Grant Workshop - Group Session with Peter Kingstone

GRANT WRITING SESSION with Peter Kingstone
Date: Wednesday, April 8, 6pm - 8pm
Location: Remote Gallery, Gallery A, 568 Richmond St W
Free event — limited spots available

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As artists ourselves, we know how challenging grant writing can be. To help, we've invited Peter Kingstone, Akin member and Program Manager at the Toronto Arts Council, to facilitate a group work session specifically focused on the Visual Arts Creation Grant.

About the Visual Arts Creation Grant

The Toronto Arts Council Visual Arts Creation Grant supports individual visual artists in the creation of new work, including drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, mixed media, and installation. This grant has a rolling deadline, allowing applicants to apply throughout the year.

For more details and full eligibility, visit the TAC website.

If you haven’t already registered with the Toronto Arts Council, you’ll need to create an account through their grants portal to view and apply for the Visual Arts Creation Grant. You can register and access the application system here. 

Registration is free and only takes a few minutes. Make sure to complete this step early so you can review the grant requirements and start your application.

How the Session Works

This is a focused, hands-on session rather than a general information presentation. Participants are asked to prepare an in-progress draft project proposal—the core section of your grant application that describes what you plan to do and why.

To make the session as productive as possible, you must upload your in-progress grant application to the TAC portal at least one day before the session. This gives Peter time to review everyone’s drafts beforehand so he can come prepared with more thoughtful and specific feedback.

During the session, Peter will begin by explaining what makes a strong application for the Visual Arts Creation Grant. The group will then collaboratively read and offer feedback on one another’s drafts in a supportive environment. This is a great opportunity to co-work, ask questions, and strengthen your grant writing in a group setting.

Who Should Attend

• Visual artists applying or planning to apply to the TAC Visual Arts Creation Grant.
  
  

• Artists with or without prior grant writing experience.
  
  

• Those interested in peer collaboration and feedback.
  
  

• Attendance is limited to 12 participants to maintain a productive group size.

Accessibility

Remote Gallery is on street level with step-free access and the entrance doors are 37" wide. The doors are automated by a push button system. There is step-free access throughout the gallery space. There are two gender-neutral washrooms both with step-free access. The washroom doors are not automated, the door knobs are round, and the toilets are not raised. For more information about Remote Gallery, click here.

About Peter Kingstone

Peter Kingstone is a Toronto-based visual artist and curator, working primarily in video and photography. As an independent artist, Peter’s installation pieces have been shown across Canada and internationally, and he was awarded the Untitled Artist Award in 2005 for his installation The Strange Case of peter K. (1974–2004). Peter holds a degree in Philosophy/Cultural Studies from Trent University in Peterborough and a Master of Fine Art focusing on video and new media from York University in Toronto. Peter has presented at many conferences on storytelling and social engagement. He began in September 2012 as the Acting Visual/Media Arts Program Manager at Toronto Arts Council

Grant Workshop - Group Session with Peter Kingstone

Date: Wednesday, September 10, 6pm - 8pm
Location: Remote Gallery, Gallery A (568 Richmond St W)
Free event — limited spots available

As artists ourselves, we know how challenging grant writing can be. To help, we've invited Peter Kingstone, Akin member and Program Manager at the Toronto Arts Council, to facilitate a group work session specifically focused on the Visual Arts Creation Grant.

About the Visual Arts Creation Grant

The Toronto Arts Council Visual Arts Creation Grant supports individual visual artists in the creation of new work, including drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, mixed media, and installation. This grant has a rolling deadline, allowing applicants to apply throughout the year.

For more details and full eligibility, visit the TAC website.

If you haven’t already registered with the Toronto Arts Council, you’ll need to create an account through their grants portal to view and apply for the Visual Arts Creation Grant. You can register and access the application system here. 

Registration is free and only takes a few minutes. Make sure to complete this step early so you can review the grant requirements and start your application.

How the Session Works

This is a focused, hands-on session rather than a general information presentation. Participants are asked to bring a draft project proposal; the core section of your grant application that describes what you plan to do and why. This can be printed or shown on a laptop.

Peter will begin by explaining what makes a strong application for the Visual Arts Creation Grant. Then, the group will collaboratively read and offer feedback on one another's drafts in a supportive environment. This is a great opportunity to co-work, ask questions, and strengthen your grant writing in a group setting.

Who Should Attend

• Visual artists applying or planning to apply to the TAC Visual Arts Creation Grant.
  

• Artists with or without prior grant writing experience.
  

• Those interested in peer collaboration and feedback.
  

• Attendance is limited to 12 participants to maintain a productive group size.

Accessibility

Remote Gallery is on street level with step-free access and the entrance doors are 37" wide. The doors are automated by a push button system. There is step-free access throughout the gallery space. There are two gender-neutral washrooms both with step-free access. The washroom doors are not automated, the door knobs are round, and the toilets are not raised. For more information about Remote Gallery, click here.

About Peter Kingstone

Peter Kingstone is a Toronto-based visual artist and curator, working primarily in video and photography. As an independent artist, Peter’s installation pieces have been shown across Canada and internationally, and he was awarded the Untitled Artist Award in 2005 for his installation The Strange Case of peter K. (1974–2004). Peter holds a degree in Philosophy/Cultural Studies from Trent University in Peterborough and a Master of Fine Art focusing on video and new media from York University in Toronto. Peter has presented at many conferences on storytelling and social engagement. He began in September 2012 as the Acting Visual/Media Arts Program Manager at Toronto Arts Council

Get to know SKETCH Working Arts!

SKETCH Working Arts is an artist studio and event space located in the vibrant Trinity Bellwoods neighborhood. Studios are available for rent for personal artistic production, workshops and private events from 9am-9pm, 7 days a week. Home to a music studio, audio production lab, movement studio, ceramics studio and kiln, an industrial kitchen and two dynamic studio spaces, everyone is welcome to join the SKETCH community in art making at the historic Youngplace building at 180 Shaw St.

SKETCH runs free arts programs for aspiring and emerging creatives 18-35yrs, who are navigating poverty Studios are accessible to mobility devices via a ramp and elevator. 

SKETCH has sliding scale rental fees and offers lower prices for individual artists and higher prices for for-profit organizations. Please see sketch.ca/rent for individual pricing options.

Booking inquiries, tour requests and questions can be sent to spaceshare@sketch.ca

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Rent SKETCH Studios!

Pottery Studio & Kiln

This cozy ceramics studio is fully equipped for professional ceramics workshops, or for an individual or small collective to hand build or throw on the wheel. Stop lugging your ceramics around and benefit from our in-house technician and onsite kiln for your bisque and glaze firing needs.

EQUIPMENT: Large kiln, 3 wheels, extruder, slab roller, various hand tools, boards, glazes, table and stools.

STUDIO SIZE: 480 Sq Ft

KILN SPECS: Shelves are 13 x 26 inches, with 12 shelves in the kiln. Cone 6 firing for glazes and clays. Requests for firings lower than Cone 6 or luster firing are also available. 

CAPACITY: 6

To rent and for more details visit: www.sketch.ca/rent/pottery-studio/

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Music Studio: Rehearsal Space & Control Booth

Available separately for music lessons or brand practice, mixing and mastering, or paired for live recording. Fully soundproofed, the Music Studio is the perfect set-up for music rehearsal, recording music, podcasts and soundbites. Bring your own or enjoy the shared instruments. The Control booth is also available separately for post-production needs.

CONTROL BOOTH EQUIPMENT: Mac computer, fully outfitted prosumer sound board with Apollo, Ableton, and accompanying recording gear.

REHEARSAL SPACE EQUIPMENT: Drum kit, multiple acoustic guitars, electric guitar and bass, Various amps and cords, cajón drum, microphones and talk-back system connected to control booth.

SIZE: 315 Sq Ft

CAPACITY: 8 rehearsal space; 3 control booth

To rent and for more details visit: www.sketch.ca/rent/music-studio/

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Movement Studio

This beautiful studio has large west facing windows providing ethereal natural light throughout the day. The custom springboard floor provides a warm and comfortable surface for all movement activities. Perfect for wellness courses, dance or theater rehearsal, regular group dance classes, or expressive music or movement classes for children.

EQUIPMENT: Speakers, mobile benches, mirror wall, and 2 barres.

SIZE: 900 Sq Ft

CAPACITY: 20 in motion

To rent and for more details visit: www.sketch.ca/rent/movement-studio/

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SKETCH Working Arts is a non-profit community arts organization that runs free arts programs for aspiring and emerging creatives 18-35 years old who are navigating poverty and precarity due to systemic oppression with a focus on those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, Black, Indigenous, and other racialized young people. Through free arts based programs, wrap-around services and access to studio space, young people can experience the transformative power of the arts; build leadership and sustainable livelihood in the arts; and cultivate social and environmental change through the arts.

Stay tuned to find out what courses will be offered in the Fall by visiting sketch.ca or following  @sketchtoronto.

For more details, visit: www.sketch.ca/programs/what-we-offer/

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SKETCH Working Arts, 180 Shaw St

 

Introducing Ceramics Kiln Firing Services at Akin St Clair!

Are you a ceramics enthusiast looking for reliable kiln firing services in Toronto? Look no further! Akin St Clair (1747 St Clair Ave W) is excited to announce the launch of ceramics kiln firing services for glass and ceramic artists.

This privately run kiln, operated by skilled technician and long-time Akin Member Liliana, is now available to fire your creative pieces. The kiln is available to fire work for non-Akin members however, there may be longer wait times as Akin Members are prioritized.

The kiln is privately owned and operated by the kiln technician. Akin does not guarantee kiln firing availability, timing, or pricing. Kiln firing services are not included as a part of Akin Membership fees.

KILN SPECIFICATIONS AND PRICING: 

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Paragon Kiln: 16.90 inches (43cm) wide x 11 inches (28cm) high. 

*Available for glass works, bisque fire & glaze (only low fire clay) 

Shelf dimensions: 15 1/2 inch (39.5cm)  

Kiln available to have 1-3 shelfs depends of the pieces dimensions.

Prices:

• 1/2 shelf :  $12 + tax

• One Shelf:  $22 + tax

• Full Kiln:  $40 + tax

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Cone Art Kiln:  23.5 inches (59.69cm) wide x 22.45 inches (57cm) high. 

*Available for glass works, bisque fire & glaze (high & low fire clay) 

Shelf dimensions: 21 3/4 inch (53.34cm)  

Kiln available to have 1-5 shelfs depends of the pieces dimensions.

Prices: 

• 1/2 shelf: $14 + tax

• One Shelf: $28 + tax

• Half Kiln: $ 53 + tax

• Full Kiln: $105 + tax

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For more detailed information visit: www.akincollective.com/ceramics.

To ask questions or schedule a firing please send an email to Liliana, the kiln technician at liliputmorritos@hotmail.com and you can follow her @Ceramic.Glass.Kilns. It may be helpful to take a pictures of the pieces you want fired and send via email.

To learn more about Liliana, read our blog! https://www.akincollective.com/blog/2023/akin-member-highlight-liliana-botero-rey.

To become an Akin Member at Akin St Clair, email us at info@akincollective.com or check our what's available at www.akincollective.com/currently-available 

We look forward to seeing your creations! 

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Akin St Clair, 1747 St Clair Ave W

 

Donate to the Akin Studio Rent Relief Fund

The Akin Studio Rent Relief Fund is a donation-powered fund which provides anonymous, one-time, emergency grants to artists towards their studio membership at Akin. The Akin Studio Rent Relief Fund has been a vital resource for our artists, and, after allocating over $27,000 directly to artists' studio membership fees, is in need of donations. Your donation will directly support artists in continuing their practice in times of financial need.  

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“Akin’s generous relief fund has been an incredible help in relieving the financial stress of studio rental as a working artist and student. I’m happy to know that Akin understands the struggles artists go through and do what they can to promote the practices of their renting artists.”

— Akin Studio Member, Recipient of Akin Studio Rent Relief Fund

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Created in 2020 in collaboration with Rania El Mugammar, the goal of The Akin Studio Rent Relief Fund is to provide short term financial aid to artists in unexpected situations or times of financial instability. Since its inception, this fund has directly supported 140 studio members in being able to keep their studio spaces at Akin. 

This Fund is still very much in demand from our artists. We receive regular applications every month from our members. Since July 2022 we have distributed over $5000 to artists and yet the fund has only received $300 in donations in that same amount of time. This is why we are reaching out to our community for help so we can continue to offer this vital resource to our community of artists and makers.

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“This bursary relieved stress during a difficult time and allowed me to focus on healing. Providing additional funding for the Rent Relief Fund will grant important financial help for Toronto Artist’s during a stressful, uncertain time, similar to my experience earlier this year. Thank you for your generosity!”

— Akin Studio Member, Recipient of Akin Studio Rent Relief Fund

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Click the link below to donate using a credit card or PayPal account. To donate another amount or to donate by etransfer or cheque please email us at info@akincollective.com 

Thank you for your support.

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Some facts about the Akin Rent Relief Fund:

Akin would like to thank Sarah Letovsky @sletovsky for the use of her artwork in the studio photography and @nate_dumlao for his background line drawing.

Grant Writing Tips and Tricks - Upcoming Grant Opportunities

Grants: they may not be a walk in the park, but they are an important part of many professional artist’s careers. Grants can afford you the time and space to take your practice to the next level. Here are some helpful tips to get you started. 

1. Tell your story

Put lots of thought into who you are and what kind of project you’d like to accomplish. What is the magic cocktail of experience that makes you the right artist for this project? Why now? What in your experience has prepared you to pull this off? Believe it or not, grant writing is storytelling. Don’t hide behind jargon and big, fancy words. Writing your story clearly and passionately is the best way to capture the panel’s attention.  

2. Don’t take it personally 

Easier said than done, right? If you aren’t chosen for a grant, try not to let it interfere with your self worth/sense of confidence as an artist. Ask for feedback from the grant panel, they’ll usually be happy to give it to you. Remember, your entire career doesn’t ever rest on one grant. Being able to keep up a steady routine of grant writing over the years will absolutely pay off in the end.

3. Turn the grant writing process into something more 

Essentially, the grant panel wants a business plan for your art project. They want you to know you’ve thought through every aspect; the themes, the timeline, the materials. If you take this process seriously, it shows! And whether you land the grant or not, you’ve finished a comprehensive plan for the future of your practice. 

4. Don’t go it alone! 

You should never be the only reader of your grant. It’s hard to look at your own work with eyes fresh enough to catch your own mistakes. You can ask a professional, a friend, a mother, or a studio mate to read it over. Choose your editor wisely, whoever they are, be sure they will give an honest opinion.

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UPCOMING GRANT OPPORTUNITIES:

Skills and Career Development: Indigenous Arts Professionals and Arts Professionals of Colour, Ontario Arts Council 

Deadline: May 4, 2023 

Description: This program supports Ontario-based Indigenous arts professionals and arts professionals of colour, or ad hoc groups and collectives made up of Indigenous arts professionals or arts professionals of colour for professional development and skill-building opportunities that advance applicants’ work and careers. It funds all contemporary and traditional art practices that are supported at OAC. Projects can include: study and training, mentorship, internship and apprenticeship and documentation of art work.

Find more details here

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Newcomer and Refugee Artist Mentorship, Toronto Arts Council

Deadline: April 24, 2023 

Description: Newcomer and Refugee Artist Mentorship program provides support for newcomer and refugee artists to develop their artistic practice and to further their integration and inclusion to Toronto. We define a newcomer as: an immigrant or refugee who has lived in Canada for less than 7 years; a refugee is a person who was forced to leave their home country and is now located in Canada.

The program provides funding for individual newcomer and refugee professional artists to be mentored (guided) in their chosen arts discipline 

The mentorship application is submitted by the newcomer artist with the mentor as the co-applicant. Both the applicant and the mentor must identify as professional artists. 

Find out more details here

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Craft Projects, Ontario Arts Council 

Deadline: October 25, 2023

The program supports craft-based practices through grants to Ontario-based artists, curators, ad hoc groups, collectives and organisations. The program has five categories:

• Research/Creation/Development – Emerging artists and curators: to help cover the costs of research, experimentation, creation, production and/or career development

• Research/Creation/Development – Mid-career artists and curators: to help cover the costs of research, experimentation, creation, production and/or career development

• Research/Creation/Development –  Established artists and curators: to help cover the costs of research, experimentation, creation, production and/or career development

• Research/Creation/Development – Collaborations: to help cover the costs of artists to collaborate on research, experimentation, creation, production and/or career development

• Connections: to help cover the costs of projects that connect Ontario craft with audiences and expand the public profile and appreciation for craft; programming that encourages craft-based critical discourse and curatorial practice; and activities that make connections within the Ontario craft community

Find more details here

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Black Arts Projects, Toronto Arts Council

Deadline: Applications accepting on an ongoing basis 

The Black Arts Projects Program supports arts projects by Black artists, Black artist collectives, and Black-led, Black-focused and Black-serving organizations. For the purpose of this program, “Black”  refers to African descendant people across the diaspora including but not limited to African Canadian, Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Latinx, East African, West African, Southern and Central African, Afro-Arab, Afro Indigenous, etc. This funding program is intended to support the development, continuation, and  flourishing of Black arts communities.

Find more details here

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Visual Artists Program: Creation, Toronto Arts Council 

Deadline: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis 

Toronto Arts Council’s Visual Artist Program: Creation provides support to visual artists who have a professional independent art practice for the creation/production of new work or the completion of works in progress. Funds are intended to cover direct costs of creation/production, and materials. 

Visual Arts includes drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, printmaking, performance art, installation and fine crafts and more. The Visual Artist Program: Creation does not include film or video makers- they apply to the Media Artist Program: Creation. 

Find more details here

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Writers Program, Toronto Arts Council 

Deadline: June 15, 2023 

Toronto Arts Council Writers Program supports the creation of new literary works or works-in-progress in the genres of fiction (including novels, short stories, children’s literature, graphic novels, etc.), literary non-fiction, poetry and oral traditions such as storytelling, dub, rap and spoken-word.

Find more details here

Upcoming Opportunities and Calls for Submissions - deadlines in February and March

Who needs the sun, when there are so many opportunities to make ourselves shine? Beat the winter blues by going for gold with these Calls for Submissions with deadlines in February and March.

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Craft & Design Artist in Residence at the Harbourfront Centre

Image description: a person is sitting at a work table which is covered with ceramic tools and materials. In the background are shelves with more tools and materials for their work.

Deadline is March 10th 2023

Craft & Design at Harbourfront Centre is accepting applications for residencies in Ceramics, Glass, Metal/Jewellery, Design and Textiles. Open to recent graduates and emerging artists with equivalent experience, Artists-in-Residence can enjoy access to affordable studio space, receive mentorship, participate in exhibitions and be part of a supportive community.

Find more details here  

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FUTURE PROOF - A Virtual Auction in Support of Open Studio 

Deadline: March 6th 2023

Description: Calling all printmakers! FUTURE PROOF is an annual virtual auction of stunning artwork to browse, bid on, and buy outright. The online auction will feature a juried selection of prints alongside a curated collection of contemporary art by artists from the wider Toronto arts community who support Open Studio. 

Find more details here

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Image description: Two simple line drawings side by side with black lines and muted colour highlights. The first is of an entranceway with steps leading to the door and lights hanging nearby. The second is of a two story home. There’s a fence surrounding the home and two tall trees in the yard. Image source: Klondike Institute of Art and Culture website.

Klondike Institute of Art and Culture Artist in Residence Program 

Deadline: February 15th, 2023 

Description: Founded in 2001, in a partnership with Parks Canada, the KIAC Artist in Residence Program has welcomed over 300 talented artists, musicians and filmmakers to Dawson City from all regions of Canada and around the world.  The residence accommodates two artists concurrently for research, development and production of ongoing or new bodies of work.

KIAC accepts applications from visual artists, media artists and interdisciplinary artists, as well as curators. Consideration will be given to professional, established and emerging Canadian and international artists. All disciplines will be considered.

Find more details here

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Video Fever 2023-  Open Call to All Ontario Post-Secondary Students

Deadline: March 2nd, 2023 

Image description: A still from a film, a shirtless person sits at a desk, writing in a notebook. Behind them is a bookshelf in shadows, and a windowsill holds vibrant green plants. In Memory’s Theatre (2021) By William Stock

Description: Trinity Square Video and Vtape are seeking video works from undergraduate or graduate level students, who are currently enrolled at any Ontario-based post-secondary institution! Selected works will be part of a screening taking place in March 2023.

This is a professional, juried screening. All chosen artists will receive an IMAA screening fee and a free one-year production membership to Trinity Square Video. One selected winner will also receive a $500 cash prize sponsored by Vtape!

Find more details here

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ArtMEETS: Hygge Edition PWYC online workshops for artists

Deadline: Registration for each class open until filled, classes run Feb 4th-25th 

Description: It’s back again – East End Arts is thrilled to announce that ArtMEETS is back this winter for its sixth year! Four workshops, all PWYC (Pay What You Can), and all about getting creative and beating the winter blues. ArtMEETS workshops are led by talented, engaging, and supportive artist facilitators, and each workshop is an opportunity for adults to learn a new art skill, meet new people, and let your creative side shine! Our hygge edition workshops are focused on getting cozy and crafty at home with simple supplies and tools. Workshops run on Saturday afternoons in February (four workshops total) from 1-4pm, online via Zoom. We are accepting a maximum of 20 participants per workshop, so register early for those that interest you!

Find more details here

Image description: a purple background with various sized snowflake graphics and the words “ArtMEETS Winter Hygge Edition! in the centre”

“In brief, hygge is about taking time away from the daily rush to be together with people you care about - or even by yourself - to relax and enjoy life’s quieter pleasures.”

— from the Official Website of Denmark

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Expression of Interest, Public Artwork for Overlea Boulevard and Bridge Renewal 

Deadline: March 14th 2023

Description: The City of Toronto invites professional artists (including artist teams) to submit their Expression of Interest to the first stage of a competition for integrated public artwork(s) as part of the redesign and replacement of the Overlea Boulevard Bridge and surrounding road work improvements.

The art component of this revitalized public space will be selected through an open two-stage competition, with a net budget of approximately $600,000. The project budget includes all costs directly associated with the artwork: all fees for design, fabrication, installation, engineering and professional services, insurance, travel and other incidental expenses.

Find more details here

Community Check-in: AREA

Since its inception, Akin's mandate has centered around one main goal: securing suitable work spaces for artists in order to enrich and ensure the stability of artistic practice- in the city of Toronto. Over the course of nearly 14 years, our organization has developed a partially nomadic nature, a necessary reality for us and our community, to endure the challenges of Toronto’s real estate market. Adding a pandemic to the mix, one that forced many of our studio members into difficult financial decisions, Akin has become actively interested in engaging with the broader community to continue developing novel and innovative methods of considering and maintaining creative space in the city. 

Akin collectively asked itself, “How do we help support healthy artists and organizations while reducing barriers to creative spaces in a continuous real estate dilemma?”

Thus AREA was born. AREA stands for Akin Real Estate Advisory, an initiative set up to help ensure Akin evolves in a healthy and sustainable way while continuing to support our growing community long term . Akin has convened experts in Toronto’s development and real estate industry who care to see artists thrive and who share feedback with us as we plan for the future. In recent months, Akin has been focused on stabilizing our administrative processes in order to advance our role, connecting artists and arts organizations in need of space with property developers and building owners eager to invigorate the arts and culture community through activation of space.  

Akin’s founder, Oliver Pauk comments  “It’s exciting to witness how a group of people, with a common goal of enriching Toronto’s creative scene in the long-term, can come together to build language and ideation around mixed use spaces. These spaces are the future of urban growth in Toronto. Building art and artists into the earliest stages of the development process, as a fundamental component of the city’s structure, gives us the ability to ensure the richness and well-being of communities.”

“We are looking forward to continuing to partner with Akin and to support them with their real estate strategy. The AREA committee strongly believes in the work Akin is doing to support the arts in Toronto, and we are proud to lend our expertise to expand their reach even further” said AREA Board Member, Heidi Tibben.

Monthly and on a volunteer basis, Pauk is joined by Jonathan Peretz (JLL), Katie Fong (Slate), Heidi Tibben (Carttera), Liza Stiff (TAS), Ashley Wedlock (Kingsett Capital), Ayelet Klaczkowski (Kingsett Capital), and Joshua Mitchell (University of Toronto) for a chance to strategize around Akin’s recovery and ongoing search for relevantly located, suitable spaces (both short- and long-term). AREA is also advising on the development of a system for creating creative work and exhibition opportunities with property owners, a valuable collaboration building structure for mutually-valuable relationships across Toronto. 

We are grateful for the support of the AREA team and are excited for the insights they will share that shine a light on opportunities ahead of Akin to further our work in advocating for artists and creative spaces in the city of Toronto.

For any questions or concerns, please email us at info@akincollective.com.

Our 8th Studio is here: Introducing Akin Bloor-Yonge!

Akin is thrilled to announce the opening of a new studio location in one of Toronto’s most bustling intersections; Akin Bloor-Yonge! This space is located at 717 Church Street, north of the Bloor St W and Yonge St intersection, making it a great addition to a lively and cultural Toronto neighbourhood.

This studio is Akin’s 8th studio in the city, marking a slow but sure recovery from the necessary closures occurring during the height of the COVID 19 pandemic. Akin Bloor-Yonge will bring with it 28 dedicated studios —12 private, 10 semi private, and 6 regular studios along with 8 Shared Memberships. 

Our Akin Bloor-Yonge Shared Memberships will be available for $71/month, which includes access to shared working areas, shared storage, kitchen, and bathroom. The 28 Dedicated Memberships available will be ranging from 37sf for $216/month to 179sf for $662/month including 12 completely private studios (four walls that go to the ceiling and a door that closes) and 10 semi private studios (three or four walls that go to the ceiling, but no door - just an entranceway) as well as some regular dedicated studios (partitions or walls). The Private and Semi Private studios range from 95sf for $440/month to 179sf for $662/month. Just like at all of our studio memberships the monthly fee includes HST, 24/7 access, insurance, WiFi, contents insurance, cleaning and maintenance service, and access to all common areas. 

Priority for studios has been given to current Akin members from other studio locations, artists who have been on the Akin waiting lists for 6 months or longer, Akin members from our former Akin studio locations which closed in 2020 or 2021, as well as those who identify as a member of one or more of the Toronto Arts Council’s Equity Priority Groups (Persons of Colour, Deaf Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Persons Living with Mental Illness, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIAP). That being said, we will do our best to provide space at this new location to anyone who is interested in the future. 

We would like to acknowledge the support of our partners Capital Developments for making this location available for our community and a special thank you to our community for uplifting our efforts to return our spaces back to the city. 

Akin is looking forward to you joining us in building this space together and carving out more affordable working areas for our artists in similarly appealing spots. This studio currently has a limited number of private, semi-private, and regular studios available ranging from 110sf for $576/month to 179sf for $662/month, as well as Shared Memberships which are $71/month.

Please email info@akincollective.com to learn more.

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. 

Love Letter to your Art Practice

Do you hold love for your art practice? How do you recognize it? How do you show it? A Love Letter to your Practice facilitated by Yasmeen Nematt Alla, invites artists, makers, and creatives to join us for a writing and meditation workshop to celebrate the love we hold for our art practices. For most of us, our practices have supported our passions, our livelihoods, and our mental health. We hope to spend time together gathering as we discuss ways to show care to the very things that push us forward.

This event will take place online on March 9th at 6PM to 7:30PM.

Please join the event with a writing or drawing utensil and some paper.

You can sign up in our link: http://ow.ly/eERM50I3TwH

Yasmeen Nematt Alla(she/her) is an Egyptian immigrant and settler living in Tkaronto, Turtle Island (colonially known as Toronto, Ontario). Her practice centres alienated collectivist narratives from an immigrant’s and an interpreter’s perspective. As someone who lives between cultures, she deciphers language barriers attached to togetherness through textiles, performance, and reactive sculptures that are often situated in social practice. She wonders how translation, experiences, and visuals intertwine with care, grief, and community building.

Akin Taxes for Artists Workshop

Tax season can be a particularly stressful and confusing time for artists, performers and other creatives. This workshop will help you get prepared! With decades of experience in accounting and taxation, Kelly Ross will spend an hour discussing 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. Please come prepared with your questions, or email them in advance to erin@akincollective.com . This session will be recorded, and Closed Captions available. An ASL Interpreter will be in attendance.

Date: January 25th

Time: 6PM-8PM

Place: Online

Accessibility: This session will be recorded, and Closed Captions available. An ASL Interpreter will be in attendance.

Facilitator: Kelly Ross is the Managing Director and CEO of Ross Professional Corporation. She is a member of CPA Canada leading with strength, knowledge and passion, having over 20 years of experience in accounting and taxation. Through her career she worked in a multi-national CPA firm, then moved on to be a subject matter expert for development of an accounting program at a college. Kelly’s interest and passion for accounting came from her mother whose career was in the accounting realm. Kelly has a love for the arts and entertainment industry, which stemmed from having a father who had talent and love for music. Kelly herself played the piano, trumpet and was a dancer through her early years. Now in her downtime, Kelly can be found around the hockey rinks supporting her daughter’s hockey team and following her nephews in their live band performances. She is truly a people person and has a special skill making everyone she meets feel special.

In Response to Growing COVID-19 Changes

As COVID-19 continues to affect our community, we are determined to keep you informed on how these changes can impact Akin members. The Ontario government recently announced an Update to Public Health Measures in response to Omicron (COVID-19), temporarily moving to a modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen.

While Akin studios remain open at this time to members, we have revised our studio policies in response to the rapidly spreading and highly transmissible Omicron Variant, we continue to adjust our policies in order to protect Akin members and our community as a whole. Click here to view Akin's COVID-19 Protocol at Akin Studios.

Some additional changes in the Public Health Measures from the Ontario Government which may impact some Akin Members:

• PCR testing and contract tracing is no longer widely available in Ontario unless you are a "high-risk" individual. The full list of who is eligible for PCR testing and contract tracing can be found here. In addition, most individuals with a positive result from a rapid antigen test will no longer be required or encouraged to get a confirmatory PCR or rapid molecular test.

• If you have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19, or if you have COVID-19 symptoms, or have tested positive for COVID-19 with a rapid test, the government is advising that you assume it is COVID-19 and you self-isolate for a minimum of 10 days. 

• Individuals with COVID-19 symptoms who are vaccinated will be required to isolate for 105 days following the onset of symptoms. Their household contacts are also required to isolate with them. These individuals can end isolation after five days if their symptoms are improved for at least 24 hours and all public health and safety measures, such as masking and physical distancing, are followed. 

• Individuals who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated or immunocompromised will be required to isolate for a minimum of 10 days. 

• If you have COVID-19 (or have symptoms or been in touch with someone who has) you should also notify your close contacts. A close contact is anyone you were less than two metres away from for at least 15 minutes, or multiple shorter lengths of time, without personal protective equipment in the 48 hours before your symptoms began or your positive test result, whichever came first. 

• Employers cannot threaten, fire, or penalize an employee in any other way because the employee took or plans on taking job-protected leave due to COVID-19, and doctors notes are not required for employees to use the leave. You can learn more about job-protected leave here.

If you require assistance while isolating, visit COVID-19: Support for people. You can also contact their public health unit for many isolation supports including:

• Use of isolation facilities;

• Referral to community supports and agencies;

• Mental health supports;

• Courier and delivery supports for food and necessities;

Additional resources available to support isolation through the High Priority Communities strategy.

Please don’t hesitate to email us with any questions or concerns at info@akincollective.com

We hope the upcoming days are safe and healthy for you and your loved ones,

Akin

Call for Ceramic Artist and Organizations Input - Deadline July 15, 2021

Just a reminder to the ceramics lovers out there that Akin's Ceramic Studio Survey is due on July 15th 2021.

Akin is inviting artists in the GTA to help us improve our ceramics services by filling out a short survey. This survey is intended for groups or individuals of all experience levels who work with ceramics, including creatives who do not currently work with ceramics but want or plan to.

The survey can be found on our website at: www.akin.art/survey

Please share widely!

Survey deadline: July 15, 2021

Thanks so much for your help and input! The survey is anonymous and voluntary and all the questions are optional; it’s about 5-10 minutes. The intention for this survey is not to compete with other ceramic studios, services and workspaces but to compliment them by assessing needs that may not be currently met in the city and surrounding area. As we hope you know, Akin is dedicated to serving artists and creative workers, and we strive to provide important and thoughtful programming and studio spaces. Your input helps make this happen! Thank you so much for your time and for helping Akin to learn and better serve our community.

Akin would also like to thank our advisors Janet Hinkle and Natalie Wadell for guiding our work in developing this survey. If you have any questions please let us know! You can email us at info@akincollective.com.

#torontoceramics #CraftOntario #akinstudios #CanadianCeramics #ArtToronto #CanadianArtists#CanadianArtists

CreateSpace Webinar: Digitizing Your Art

Hear from artists Yung Yemi and Samar Hejazi and learn how to document your work, present it digitally, and share it virtually.

Do you know how to leverage your experience as an artist working in public spaces after the installation and performance ends?

Digitizing your art through photography and sharing your creation process helps make your work interactive and available online to those who can’t experience it in person. Hear from artists Adeyemi Adegbesan (AKA Yung Yemi) and Samar Hejazi and learn how to document your work, present it digitally, and share it virtually in this 1.5 hour hour webinar that will support artists of all disciplines who exhibit their work in public spaces, through shared learnings about documenting your work.

Event Date and Time:
Thursday, April 22, 2021
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM EDT

Presented by STEPS and Toronto Arts Foundation’s Neighbourhood Arts Network, this workshop is offered as part of the 2021 CreateSpace BIPOC Public Art Residency through Neighbourhood Arts Network’s Making A Living Making Art program.

ASL interpretation will be provided. Please email eva@torontoarts.org by April 15, 2021 with any other accessibility requests. 

Resources to Support BIPOC Communities

This list of resources will be updated on an ongoing basis. Have any Toronto or Canada specific suggestions that aren’t on the list yet? Send us your suggestions by email to janet@akincollective.com.

There are a few resources included in this list that already exist as a directories.

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COVID SPECIFIC RESOURCES

COVID-19 Black Emergency Response Fund

Organized by Black Lives Matter Toronto, the Covid-19 Black Emergency Response Fund provides financial support to Black people in the GTA community who have lost income sources for the foreseeable future due to COVID-19.  

Black Owned Businesses & Restaurants Opening During COVID

Support local businesses within the POC community. This document was created and is managed by Meg Cule and @j.a.l.i.l.

Webinar: How White Folks Can Take Anti-Racist Action in COVID-19

“In this webinar, we'll talk about how to shut down racist scapegoating for this crisis and get involved in building a multi-racial movement for the things we all need in your region.”

This webinar took place online on April 29th 2020. The recordings are available below.

FoodShare Toronto

FoodShare Toronto is working with more than 50 frontline agencies to ensure that Canadians who are facing food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic are getting access to good food. It says that in Canada, Black households are 3.56 times more likely to be food insecure than white households. Your donation will go toward providing emergency food relief to vulnerable communities.

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HOW TO BE A BETTER ALLY

Anti-Racist Allyship Start Pack

Resources and tools regarding racism and anti-blackness and how to be a better ally.

REFINERY29 article: Your Black Colleagues May Look Like They’re Okay — Chances Are They’re Not

National Museum of African American History & Culture: Talking About Race

Talking about race, although hard, is necessary. The National Museum of African American History & Culture has provided some tools and guidance to help empower your journey and inspire conversation.

6 Ways to Activate Beyond Social Media by @jezzchung

Mapping Our Roles in A Social Change Ecosystem

Together this map and reflection guide can be used at an individual level to reflect, assess, and plan, as well as at staff and board retreats, team-building meetings, orientations, and strategy session. It provides questions for individuals and organizations to locate and understand their own roles, identify the gaps and strengths in their ecosystems, and develop aspirations for the future.

The Concious Kid Instagram Account

Tools to help raise children through a critical race lens.

Embrace Race

Resource to raise children who are informed about race.

Anti-Racist Lesson Plans & Resources for Educators

“Actively growing and changing document for the free and open distribution of lesson plans, reading material, and documents to help educators in crafting a world we wish to see.”

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ORGANIZATIONS & COLLECTIVES FOR DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

BIPOC Led and Anti-Racism Organizations - Regional

Urban Alliance on Race Relations

The Urban Alliance on Race Relations is a non-profit charitable organization that strives to address emerging issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion. The Urban Alliance was formed in 1975 by a group of concerned Toronto citizens in response to hate-motivated violence targeting various racialized communities.

Showing Up For Racial Justice (SURJ)

SURJ Toronto is a local chapter of an international organization committed to undermining white support for white supremacist systems and institutions. SURJ works to support and collaborate with local and national racial justice and decolonization organizing efforts led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) organizers.

SURJ Toronto will provide a space to develop consciousness, political education, skills, and political analysis to act for change under BIPOC-led organizing. SURJ Toronto aims to carry out this mission within Toronto and beyond, with a specific focus on issues and action related to the GTA and Canada more broadly. 

Black Lives Matter Toronto

Black Lives Matter is an international human rights movement, originating in the African-American community, that campaigns against violence and systemic racism towards black people.

Ryerson University Black Liberation Collective

Black Liberation Collectives are an international movement of students challenging anti-Black racism in post-secondary institutions The BLC began in Canada at Ryerson University and the University of Toronto in 2015.

Canadian Race Relations Foundation

Canada's leading agency dedicated to the elimination of racism and all forms of racial discrimination in Canadian society.

Canadian Anti-Racism Education & Research Society (CAERS)

Canada Anti-Hate Network

The Canadian Anti-Hate Network monitors, exposes and counters hate groups.

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PETITIONS

Petition to release data on police-involved deaths in Canada

This petition calls for documentation of police-involved deaths by race, to provide transparency and data on police violence, which especially affects Canadian people of colour.

Justice for Regis Petition

This petition aims to reach the attention of Mayor John Tory, MPP Bhutila Karpoche and Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders to commit to a transparent investigation in the death of Regis Korchinski-Paquet and to hold the officers involved accountable.

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LEGAL AID

Black Legal Action Centre

The Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC) is a new not-for-profit corporation set up under the laws of Ontario in 2017. BLAC delivers legal aid services to low and no income Black Ontarians. We work to combat individual and systemic anti-Black racism.

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BIPOC FOCUSED ART ORGANIZATIONS/ART CENTERS

Nia Centre for the Arts

Canada’s first Black art centre, committed to fostering and promoting Black identity and community in Toronto through art.

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FOLLOW BLACK CREATORS

People of Craft

People of Craft is a growing showcase of creatives of color and their craft in design, advertising, tech, illustration, lettering, art, and more.

Black Artists Union (BAU)

The BAU assists in the movement and exhibition of artists and creators of the African diaspora. The BAU aims to represent the ideas and work of contemporary Black creators. As art being a language to connect with others, this is a platform to help develop skills for navigating and engaging in art spaces.

Black Artist’ Network in Dialogue (BAND)

BAND is dedicated to supporting, documenting and showcasing the artistic and cultural contributions of Black artists and cultural workers in Canada and internationally.

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HEALTHCARE & SUPPORT NETWORKS

Black Health Alliance

A community-led charity looking to reduce the racial disparities in health access and care in Canada, focusing on the broad determinants of health, including racism.

Black Youth Helpline (Canada-wide)

A organization that support the advancement of Black women in Toronto through educational tools, economic opportunities and cultural content.

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EDUCATION

Black Women in Motion (Toronto)

A organization that supports the advancement of Black women in Toronto through educational tools, economic opportunities and cultural content.

Visit the website: https://blackwomeninmotion.org/

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READING LISTS

The Kit: 10 Essential Books About Black People’s Experiences

CBC: 25 Books About Being Black in Canada

Huffington Post: Read Black Canadian Authors

View the list below:

“Policing Black Lives” by Robyn Maynard.

“The Skin We’re In” by Desmond Cole.

“Blank: Essays and Interviews” by M. NourbeSe Philip.

“In the Black” by B. Denham Jolly

“Queer Returns: Essays On Multiculturalism, Diaspora and Black Studies” by Rinaldo Walcott

Children’s Books That Discuss Race & Racism

Black + Asian American Feminist Solidarities: A Reading List by Black Women Radicals

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PODCASTS

Podcasts in Color

Podcasts in Color is a resource for podcasts by black and brown storytellers.

Revision Path

Revision Path is an award-winning weekly showcase of Black designers, developers, and digital creatives from all over the world. Through in-depth interviews, you’ll learn about their work, their goals, and what inspires them as creative individuals.

Intersectionality Matters by the African American Policy Forum

A podcast that brings intersectionality to life.

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This list was last updated on 6/9/2020.

Creative Coffee Break Blog Series: Part One

At home all day and looking for a creative or educational coffee break? Look no further! We have compiled a list of interesting reads, film festivals, virtual adventures and more you can do at home this week from the comfort of your couch.

If you are in a position to do so, please remember to support any creatives whose work you are enjoying during this time.

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Activity #1: Great Read! This Place: 150 Years Retold

Image source: CBC Books

Explore the past 150 years through the eyes of Indigenous creators in this groundbreaking graphic novel anthology. Beautifully illustrated, these stories are a wild ride through magic realism, serial killings, psychic battles and time travel. See how Indigenous peoples have survived a post-apocalyptic world since Contact.

Contributors include: Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm, Sonny Assu, Brandon Mitchell, Rachel and Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley, David A. Robertson, Niigaanwewidam James Sinclair, Jen Storm, Richard Van Camp, Katherena Vermette, Chelsea Vowel, Tara Audibert, Kyle Charles, GMB Chomichuk, Natasha Donovan, Scott B. Henderson, Ryan Howe, Andrew Lodwick, Scott A. Ford, Donovan Yaciuk and Alicia Elliott.

This book is available at many online retailers including: Chapters Indigo, Amazon and more.

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Activity #2: Field Trip — Art Across Canada

Image source: Books & Brushes Field Trip: The Overstory by Richard Powers — May 12 @ 11:30AM (CDT)

Field Trip: Art Across Canada is a new online platform to deliver arts experiences with some of Canada’s most celebrated artists in a national partnership with leading arts organizations. From children’s programs to artist talks and workshops, these activities are designed to advance the work of our nation’s organizations through digital platforms for different age groups, on a range of subjects, that engage communities and support artists, particularly during the challenges presented during a pandemic.

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Activity #3: Citizens of Craft - The Podcast

This series, hosted by Canadian Crafts Federation Director, Maegen Black, brings together the voices of craft artists, curators, educators and collectors who speak off the cuff about craft practice and its role in their lives.

Each episode addresses one of the ten manifesto statements from the Citizens of Craft movement. Join as the story of craft is animated through the values we all hold dear. This project is made possible through extensive partnership with voicEd Radio, and the generous support of the Canada Council for the Arts.

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Activity #4: IDFA Documentaries

Image source: IDFA - ‘Agnes & Nancy’ film.

Explore all films and interactive documentaries that have been shown at IDFA (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam) over the years. Many are available to watch online (by using the filter Watch Online), some for free! 

IDFA offers an independent and inspiring meeting place for audiences and professionals to see a diverse and high-quality program. The diverse nature of the event applies to the form and content of the films as well as to the cultural backgrounds of the filmmakers. IDFA offers an alternative to mass entertainment and uniformity, confirming that there is an increasing need in audiences for high-quality films that delve deep and urge us to reflect.

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Stay tuned for our next round up of home activities!

Artist Resources: Calls for Submissions, Webinars and More!

This week we have rounded up 4 artist resources in the Toronto GTA for initiatives and projects that can be worked on or attended from the comfort of your home. Click the link under each call for full details and application forms.

INsiders Artist Project, A Social Distancing Art Initiative by STEPS Initiative

In response to our current public health crisis and with the goal of supporting artists, connecting communities and exploring public space during this uncertain time, STEPS is excited to launch the INsiders Artist Project.

• Do you have a public-facing space in your home, garden, balcony or courtyard that could be the site of a creative intervention, installation or public artwork?

• Do you have an idea to build community, share creative ideas or connect with one another through art?

• Are you interested in creating work made from materials you have in your home, exploring DIY, upcycling or found object art?

• Are you interested in sharing your artistic process virtually? Providing insights into your practice or creative process?

Submit your ideas here: https://bit.ly/3esQUaG

Deadline: April 24th 2020 at 4pm

VITAMIN B: Live Zoom Webinar Series for Artists and Creatives
Rx to energize your artistic practice and build professional capacity during Covid-19

FREE Introductory Session – Monday April 20 | 1pm EST

Vitamin B1: Build Habits to Nurture Your Creativity and Professional Growth
Presented in partnership with The Steps Initiative CreateSpace Artist Workshops
This initial one hour webinar will help you identify and establish daily routines to develop your capacity, energize your practice and promote your self-care as a creative professional.

RSVP here: https://bit.ly/3eq6q72

Call for Submissions - Hard Twist 15: Agenda
Textile and fibre arts exhibition at the Gladstone Hotel

Hard Twist is a signature exhibition at the Gladstone Hotel, and an important annual event in the Canadian textile art community.

The 2020 edition asks: What’s the agenda? Or, what is an agenda? Or, what’s your agenda?

Hard Twist 15 – Agenda asks artists to submit textile-based work that speaks to meeting the challenges in navigating the myriad agendas of 2020, be it with resistance, passivity or passion.

Click here to learn more/apply: https://bit.ly/3a9ic27

Deadline: April 30th, 2020 at 11pm

Request for Proposals: Temporary Public Art at Erindale Park, Mississauga

The City of Mississauga Public Art Program, in partnership with Parks and Forestry, invites Canadian professional artists or artist teams to submit proposals to create an original public artwork, to be located in Erindale Park (1695 Dundas St W.).

Artists are asked to propose artwork that responds to the connection between land and water, focusing on aquatic ecosystems and how actions on land can affect (positively and negatively) the aquatic ecosystem.

Learn more here: https://bit.ly/2K5s2HJ

Deadline: May 11th, 2020 at 4pm