place on Thursday, October 3rd, 2019! Works submitted will be considered for the festival on a “rolling basis” until mid-July, after which submissions will only be accepted if space allows. We invite artists from all walks of life to apply.

This year’s theme is “In Between”. In Between explores what it means to be in transition: in between places, in between identities, and in between decades. The in-betweens help us better understand our past, present and future. Through the creation of multidisciplinary arts, we invite you to explore your own in betweens in 2019--a year of transition.

ARTSIDE OUT is looking for submissions under three categories: STUDIO, PERFORMANCE and CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS, and ART MARKET.

STUDIO includes: paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography, sculpture, video art + 2D, 3D, 4D work. 

PERFORMANCE includes: small ensembles, spoken word, bands, dance groups, performance art, and theatre.

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS may also submit any type of artwork they choose.

ART MARKET is a special community event that happens every year at ARTSIDEOUT. Local artists and crafts people are invited to come together to share and sell their work—from prints, jewelry, stickers, you name it!

Got a BIG IDEA for a project you’d like to bring to fruition? Require funding for supplies Email: submissions@artsideout.ca

Looking to “booth” or promote your community organization at the festival? Want to sell your artwork? Email: community@artsideout.ca

---

Black to the Future Action Grant

Deadline: August 31 at 11:59pm
Grant amount: Up to $10,000

The Black to the Future (BTTF) action grant aims to strengthen the capacity of Black, Black led, Black serving (3B/B3) organizations. Up to $10,000 is available to support each successful unincorporated grassroots organization and emerging group. Funding usage includes, but is not limited to: strategic planning, governance training, fundraising and resource development.

The Black to the Future action grant is a component of the larger For Us From Us (FUFU) grant. The foundation of the FUFU grant is an undertaken by the City of Toronto and the Confronting Anti Black Racism Capacity Building planning group to strengthen Black, Black led, Black serving (3B/B3) organizations.

For more information contact Adanna Phillip at info@ceetoronto.com

---

Banff Centre Call for Emerging Visual Artist in Residence

Application Deadline: September 04, 2019
Residency Dates: January 06 - February 07, 2020

Banff Artist in Residence (BAiR) Emerging is an immersive program of studio practice, creative exploration, and critical feedback and mentorship for visual artists in the early stages of their careers.

BAiR Emerging combines the artistic freedom of a self-directed residency with the supportive benefits of an organized program. As well as having the space to create, research, and experiment, participants are part of a community of emerging artists committed to developing and expanding their practice.

Over a period of five weeks, participants will have opportunities to hone their individual practice and collaborate with others, present work to their peers, engage in discussion and critique, learn from demonstrations in various visual art production techniques, and further develop the professional skills needed to support and sustain their practice. Artists will benefit from the insight provided by lead and guest faculty through studio visits and lectures, and attend events across campus in various disciplines. 

This program will provide professional development for emerging artists and open up new possibilities and directions in the production of their work. Staff will be on hand to offer demonstrations, technical support, and provide access to facilities in photography, sculpture, printmaking, papermaking, ceramics, fibre, video, digital technology, and more.

The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity offers an assortment of Residency Programs including an Indigenous Performing Arts Residency, Printmaking , Digital Media and Sculpture Studio Practicums, and a Winter Artist Residency. Deadlines are in September and October 2019. Visit www.banffcentre.ca/programs for more details.

---

Art Vancouver Call for Artists

Deadline: November 1, 2019
Event Dates: April 16-19, 2020

Vancouver Visual Art Foundation is announcing an open call for the 6th edition of Art Vancouver, an international art fair held annually on the waterfront. Art Vancouver draws over 10,000 buyers & art lovers from all around the world. A wide array of media is on display, including paintings, photography, sculpture, mixed media, and glass/wood. Art Vancouver does not accept jewelry, tapestries, or any sort of arts and craft works.

Art Vancouver will take place at the award-winning Vancouver Convention Centre, a green-designed, state-of-the-art facility located in beautiful downtown Vancouver. Boasting a mountain backdrop and waterfront location, the Convention Centre is central to Vancouver’s trendiest areas: Gastown and Coal Harbour.

For four days Art Vancouver provides an exceptional opportunity for sale of unique, creative and high-end work. Different booth sizes available. Email exhibitors@artvancouver.net and request Information Package. A deposit is required to apply, unsuccessful applicants will have the deposit refunded within 10 business days of notification.

Akin Summer Programming

Akin is pleased to present our July and August programming. We hope to see you at some of these events this summer! 

Pointillism at the Beach, an Afternoon with Seurat
July 14 / 12pm-2pm / $5-$10 (sliding scale) / Woodbine Beach

Calling all creatives, artists and hobbyists! Join us for some Georges Seurat style pointillism on the beach! Come meet other creatives, explore and draw beachy scenes from life with us in this fun-filled and summer space!

We will begin with some quick and expressive warm ups, moving on to more focused Summer forms and scenes and we will end the day with a free-for-all drawing period. All levels and media are welcome - no toxic materials please. Bring your own materials. 

Click here to register or for more information

Akin Projects at Zine Dream 12
July 21 / 10am-5pm / FREE / MOCA Toronto Canada

Akin is excited to exhibit at ZINE DREAM 12 alongside over 100 creative vendors this July. Exhibitors will be showcasing self published books, comics, music, zines, handmade crafts, prints & much more! One day only!

Click here for more information

An Index - Opening Reception
July 24 / 6pm-9pm / FREE / MOCA Toronto Canada

An Index comprises work in a variety of media from sculpture, to video, to new wall murals by the first cohort of Akin residency artists who entered the year-long studio programme in September 2018. While the participating artists’ practices range widely in terms of conceptual approach, style and media; they have also been influenced to some degree by the experience of sharing and conversing within an open-plan studio structure for the last nine months. The exhibition runs from July 25–September 8, 2019 at MOCA Toronto Canada. Join us on July 24 for the opening reception! 

Click here for more information

Akin River Launch Party + Potluck
July 25 / 4pm-10pm / FREE / Akin River

Akin invites fellow artists, friends and family members to celebrate the opening of our new 3rd floor River Studios 2 & 3 !! Please join us on the patio Thursday July 25th for food and drinks and a little summer camaraderie. Let's get to know each other and the space!

Click here for more information

There is more coming soon! Save the date for these August Events at Akin: 

August 7 - Show & Tell at Akin MOCA - 4th Floor Studios at MOCA

August 14 - Flag Book Workshop with Jessica Thalmann - Remote Gallery

August 17 - MOCA After Dark Dance Party - MOCAToronto Canada

August 22 - Akin Ossington Launch Party + Backyard BBQ - 888 Dupont St.

Must See Weekend Events - September 22 + 23

Weekends often tend to be chock full of events, errands, brunch dates and sleeping in and it can be difficult to remember all the wonderful things that are happening in this bustling city of ours. That being said, we have compiled a list of must see events that are happening this weekend in Toronto. See below for details.

Photo via Canzine.

Canzine

Date: September 22 - 1-7PM (SATURDAY ONLY)

Location: Art Gallery of Ontario, Weston Family Learning Centre

Canada’s largest festival of zines and underground culture returns to the Art Gallery of Ontario this fall. The Canzine Festival of Zines and Underground Culture was first held in Toronto in 1995. Since its inception, Canzine has displayed thousands of zines and small press works and hosted hundreds of writers and performers. Canzine is the place to check out zines and small press works from over 200 artists, writers and vendors. This years event features a number of Akin artists including: Jen Pilles, Julianne Ess, Enrique V Gaudite, Christopher Green, and more!

Canzine is organized by Broken Pencil: The Magazine of Zine Culture and the Independent Arts, and presented in collaboration with the Art Gallery of Ontario.

An artist in her booth at the 2017 Queen West Art Crawl.

Queen West Art Crawl

Date: September 22 + 23

Special Event: Art After Dark presented by QWAC occurs on September 22 from 6-11PM.

Location: Trinity Bellwoods Park

The Queen West Art Crawl (QWAC) is a charitable organization designed to celebrate and promote the art, culture and diversity of Queen West in Toronto. The cornerstone of QWAC is the Outdoor Art Exhibition in beautiful Trinity Bellwoods Park in September, which draws over 60,000 visitors annually. The Art Exhibition features a juried selection of the province’s best artists and artisans, and also showcases a Kids Zone, Performance Zone and Toronto’s best food vendors. This year’s event features Akin artists Andrea Bailey of Lansdowne Studios and more!

House of Vans: Toronto

Date: September 22 + 23

Location: The Bentway, 250 Fort York Blvd.

The House of Vans is where “off the wall” lives. It’s a place where imagination lets loose over concrete bowls, art installations, workshops and concert stages, inspiring every person who runs, rolls, or stomps through its door. Located in Brooklyn, New York, Chicago, Illinois and Waterloo, London, as well as pop-ups around the world, the House of Vans is home to the creativity that moves us. This year’s Toronto event features live pottery wheel workshops by Akin Ossington member Leora Israel.

People & Trees

Date: September 22 - 30

Location: Dentonia Park, 80 Thyra Avenue, Toronto.

People & Trees is an art installation by Akin Lansdowne member Sarvenaz Rayati about the life of trees. Sarvenaz Rayati is a multidisciplinary artist now based in Toronto. She received her BA in painting and BA in visual communication from art university in Tehran. She has exhibited her work internationally and Since moving to Toronto she has been part of different art projects.

About Arts in the Parks:
Arts in the Parks brings free, family-friendly arts events and activities to a park near you. Think theatre performances, dance classes, workshops, movies, festivals and more, right in your backyard!

MOCA Toronto International Grand Opening

Date: September 22 + 23

Location: 158 Sterling Road, Toronto

Visit the new MOCA Toronto, a place of conversation, exchange and exploration where visitors of all ages and backgrounds can be part of a global creative moment. We welcome you a fully programmed building that features work by world-renowned Canadian and international artists, exploring the themes of our time. Featuring the Akin Studio Program on the 4th floor. Drop by the 4th floor to view working artist studios and learn more about Akin’s studios and ongoing programming.

Stuff to Apply and Sign Up for

Call for Applicants:

Teen Fringe:  Deadline: June 6, 2017

Teens aged 13-17 can have the chance to train with leading professionals in acting, singing and dancing during the 2017 Toronto Fringe Festival. Applicants are required to audition and perform a monologue of their choosing and a song from the Musical Theatre Repertoire list. Participants can expect 5 full days of training with industry professionals, the chance to perform at Edge of the Sky’s closing night show at the 2017 Toronto Fringe Festival and a Rush Pass to all 2017 Toronto Fringe Festival productions.

Call for Submissions:

Art Encounters Program, Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, Deadline: May 1, 2017

Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition is accepting applications from visual artists and makers with disabilities, newcomer and indigenous artists to participate in the new Art Encounters Program during the 56th Exhibition on July 14 – 16, 2017 at Nathan Philips Square. Through this program Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition will provide exhibition assistance and free booth space to offset the costs and relieve the economic pressure of exhibiting in the fair to a select group of five artists with disabilities, newcomer and aboriginal artists.

Arts and Minds: A Community Arts Series

Neighbourhood Arts Network's has partnered with Workman Arts on Arts and Minds: A Community Arts Series, exploring the theme of mental wellness and public space. Arts and Minds will convene members of the Victoria Village community together to have conversation around the importance of mental health management in all our lives. This will be a helpful series of collaborative workshops using community arts as a tool to talk about how mental health can possibly be managed, and some of the challenges it can present. The City of Toronto’s 2011 Neighbourhood Demographic Estimates revealed that 67% of community members in Victoria Village are accessing mental health services, so these workshops will be responsive by convening a space for community members to gather and discuss their own mental health issues, while encouraging the reduction of the stigma associated with seeking support. Victoria Park Village community members will be consulted in sparking the project objectives and support community outreach. The project in 2018 will celebrate this growth of stories told through a public art piece reflecting dialogues from the workshops. Workman Arts Members are asked to submit Request for Proposals to apply to partake in community consultations, as well as design and deliver hand-on workshops

Regent Park Film Festival: Deadline: May 12, 2017

Regent Park Film Festival's call for submissions is now open and free. Regent Park Film Festival welcome films of all lengths and genres that reflect the multitude of experiences that make up our cities and communities. Regent Park Film Festival is especially dedicated to showcasing works by Indigenous filmmakers and filmmakers of colour, as well as works by trans, queer and female identified filmmakers.

Events:

Sick Muse Art Projects: Multicultural Night Event:  May 19, 2017

Serving as a fundraiser for their new project relating to Latin America (specifically Peru and Ecuador), Sick Muse Art Projects is hosting a Multicultural Night Event that features a variety of music and food. This will also be a great opportunity to network with cultural workers and cultural leaders from different organizations, artists from different disciplines and backgrounds, and arts/culture dreamers and doers. The Multicultural Night Event will be at 918 Bathurst Centre for Culture, Arts, Media and Education and will run from 7-10 PM.

Art & Event Consulting - a new service from Akin!

 

If you are looking to connect with artists for your project or event, or are in search of artwork for your space, we can help.

Through our extensive networks of artists, designers, musicians and creators we can work with you to find the right answer to fit your needs.

Previous clients and collaborators have included The AGO, Drake Hotel Properties, TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival), Grolsch, Bombay Sapphire, Collective Arts Brewing, Sunday Drive Art Projects and more.

Our relationships with prominent creators, cultural institutions, organizations and innovative thinkers allows us to make connections between artists and opportunities that are beneficial for everyone. 

No question or idea is too big, small or strange.  Let's start the conversation. Email us info@akincollective.com