Akin at Yes in My Backyard

September 24, 2016, 12-4pm at Metro Hall / 55 John Street, Toronto

Join Akin Projects, and many other awesome Toronto Grassroots and community-based organizations who are actively working to build a better Toronto at the Yes in My Backyard Festival.

The YIMBY (Yes in My Backyard) Festival is an event for people and groups involved – or looking to become involved – in grassroots, locally driven community development in Toronto. The Festival is an opportunity for people to gather, spread the word about their work, exchange ideas to effect change and strengthen their networks. It’s a chance to celebrate achievements and identify new challenges and opportunities, in an atmosphere focused on listening, learning and engaging. This one-day event invites community groups from across Toronto to turn the tables on politicians and policy makers, educating them about the issues that face our city’s communities, as experienced by the community. YIMBY provides an opportunity for neighbours to meet neighbours, residents to meet politicians and politicians to meet community groups in the spirit of people coming together for positive change.

The annual YIMBY Festival features over 100 community-based groups, free, interactive workshops and activities, and more!

This year’s theme is Massively Open – exploring how inclusivity & accessibility, and sharing connections, vulnerability, expertise, data, and more can strengthen our work. Through the festival, we will explore how various forms of openness can support us in realizing our collective hopes for a better Toronto – and what that looks like.

YIMBY is about empowering and educating ourselves and each other about the various issues facing our communities.

It is a chance to celebrate achievements and identify new challenges and opportunities in an atmosphere focused on listening, learning and engaging.

#YIMBY2016 is presented by Shape My City, in collaboration with ThinkFresh Group.

Akin Projects at Word on the Street Toronto

Sunday, September 25, 2016/ Harbourfront Centre | 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

Come visit the Akin Projects booth at Word on the Street Toronto. We will be in the Fringe Beat Zone (Between The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery and Boxcar Social Coffee Shop) at table #FB4. We will have awesome books, zines, and other creations from the talented members of Akin Collective.

About Word on the Street:
The Word On The Street is a non-profit organization that celebrates Canadian reading, writing, and champions literacy primarily through a free, annual outdoor festival. Each September, in communities from coast-to-coast, we invite everyone to participate in hundreds of author events, presentations and workshops, and to browse a marketplace that boasts the best selection of Canadian books and magazines you’ll find anywhere. And it’s free!

Katie Sadie // Streets and Stories at Glassbox

Tiger Beer Presents: Streets & Stories.

Tiger was born on the streets of Asia and brewed using the tropical heat. Come celebrate the end of an amazing and tropical summer in Toronto with a collection of street photos from Will Jivcoff and Katie Sadie of Akin Dufferin.

Zines from Katie & Will for sale.

About Katie S

 

GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS - A Solo Exhibition by Sara Letovsky at Project Gallery

GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS
September 8 – 25, at Project Gallery

A Solo Exhibition by Sarah Letovsky of Akin Dupont

Opening reception: Thursday Sept 8th, 6-9pm

“Men act and women appear. Men look at women. Women watch themselves being looked at.
- John Berger from Ways of Seeing

GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS brings together an assembly of women, each distinct, separate, and detached. Are they strippers, Mötley Crüe groupies, single moms or curatorial graduate students? Are they Teenage Dreamgirls or Olay Aging Cream Consumers? Why are they wearing clothes? Are they on display for looking or are they looking?

In a new series of paintings and works on paper, Sarah Letovsky focuses on the expressive nature of paint to explore ideas of subjectivity, tension, and hidden thought and feeling. Letovsky uses the painting process to create a force of opposites; her brushstrokes are at once gestural and deliberate, spontaneous and confined, bringing the figure forward with an empathetic gaze and pushing it back into abstraction with explosive colour, flat space, and restrained texture.

Sarah Letovsky (b. 1987, Toronto ON) finished her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drawing and Painting at OCAD University in 2014. She was the recipient of the 2014 Mrs. W.O. Forsyth Award for Excellence in Painting. Letovsky’s work has been exhibited at Art Toronto, Only One Gallery, Hashtag Gallery, and featured in FASHION Magazine. Her work has been auctioned at Art With Heart for Casey House Toronto as well as the ArtsEffect Auction as selected by Jamie Angell. GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS is her first solo exhibition.

ARTIFACTS: Akin X Project Group Show

Opening Reception: Sat Sept 10, 6-9pm
Exhibition Dates: Sept 10 - Oct 2, 2016

Group show featuring work of Akin members:

Ghazaleh Avarzamani
Atanas Bozdarov
Jen Collins
Chris Harms
Rebecca Houston
Laura Kay Keeling
Nicole Krstin
Adria Mirabelli

Curated and presented by Project Gallery, at Project Gallery Studios (184 Munro st - back entrance)

Akin in the Country: Painting Landscape in the Anthropocene

Akin Projects is thrilled to announce our new partnership with Salmon River Studios. Join us for our first collaborative event! Details below. Click here to buy your ticket now. 

Plein Air Painting & Printmaking Weekend Workshop at Salmon River Studios in Tamworth, Ontario

October 1 - 2, 2016 / $50  per person - some materials and meals provided / Participation is limited. To reserve your spot, please purchase a ticket here: www.universe.com/akininthecountry

Plein air landscape painting is an enjoyable, relaxing and increasingly important way to create artworks in this time of widespread disconnect from the natural environment and climate change increasingly referred to as the Anthropocene. During this two day workshop you are invited to immerse yourself in the great outdoors and use your senses to become more attuned to and visually interpret the complex, interconnected and beautiful ecosystem of the Salmon River Watershed. Participants will be introduced to some basic painting as well as monotype printmaking techniques and then will explore the 52 acres of rolling hills, forest, 100 year old timber barn and river banks while creating studies from direct observation. In the evening we will share a meal and take time to discuss our works, experiences and how/why landscape painting is re-emerging as a critical methodology in contemporary practices. Participants are invited to camp out on the Salmon River Studios acreage for the night.

The workshop will be hosted by Gabriel Deerman - a painter, printmaker, art educator and co-owner operator of Salmon River Studios and feature an introduction to the term Anthropocene by special guest Simon Pope.

Printing plates and paper will be provided for printmaking. Participants are encouraged to bring water colour paints, paper, canvas, brushes, travel easel or drawing board or any other drawing and painting supplies they wish to use.

This workshop is suitable for all skill levels.  

Salmon River Studios is located a few minutes walk from the town of Tamworth where an ATM, LCBO, grocery store and restaurants are located. For those not wishing to camp, there is a hotel and airbnb options a short distance from the farm. Participants will have access to the barn which has electricity and lighting as well as an outhouse. While dinner is provided (vegetarian friendly/ pls inform us of any food allergies) plan on supplying your own lunches and snacks (no fridge or kitchen access) or walk to Tamworth http://tamworth.ca/  for local culinary delights! And don’t miss the amazing Tamworth Book Shop- full of excellent finds! http://www.tamworthbookshop.com/

About Salmon River Studios:
Salmon River Studios is based on a 52 acre farm nestled on the banks of the Salmon River - just across from the town of Tamworth. Over the next several years they will be introducing arts and educational programming including art lessons and workshops in all media, arts integration workshops for educators, artist residency programs and other community centred cultural activities. Visit the website at www.salmonriverstudios.com

About Gabriel Deerman: 
Gabriel Deerman is a visual artist and Ontario College of Teachers and International Baccalaureate certified educator with expertise in media including painting, printmaking, drawing, sculpture and mixed media. Gabriel holds a Bachelor of Visual Arts from Emily Carr University of Art and Design (Vancouver), a Masters of Fine Art from Transart Institute (Berlin/New York) and a Bachelors of Education from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. Gabriel has exhibited in Canada and internationally- have a look at his art work at www.gabrieldeerman.com

About Simon Pope:
Artist Simon Pope (b. 1966, England) is preoccupied with the social dimension of human relationships – to nature, technology, and to each other. Spanning some twenty-five years, this work has taken the form of software, walking, conversation and writing, and often involves participants from other disciplines and cultures. His latest projects grapple with how participatory art can engage with new materialist philosophy, and the concept of the ‘more-than-human’. – themes which inform his current solo-exhibition at Danielle Arnaud in London, England (Sept 16-Oct 23 2016).

Formerly a member of the net.art group I/O/D, he represented Wales at their first exhibition at the Venice Biennale in 2003. Pope was a NESTA Fellowship awardee (2002-05), a Reader (Professor) in Fine Art (2005-10) and is currently an Artist Fellow at Queen Mary, University of London (2014-). He was awarded a doctorate in Fine Art from the Ruskin School of Art at the University of Oxford (2012-15) and supervises MFA and PhD students for Transart Institute in Berlin and New York. He currently lives in Toronto where he convenes a course on posthumanism and the arts for OCADU. More information at: www.tinyurl.com/simonpope

Click here to read more about the Anthropocene

Sights & Sounds Art Show & Silent Auction

NIXON & GOTSTYLE would like to invite you to an evening of art, music, style, and heart in support of Akin Projects for CAMH.

Featuring work by:
+ Justin Broadbent
+ Jeff Blackburn
+ Mike Echlin (Spazz)
+ Lauren Hurley
+ Joel Macleod
+ Cassandra Moy
+ Oliver Pauk
+ Jacqueline Poirier “The Crazy Plate Lady”
+ Lauren Pirie
+ Callen Schaub
+ Daniel St –Amant
+ Samara Shuter
+ Tony Taylor
+ Jon Todd
+ Michael Vickers
+ Natalie Waddell

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8th 2016
6PM-9PM @ Gotstyle in the Distillery District, Toronto.
21 Trinity St, Toronto, (416) 260-9696

Proceeds from this event will support Akin Projects' artist-led workshops and activities for Youth Addiction & Concurrent Disorders Services at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).

PLEASE RSVP by Tuesday September 6th to andrea.ciccone@nixon.com or to charlotte@gotstyle.ca

Nixon & Gotstyle would like to thank all the artists who have donated their time and talent to SIGHTS & SOUNDS art show and silent auction. For more information on all artists involved, please visit our event page on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1643355222622166/

Thank you for your interest in the NIXON X GOTSTYLE SIGHTS & SOUNDS exhibit and silent auction, and for your help in spreading the love of art and culture in our local community. We hope to see you on Thursday September 8th

FORGE: Grant Writing 101 with the Ontario Arts Council

September 19, 6:30pm / Committee Room 2, Second Floor East Side, Toronto City Hall - 100 Queen Street West.

Free! Must reserve a ticket - please RSVP here: https://www.universe.com/grantwriting101

Join us again to learn how to get grants ($$$) from the people that give them.

Writing grants is a significant part of many artist's careers- so let's learn how to do it properly! This interactive workshop will explore the process of planning, writing and submitting grant proposals to different governing bodies. As a major funder themselves, the Ontario Arts Council provide clear examples of the grant writing process and the various the dos and don'ts of everything from creating your budget to organizing your support material and work plan. Following this, there will be an extensive Q&A period.

Bio:
Janice Lambrakos is the Information Services Coordinator with the Ontario Arts Council. Janice takes pride in having worked for the Ontario Arts Council for the past 25 years. She has provided administrative support in a number of program offices, including Community Arts, Film, Photography and Video (now Media Arts), and Literature, giving her an in-depth knowledge of many of the OAC’s granting programs.

Akin Projects - Skillshare: Documenting and Archiving your work

Tuesday September 13, 2016 / 7pm-9pm / Akin Collective Lansdowne Studios - 87 Wade Ave, Studio 203 / FREE / Open to the public / Space is limited. Please RSVP by signing up here: https://www.universe.com/skillshare3

This will be the third Akin Projects Skillshare event focusing on how and why we document and archive our creative work.

The Akin Projects Skillshare is a casual, moderated discussion for arts entrepreneurs and creative business people in a studio environment. Connect with your peers through practical experience at this collaborative event. Share your skills, resources, and ideas, and have your questions answered. Please come prepared to talk and share your thoughts and process when it comes to documenting and archiving your own creative work. A laptop and large screen will be available for digital presentations.

Topics may include, but are not limited to:
- Scanning artwork and photographs
- Photographing your work
- Video documentation
- Websites and portfolios
- Curriculum Vitae
- Long term storage and preservation of artwork
- Documenting your process
- Titling and numberingand cataloging your work
- Digital presentation of non-digital work
- Documenting performances and installations

This event is free and open to the public. It is ideal for artists and makers of all skill levels.

Please bring any questions you have, and come prepared to talk about your relevant experiences. Attendees are encouraged to bring at least one thing to share with the group such as:
- and example of how you document your work (website, video, photograph, scanned file)
- a tool you use for archiving or documenting your work
- a resource recommendation for documenting services

BYOB / Feel free to bring snacks to share

Akin & Xpace Artist Garage Sale This Weekend!

We hope to see you at the Akin & Xpace Artist Garage Sale this Saturday at Xpace Cultural Centre! 30 artists have cleaned out their studios and will be selling art pieces and new/gently used supplies at discounted prices.

Participating artists: Akin Projects, Joshua Advincula, Lizz Aston, Tim Bettridge, Marla Buck, Seihn Cha, Caitlyn Chisamore, Victoria Day, Suzanne Dennis, Laura Elliott, Enrique Velez Gaudite, Emily Harrison, Kwentong Bayan Collective, Shelby McLeod, Adria Mirabelli, Gilda Monreal, Karen Nguyen, Sophia Oppel, PARC, Oliver Pauk, Antonio Pendones, Janet Pierre, Jen Pilles, Bryanna Reilly, jes sachse, Nyssa Sky, Tough Guy Mountain, Michael Vickers

Saturday, August 27, 12-4pm at Xpace, 2-303 Lansdowne Ave.

Danielle Cole // Clipped Wings at Graven Feather Gallery

September 7th - October 3rd, 2016
Reception: September 8th, 2016 6-9pm

Clipped Wings, explores the absurdity of extreme wealth and the compulsion to secure the most au courant objects. Overstuffed chairs too delicate to sit on, decorative dishes empty of food and vases that will never find themselves filled with water, avocado green chairs, periwinkle telephones, burnt-orange blenders all come together in a world where the inhabitants are well matched but completely indifferent to their environment. The primary inhabitants of this universe are birds. Birds that have forgotten how to fly, have never learned how to fly or couldn’t be bothered to take flight. They perch on whatever surface they find, in the finest rooms and in the strangest spaces and at the cost of the comfort of others, they are confident in their belief that they belong.

Each piece in the show is a handmade collage, the result of hours spent in thrift shops, years spent salvaging the cast-offs from high school storerooms and libraries, and offerings from helpful friends, ambitious suitors and a vintage loving landlord. Sorting through hundreds of images until the magical moment when you get to say: that bird belongs on top of that chair.

More images available on Danielle's website here
Follow Danielle on instagram

Danielle will be leading a collage workshop as apart of the Akin Projects FORGE Workshop Series on October 13. To reserve a space for the workshop send us an email.

Call for Expressions of Interest - Akin Projects: FORGE Collaborative Workshop Series seeking Artist Facilitators

DEADLINE: Monday, September 5, 2016

FORGE 2016 WORKSHOP SERIES!

FORGE connections. FUEL your practice. RESHAPE your creative process.

Returning this fall, FORGE is AKIN Project's creative incubator for practicing artists and designers focused on both creative and professional development. Alongside a series of professional development workshops, our creative sessions will allow participants to learn and share skills, discuss, debate, bust creative ruts, stretch their abilities, brainstorm with peers and be challenged to step outside of their practice.

Workshops can be thematic in nature, and should provide an opportunity for advanced skill building with a strong emphasis on collaboration and knowledge transfer among members of AKIN's community. Past workshops have included everything from tote bag making to video game design to movement based wall drawing, from scientific art experiments to body awareness workshops.

Workshops should focus on exploring unique and unconventional processes or modes of expression. Take us places we've never been before!

Workshops will be a one time, 3 hour session, and facilitators will be paid a CARFAC recommended fee of $289. Depending on the nature of the workshop, material costs may be covered by AKIN.

Expression of Interest should include:
+ A brief bio of yourself and your practice, and any relevant professional experience
+ Documentation of your work and/or any related links to your work online,
+ A short summary (one page max) of the workshop(s) you'd like to conduct,
+ Ideal number of participants, required materials or space, the best time of year to hold the workshop, and any other technical or safety considerations that may apply.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Submissions and inquiries can be sent to michael@akincollective.com

Please make the subject of your email ‘Forge 2016 Submission’

EMERGING ARTIST RESIDENCY AWARD 2016 / SPARK BOX STUDIO

Beginning your career as an emerging artist can be tough, which is why Spark Box Studio is offering FREE RESIDENCIES to emerging artists. This residency opportunity is a unique way for emerging artists to cultivate new ideas, access a rich library of arts resources, learn about career-building opportunities, and develop an understanding of the art world.

ABOUT THE AWARD:
Every artist wants time to work, research, explore and create.
There is just one issue: Where?

Enter: Spark Box Studio a print studio and artist residency that is offering six emerging artists (from anywhere in Canada) a one-week residency at our studio and residency in Prince Edward County.

The selected applicants will be given a semi-private studio space, access to the Spark Box Studio equipment and resources, living accommodations, as well as a one-hour consultation with owner Chrissy Poitras regarding their specific arts business questions.

Deadline: October 1, 2016.

Please be advised that the award is for 7 consecutive days.

Emerging Artist Award is valued at $480.00 per person.

For more details and to apply visit: http://sparkboxstudio.com/residencyaward/

OCAD U & Akin Collective Career Launcher Winner: Emma Aurelia

The Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers is excited to announce that Emma Aurelia, a recent graduate of OCAD University’s Material Art and Design program, is the recipient of the first AKIN Collective Career Launcher! Emma will receive a period of free studio space at AKIN’s inspiring shared workspaces in 2016–2017, valued at $2000, as well as a $500 cash award.

The AKIN Collective Career Launcher is an amazing opportunity for graduating Material Art and Design students to become part of a larger creative community and gain access to the excellent multidisciplinary facilities that AKIN Collective has to offer. Applications were reviewed by AKIN's Directors, faculty members, and staff from the Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers.

Congratulations Emma! Check out some of Emma's work below, or visit her website www.emmaurelia.com

Into the Blue and Back (Again) Full Installation from Emma Aurelia on Vimeo.

City Fest - Art Installation Opportunities

Art Installation Opportunities
Cityfest Toronto / August 27, 2016 / Canoe Landing Park

CityFest aims to showcase unique art installations by local artists and welcomes proposals.

To apply, please email info@cityfest.ca with your art installation proposal for
consideration and include:
• Art installation description with available photos of your art installation
• On-site space requirements
• Your website / portfolio
Important notes:
• Only park space is provided by Cityfest
• The artist is responsible for the setup, management and take-down of the installation
• No staking to the ground is allowed by the city of Toronto
• A participation agreement will be provided to accepted applicants

About CityFest:
Started in 2013, Cityfest has grown from a simple concept to one of Toronto’s largest outdoor events, intended to connect residents, celebrate life in the city, and inspire active citizenship.
This year we will continue to fulfill that mission with the 4th Annual Cityfest at Canoe Landing Park in Toronto, which remains the premier venue for downtown Toronto residents to connect and celebrate city life. This year’s theme will be showcasing Toronto’s thriving art scene with a focus on community interaction with immersive activities and installations.

We hope you join us at this year’s Cityfest.

Call for Submissions - City of Craft 2016

Hear ye, makers, far and wide, applications are now open for the 10th Anniversary edition of City of Craft !

What is City of Craft?
City of Craft is a collective of craft-engaged arts organizers who aim to build community in the Toronto craftscape, support independent craft businesses, and encourage the larger community to get involved with crafty happenings in the city. We organize Toronto's largest independently-run, juried craft show each December featuring craft-based installations, free workshops, and craft-related programming in local businesses and galleries, attracting approximately 5,000 attendees. 
 
TIPS:
1. Do not delay! And do not leave your application until the last minute. The internet can be testy, so it is always best to submit well in advance of the deadline in order to make sure your form submits properly and to avoid any technical stresses. As always, we are not able to accept any applications after the deadline and can only accept applications through our online form.
2. Read the Vendor FAQ . It is chock-full of important stuff, and is required reading for all applicants.
 
So get on it, citizens! Throw your business in the ring to be part of Toronto's craftiest weekend of the year!

APPLICATION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 10, 2016, MIDNIGHT EST
Click here to apply now!

City of Craft
December9 + 10 + 11, 2016
Friday 6:00pm-10:00pm
Saturday 11:00am-6:00pm
Sunday 11:00am-5:00pm
$2 Admission
Children under 12 FREE
 
The Theatre Centre
1115 Queen Street West
cityofcraft.com

AKIN: The Power Plant + Picnic

Sunday August 28 / 3pm / The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery / 231 Queens Quay West

Do you like The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery but it's too far to go alone? Do you enjoy a summer picnic but don't like eating solo? Boy do we have the best Sunday ever planned for you.

Join Akin Projects and tour The Power Plant's two current, brilliant exhibitions followed by a waterfront picnic in the park after ( bring snacks / blankets! )

Featured Exhibitions:

Franz Eerhard Walther // Call to Action

Ulla von Brandenburg // It Has a Golden Red Sun and an Elderly Green Moon

See you there!

xo AKIN

Mindful AF - A workshop on being present

About the Workshop
Raise your middle finger to worries of the past and future. In this workshop we'll go through tactics that help you stay in the moment and reduce stressful thinking patterns. We'll also look at the science behind mindfulness and why it's proven to work.

For Tickets ($30): http://www.ticketfly.com/event/1268185
Note - tickets are limited

About Mind Matters
Mind Matters is a group dedicated to spreading the best practices and techniques of improving your mind. Whether it's helping you become more efficient, learning how to stay calm, or how to have a more productive mind.
 

Collective Arts Brewing Call for Submissions

Collective Arts Brewing is a craft brewery that fuses the creativity of craft beer with the inspired talents of emerging artists, musicians and filmmakers. The brewery is located in Hamilton, Canada and their products are currently available across Canada.

Collective Arts is looking to feature the best emerging artists and musicians from around the world on their limited edition Series 7 labels.

Selected art and music will be featured on packaging and will be scannable using augmented reality so drinkers can interact with artist's work and hear musician's music.

Collective Arts has been featured in Adobe Create, Huffington Post, CBC, Culture Collide (LA), Globe and Mail, BlogTO, and many more publications. We always make sure to emphasize artists and their work when these opportunities arise. 

The current Call for Art and Music is based on the theme of Urban Pop: The Sights and Sounds of Street Culture. 

The deadline for your submission is September 2, 2016.

WHAT TO SUBMIT:
• Min 1800 x 1800 pixel file ( minimum size)
• Original art, any medium
• Supporting video (if available) This can be a film or animation of you and your work
• Up to three separate submissions can be made per artist
• We do not own the rights to the art, it will only be used for a limited amount of time

WHAT COLLECTIVE ARTS PROVIDES:
• Each label includes artist’s name and a link to a self-written biography that lives on the Collective Arts website
• Artists are individually featured on the Collective Arts website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
• 20,000 can and bottle labels of each artist’s work are printed and distributed. We are expanding into the U.S this fall and our beer is shipped to Australia
• Links to your website, social media or store
• A stipend of $200 Canadian paid to those who are selected

For details, benefits, compensation and to submit work click here or email toni@collectiveartsbrewing.com

Cheers!