About Akin
Akin is a Toronto-based arts organization that provides creative studio space as well as arts-based programming. Our studios provide a working environment that maintains a friendly and inspiring atmosphere where people can work on creative endeavors and entrepreneurial undertakings of all kinds. We build community through a variety of programming including workshops, open studio events, gallery tours, exhibitions, as well as various other art projects.
Akin's studio locations and programming activities are located on the territory of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and traditional territory of the Wendat. We also acknowledge the many other Indigenous peoples whose names were not recorded, who have travelled through and cared for this territory. A great deal of injustice has characterized colonial land negotiations with the Indigenous community across this country, thus we oppose land offenders and support returning Indigenous land back to Indigenous peoples. Our goal is to continue learning and we are committed to better understanding what this means for us with regards to our obligations and how to act on them including aspiring to live a lifelong process of reverting colonial damage. We are grateful to be working on this land and promise to care for it along with the waters, sky and all sentient beings.
Check our calendar or blog, for events, programming and other projects. You can also join our newsletter or follow us on social media to stay informed about what is going on at Akin. Click the links below:
Joining Akin
Everyone is welcome at Akin regardless of skill level or experience! It is not necessary to submit a portfolio or C.V. to become an Akin member at one of our studios. Akin is committed to maintaining an anti-oppressive, queer and trans positive environment, welcoming indigenous, marginalized, and racialized folks, and folks with disabilities.
To become an Akin member first please get in touch. If there are no studio available you can be added to our waiting list. If there is an available studio that you would like to move into then we require a last month's security deposit and first month's Membership Fee payment and for you to sign our Membership Agreement. Membership rentals are month-to-month.
Interested in a membership at Akin? Get in touch!
Email: info@akincollective.com
Please note that studio tours are by appointment only; no drop-ins.
Thank you!
Akin Studios and Gallery Locations
Click on the location map above to see a larger version
Akin Davisville: 224 Merton St (Davisville Village)
Akin Dupont: 1485 Dupont St (Dupont & Symington)
Akin Niagara: 289 Niagara St (Niagara & Queen St W)
Akin Queen East: 429 Queen St E (Queen St E & Sackville St)
Akin Richmond-Bathurst: 579 Richmond St W (Richmond & Bathurst)
Akin St Clair: 1747 St Clair Ave W (St Clair & Keele)
Akin Yonge-St Clair: 1 St Clair Ave W (St Clair & Yonge)
The Akin Team
Akin is run by a small, dedicated team of artists.
Click here to learn more about the Akin Team.
Information on this site is available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact us at info@akincollective.com for accommodation requests.
Membership Rates
All memberships include 24/7 access, wifi, utilities, insurance, shared storage facilities, restroom and kitchen access, communal workspaces and common area cleaning. Prices include HST.
Shared Membership:
starting at $80/month
perfect for designers, location-independents, web developers, time-based media artists.
Dedicated Membership:
$191 - $1000/month
perfect for painters, illustrators, sculptors, printmakers, installation artists, fashion designers
Common studio sizes & prices at Akin:
Here are a few examples of Akin Dedicated Membership fees:
25 sqft studio - $191/month
50 sqft studio - $299/month
80 sqft studio - $431/month
100 sqft studio - $501/month
150 sqft studio - $650/month
200 sqft studio - $800/month
What are the membership options? What is the difference between a Dedicated Membership and a Shared Membership?
Joining Akin as a Dedicated Member means that you have your own studio space - your own section of the studio, typically including 1, 2 or 3 walls. Dedicated studio spaces are priced by size and range from 15sf to 250sf. No furniture is provided for dedicated studio rentals, so you must bring your own furniture, tools and supplies, but you’ll have lots of flexibility in setting up your space as you see fit.
Alternatively you can join Akin as a Shared Member ($80/month) and have access to communal workspace (tables, chairs, and easels) including shared storage space, kitchen and bathroom. Shared members can use shared areas of the studio on a first-come-first-served basis. Shared areas must be left clean and clear when you are done using them which means you must clean up after yourself and put your belongings back in the shared storage areas or take them with you.
Donate to Akin Projects!
Your contributions directly impact artists in ways that are meaningful to arts and culture in our city, as well as to the communities in which we work. We can’t thank you enough for your support.
