Akin Community Discord Server:
Instructions, Guidelines and Safety
The Akin Community Discord Server is a way for Akin Members to communicate, connect and interact with each other; both with members of their own studio, and across all Akin studio locations. The Akin Community Discord Server is a closed server which is only available for Akin Members.
Akin’s Code of Conduct applies to all Akin spaces, within the studio, and online. Any violation of our Code of Conduct in any space, including on Discord, can affect your Akin Studio Membership.
What Is Discord? Discord is an instant messaging social platform. It is most typically used through the Discord App, which is free to download. You can also use Discord through any web browser. You can find more details about Discord here. Akin has created our own Community Server on Discord which will only be used by Akin Members.
What is the Akin Community Server for? An exclusive server for Akin Members, the Akin Community Discord server will be a member-driven communication tool which can be used to reach members within your own studio, and the Akin Member community at large. You can share your creative work with others, invite others to your exhibition or event, post items or services for sale, share skills, ask questions and coordinate meetups. There are also channels for each specific Akin-location so members can message folks for things that are specific to their studio.
All essential Akin communication should still be done through email. This tool is primarily for member-to-member communication and for members of different Akin locations to have a way to connect virtually as a larger community. Akin staff will still be emailing you as needed with important news and updates, and if you need to communicate with our staff please use email.
Your studio manager is not responsible for monitoring the discord server, so be sure to still check your inbox for studio updates as usual.
How do I begin using the Akin Community Discord Server?
When you join an Akin studio as a member, your studio manager will send you an invitation link for the Akin Discord Server. Only Akin Studio Members will have access to the Akin Community Member server.
This Server is member-driven. Here are some great uses of the Akin Discord Channel:
✅ Sell or buy items you think other members would be interested in
✅ Looking to hire someone to teach you a new skill or collaborate
✅ Advertise your upcoming exhibition or event
✅ Share a call for submissions or other opportunity
✅ Announce a community meet-up you’d like to organize
✅ Share resources related to the arts community
✅ Share your creative work with others
✅ Having fun!
Here are examples of how not to use the discord server channel:
❌ Ask questions about your invoices
❌ Report a facilities-related incident at the studio
❌ Discuss things not relevant to the studio / arts
❌ Complain or gossip
How Do I Use Discord?
A Discord “Server” is an invite-only home for a community - a place where you can talk, hang out, and have fun.
Within the Server, there are “Channels” for talking over text. Channels are separated into topics to keep conversations organized and give everyone plenty of room to talk.
Within a Channel, you can create a “Thread”. Threads make it easier to follow along with a topic within a channel and eliminate confusion when multiple, big topics are happening within a single channel.
You can also use Discord voice channels to talk over voice and video and you can Direct Message individual users for a private conversation. There are other great features as well! Screen-share, listen to music together, react to posts with a variety of emojis, share gifs, and more!
If you do not have any experience with Discord please refer to this useful Beginners Guide:
https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/360045138571-Beginner-s-Guide-to-Discord
If you have any issues or questions try searching the Discord Help Centre: https://support.discord.com/
Important notes:
Keep in mind that this online community is optional to participate in - but encouraged! Not all of your studio mates will be participating, but hopefully many will!
Akin staff does not regularly monitor the server. Please continue to email us as usual if you need to communicate with our staff or have questions or concerns regarding your membership. Some staff may participate as members, and our Community Experience Committee will be checking in from time to time.
Use Discord on a web browser or click here to download the app for any device.
The Akin Community Discord Server is now up and running now, so go ahead, explore, share, and communicate! As always we welcome your feedback and input so please feel free to share your thoughts on this online community with us by emailing info@akincollective.com
Online Safety Tips:
Though the Akin Community Server is a group for members only, it's still important for you to practice online safety. You can learn more online safety tips here.
Protect your personal information. This includes sharing your banking information, home address, or telephone number with someone you do not know or trust.
If someone is making you feel uncomfortable on the server, log off and report the incident to your studio manager or email to info@akincollective.com
If you arrange to meet with an Akin community member, agree to do so in a public location