Call for Artists, Cultural Workers and Creatives: Digital Economies Lab at Artengine

Artistic Prosperity for the Digital Future!

Artengine is looking for applications from artists, creators, designers and cultural workers to join a year-long Digital Economies Lab (DEL) at Artengine.

The DEL explores the state of work, remuneration and prosperity in art and culture in the 21st century. We are looking for a broad range of cultural perspectives and creative practices to assemble at the lab. We need people with a passionate position on art and culture’s place in the digital revolution, who are open to new ideas, who are generators of new perspectives, who are technically literate and/or technically critical!

Together, we will explore this key question:
How can we make a viable and sustainable space for artists, creatives and culture in general, in the digital context of Canada and the world?

What will the DEL do?
Selected members will work collaboratively to develop a series of early-stage prototypes to be circulated around the web during and beyond the DEL. The lab will meet in Ottawa for three key collaborative sessions, as well as work remotely throughout the year, while prototypes and outputs are circulated in partnership with HOLO Magazine.

Participants will receive

• DEL Participants will receive a $5,000CN fee

• Workshop and mentorship by range of experts

• Access to Artengine facilities and production equipment for the duration of the program

• Hotel, accommodation and per diem (for those selected from outside the Ottawa-Gatineau region)

Artengine is an equal opportunity organization. We do not discriminate based on gender, religion, race, mental disability, sexual orientation, age, or any other status. All applicants are considered based on their qualifications and merits. At Artengine, we inspire an environment of mutual respect and we believe diversity and inclusion are crucial to our success.

Application deadline is October 10, 2019

Akin DIY Comics School meeting on November 4 at Akin St Clair

The Akin Collective D.I.Y. Comics School is a group that meets the first Monday of every month with the goal of working together to provide our own continuing comics education. Meetings take place in the Akin St. Clair Studio at 1747 St. Clair Avenue West. Open to everyone and anyone interested in creating comics!

This is a member-led initiative that will develop and change over time with participation from everyone. Anyone interested in comic making is welcome to join for one or all of our monthly meetings. Some materials are provided but feel free to bring a sketchbook or papers, pencils, pens or markers, and any comics or comic projects you wish to show and share with the group. The Akin St Clair Studio Comic and Zine Library is also available during meetings to inspire you!

If you are interested in continuing your education and development as a cartoonist and in helping others do the same, please come out and join us Monday, November 4th, from 7:30pm to 9:30i sh at the Akin St. Clair Studio in the “Don’s Meats” building at 1747 St. Clair Avenue West. Entrance to the studio is off of the parking lot, and located near the back of the building on the west side. It’s a giant door, and it will be open at the start of the meeting, but then closed, so if you come late, knock loud!

Questions or suggestions? email diycmx@gmail.com

You can join the Akin DIY Comics School Community on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/diycmx/

Accessibility:
This building is partially accessible. The space is ground- level throughout. There are two entrances to the space, we encourage guests to use the side-door entrance. There is one step at the front door entrance and no steps at the side door entrance. There is one all gender bathroom. There is one step to get to the bathroom. There is no alternative bathroom or alternative route to the bathroom. The bathroom door is 30 inches wide. There are no grab bars in the washroom and the toilets are not raised. Akin St. Clair Studios regrets any barrier to access.

Getting here by TTC:
Akin St Clair Studios is accessible on the 512 St. Clair Streetcar Line and by bus, take either Bus 168 from Dundas West Station, or Bus 127 Spadina Station to Keele and St. Clair.

Parking:
There is residential parking on Hounslow Heath Road and other residential streets in the area.

Documenting Your Artwork with Artists' Network

Good enough is NOT! If you can't photograph your artwork at an accomplished professional level, then you are wasting your time. The competition for any opportunity is so fierce - galleries, competitions, commissions, grants, art fairs, whatever – that a portfolio full of blurry, off colour, skewed photographic imagery will disqualify you immediately. The curator, selection committee or jurors will not have the time nor interest to try to see the art.

This workshop will walk you through basic strategies for photographing your artwork: lighting, gear, and editing afterwards. You won't need expensive photographic equipment to participate. Emphasis will be placed on using what you have at hand – including cell phones, and available home lighting. McClyment is not a professional photographer. Rather an artist just like you, who has had to learn all this the hard way.

Where: Ralph Thornton Community Centre, 765 Queen Street East, Multi-Purpose Room, 3rd Floor, Toronto

When: October 22nd, 7:30-9:00PM

Speaker:  David McClyment

Speaker Bio: For the past 39 years, David has been professionally exhibiting throughout Ontario and across Europe. His work has been the focus of many grants and critical reviews. As a professor in the Fine Arts Studio program at Centennial College, David has twice been recognized for teaching excellence by the college. McClyment is also in the final stages of publishing a hands-on professional practice resource for fine artists: "So, You Wanna Be an Artstar". Much of what he will talk about tonight will also be covered in this book, to be published in late 2019. He is inspired daily by his long-time reason for living, Sue Bracken, and their eminently talented son, Jaimie.

Akin Vitrine Galleries 2020 Exhibitions - Call for Submissions for Akin Studio Members

Akin is very excited to announce our 2019 Call for Submissions for Akin’s Vitrine Gallery! We are programming for the coming year and looking to fill our monthly exhibitions with a variety of work from our studio members. 

These miniature galleries feature the diverse talent of our members with new installations each month. The first Akin Vitrine Gallery launched in 2016 at Akin’s Dupont studios. At the beginning of 2018, the second Vitrine Gallery location launched at the Akin St. Clair studios.

APPLICATION DETAILS:

Deadline to apply: Monday, December 2nd, 2019, 5:00pm

Akin will program 12 exhibitions in 2020, each for a duration of two months. Featured artists will be exhibiting for one month in our Dupont Vitrine location and for the following month in our St. Clair Vitrine location.  

The first month of the exhibition will be at the Akin St. Clair Vitrine gallery location (1747 St. Clair Avenue West), corresponding with a month-long online feature on Instagram. Akin Vitrine Gallery Instagram account: @akinvitrine showcases the current artist in a spotlight interview style, month-long series of posts. Make sure to check out the account for more information, to follow us and support your fellow Akin members!

The second month of the exhibition will be at the Akin Dupont Vitrine gallery location (1485 Dupont St). In addition to this, each featured artist is welcome to organize, host and promote a reception during their exhibition at the Akin St. Clair Studios Vitrine. They will work with the Akin St. Clair studio manager on the logistics for their reception, but be responsible for planning and hosting their reception themselves. 

This call for submissions welcomes fine artists of all mediums, craftspeople, designers and those whose work expands the limits of these mediums to apply; we only ask that your project reads as visual art as opposed to a window display/merchandising. Please note this call is only open to Akin studio members from any of our nine locations.

Akin is a Queer and Trans friendly organization, and we encourage folks who identify as womxn, Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, and members of sexual minority. Should you desire to, please identify if you are a member of one the these groups.

Submission Details: 

If you are an Akin studio member and would like to submit work for consideration, please email your submission to janet@akincollective.com by December 2nd with the words ‘VITRINE 2020 SUBMISSION’ as the email subject. You must include:

• Project description: due to the timeline of our programming, it is not imperative that you apply with finished work. If you are applying with a concept not yet realized, please provide a description of your project in one paragraph. Sketches for the project or photographs of similar work are preferred.  

• Up to 3 images of the work to be exhibited, or similar if you are applying with a work in progress.  Images must be titled: FULLNAME_TITLE_SIZE_MEDIUM_DATE

• Brief bio/statement (maximum 150 words).

• Contact information – including phone number, website and Instagram username if available.

• Requested month for exhibition - if you have a particular month in which you would prefer to show, please let us know what that month is and why. We will consider all requests but cannot guarantee we can accommodate them all.

Our goal is to curate a cross-section of work, representing a variety of media from all of our studio locations. This does mean that space is limited. We appreciate all of your submissions, and what we can’t accommodate for this project, we will keep in mind for future opportunities. We will respond to submissions via email. 

Thank you from the Akin team.

About the Vitrine spaces:
The miniature galleries feature white walls, floor and ceiling, overhead lighting, electrical access and large window. The Vitrines lend themselves well to 2D hanging work, 3D display and site specific pieces, and are a perfect space to experiment with new materials and to try out new work or installation projects. 

Eulogy for the Coffin Factory at Nuit Blanche

We invite you to join Akin Ossington artist Nicole Crozier, and Akin Dupont artist Alison Postma (formerly members of the Coffin Factory) along with 22 other artists at Nuit Blanche at 89 Niagara St on October 5, 2019 for ‘Eulogy for the Coffin Factory’. 24 coffins adorned by former artist-tenants of the Coffin Factory will transform the audience into a funeral procession, mourning the passage of this creative hub.

“Eulogy for the Coffin Factory” is a ceremonial exhibition that will mourn the passage of the Coffin Factory at 89-109 Niagara Street. Originally built in the 1880s, this was home to the National Casket Company from 1908 until 1973. In more recent years, it has become known as the Coffin Factory, been used as artist studios and workshops, and served as an important space for the creative ecology of downtown. Now, these buildings are slated for redevelopment. Tenants were evicted in early 2019, marking the end of an era for the area. This project will provide an opportunity for the public to grieve, reflect and celebrate the Coffin Factory. Playing on the building’s casket-factory history, 24 former artist-tenants have been commissioned to adorn 24 coffins produced for the event. These will be displayed in a long row lining the south side of Niagara Street.

About Nuit Blanche:
For one sleepless night, experience Toronto transformed by hundreds of artists and nearly 90 art projects. This year's program responds to one event-wide curatorial theme of Continuum. The theme follows many paths during the event – set against a backdrop of the ever-present renewal of night into day, a continuum of experience and ideas is brought to light by the participating artists. A series of Nuit Talks will take place before and after the all night art event and nine extended art projects will remain on display through October 14.

Date: October 5, 2019
Time: Sunset to Sunrise – 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Culture Days starts today! Free events all over Toronto all weekend long!

Today is the first day of Canada’s 10th annual Culture Days weekend. Are you ready?

There are over 3,000 free events happening across Canada today, Saturday and Sunday. Culture Days organizers have pulled out all the stops, so grab your friends and family, roll up your sleeves, and let your creativity run wild. 

Click the links below to find out some of the amazing free events Toronto has going on all weekend long:

The Royal Ontario Museum
Enjoy Yoga at the ROM, a performance by poet and spoken word artist, Zoey Roy and more at the ROM!

The Big Draw Toronto
The world’s largest drawing festival is coming to Toronto History Museums. The free event is open to all-ages and abilities and welcomes everyone who loves to draw to make a mark on their city.

Etobicoke Lakeshore Culture Days
Our Akin Lakeshore neighbours in Etobicoke are presenting over 20 free workshops, performances and events including button making, LEGO Robotics, Peruvian Weaving, the Waatebagaa Giizis Festival, wood block painting, interactive storytelling performances and more.

Toronto Public Library Culture Days
8 branches of the Toronto Public Library are hosting events including a card-making workshop, poetry readings, a dreamcatcher workshop and more.

Nuit Talks: in-depth conversations with Nuit Blanche artists and curators

Art speaks volumes this autumn with the free Nuit Talks program offering in-depth conversations with Nuit Blanche artists and curators. Building on the theme – Continuum – the series of provocative events is framed under the title – A line is a series of points, connected. The insightful discussions, conversations, panels, Q&A’s and performances tackle some of the most relevant and urgent issues of our time: access, opportunity, land, geopolitics, sustainability.

Nuit Talks 2019 is curated by Rebecca Carbin.

Today from 7-8pm you can catch “Art, the Mirror: a talk by Director X at the Royal Ontario Museum!

Director X talks about his epic sequel to Death of the Sun and how art can help us understand timely and pressing issues of climate and geopolitics. What motivates an artist to focus attention on issues of such enormous scale? Can art forms and practices really play a role in catalyzing action and change?

Date: September 25, 7 – 8 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m., reception with cash bar from 8 – 9:30 p.m.)
Location: The Royal Ontario Museum
Moderator: Janine Marchessault
Participants: Director X
Cost: FREE (RSVP Required)
RSVP HERE: https://www.rom.on.ca/en/whats-on/art-the-mirror

There are addition talks on October 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10.

Nuit Talks and Nuit Blanche are produced by the City of Toronto in partnership with the Toronto arts community.

Call for Proposals - Artscape Gibraltar Point’s Winter Island Artist Residency 2020

Artscape Gibraltar Point is now accepting project proposals for the fifth annual Winter Island Artist Residency, happening between January and April of 2020. Deadline to apply is October 14, 2019 at 12:00pm EST.

The Winter Island Artist Residency at Artscape Gibraltar Point on the Toronto Islands is a unique, juried artist-in-residence program aimed at emerging, mid-career and established artists who are working in community engaged practice.

Four Canadian artists, each with a strong and unique voice, will be selected to participate in this month-long residency at Artscape Gibraltar Point, a short ferry ride from Toronto’s downtown core. The four selected artists will have access to a studio to create or develop a new and exciting work (or body of work) that seeks to activate the artistic community on the Toronto Islands and the broader Toronto community.

At the end of the Winter Island Artist Residency, participants will also have the opportunity to present their projects at a public exhibition at Artscape Youngplace in the summer of 2020.

Artscape Gibraltar Point, located on the southwestern-most tip of Toronto’s Ward Island, is a unique community cultural hub, operated by Artscape, that has become well-known for its artist residencies. Since opening in 1999, Artscape Gibraltar Point’s secluded retreat centre, artists’ lodge and long-term artist work studios–surrounded by 46 acres of parkland and its own beachfront–have provided thousands of local and international artists-in-residence with an idyllic place to focus on their practice. For more information about artists residencies, including self-directed residencies, please visit the Artscape Gibraltar Point website.

For more information More information please contact Andrew Lochhead, Residency & Programming Coordinator, Artscape Gibraltar Point at alochhead@artscape.ca.

CUE Grant Cycle now open!

CUE is a radical arts initiative dedicated to supporting new generation artists who live and work on the margins. CUE has designed a high-access funding program offering not only financial support for art projects, but also consultation in preparing project proposals, support throughout the production process, and opportunities for public exhibition. 

CUE operates the Margin of Eras Gallery,  multidisciplinary arts space dedicated to showcasing the work of new-generation artists who live and work on the margins.

CUE has just opened up a new grant cycle for artists who are facing systemic barriers to accessing professional arts opportunities. Applicants can apply for a grant of up to $1000 to produce an art project in any discipline. Application Deadline is October 31, 2019.

CUE Art Grants are for artists who:

• Work in any artistic discipline

• Have a solid idea for an art project that can be completed in 3 months, and can be exhibited or presented to the public in some way.

• Demonstrate experience in their medium.

• Have a track record of finishing projects and following through on goals.

• Have not received funding from the Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council, or Canada Council for the Arts, or other substantial arts funding.

• Are not in a Masters program in a post secondary institution, and do not hold a Masters degree.

• Connect with CUE before submitting an application

Groups of artists working collaboratively may apply, however, one artist must be responsible for acting as the project lead and being accountable for funds.

The Grant Process:

• CUE team members host information sessions at various locations across the City of Toronto

• Artists meet with CUE before submitting an application, and receive consultation in developing project proposals

• Proposals are reviewed by peer jury of artists and arts professionals. Results are released and feedback is included
  for every applicant

• Artists approved for grants receive funds and are given 3 months to produce projects. CUE remains available to artists throughout the production process to provide support in a variety of ways

• Artists submit final documentation that will be uploaded to CUE’s website, and short final reports about the process

• All artworks are exhibited/performed in a group show(s)

• CUE remains available to artists as a resource to help make connections with various future opportunities, lend
  consultation on external funding proposals, and help artists keep developing their careers and practices.

Drop-in Grant Writing Sessions:

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 3-8pm at Margin of Eras Gallery, 1684 Queen St. West

TUESDAY OCTOBER 1, 3-8pm at Margin of Eras Gallery, 1684 Queen St. West

TUESDAY OCTOBER 8, 3-8pm at SKETCH, 1800 Shaw Street Unit 201

TUESDAY OCTOBER 15, 3-8pm at Margin of Eras Gallery, 1684 Queen St. West

TUESDAY OCTOBER 22, 3-8pm at Margin of Eras Gallery, 1684 Queen St. West

TUESDAY OCTOBER 29, 3-8pm at Margin of Eras Gallery, 1684 Queen St. West

Call for Artists - Building Up Together Annual Fundraiser

Building Up is seeking artists to create new work for their annual fundraiser. Building Up was developed in Toronto to create a real pathway for individuals experiencing barriers to enter apprenticeships and careers in the trades.

Building Up Together 2019: Saturday, November 23rd, 2019 - 7:30-11:00PM, 192 Spadina Lounge

Building Up is a collaborative and passionate staff of 80, and thanks to the success of last year's fundraiser, they now successfully train 120 program participants on an annual basis. On average, 85% of trainees go on to full-time careers in the construction field! Building Up now runs 6 programs a year, with an average of 250 people applying per intake. Seeing as they can only put through ~20 spots per intake, by supporting this year's fundraiser, you are fuelling their dream of growth—and not turning away those remaining 230. Building Up started with just 8 people… and now they can't wait to fine-tune their growth with your support at Building Up Together 2019!

The annual silent art auction features original artwork by local Toronto artists. Over the past two years, these artists transformed toilets / seats / lids into unique pieces, as well as creative works made from recycled + repurposed materials. This year, we're taking it to the NEXT LEVEL by using materials specifically found on Building Up job sites—such as cabinet faces or sheets of drywall—to create incredible works of art for guests to bid on. 

If you are interested in participating, please get in touch with Allie by emailing events@buildingup.ca. 

Call for Submissions: Textile Museum of Canada's Creative in Residence Program

The Creative in Residence program at the Textile Museum of Canada invites three emerging professionals – an artist, a curator, and an educator – to explore new forms of engagement with Museum audiences by animating exhibition spaces and activating the permanent collection. Deadline to apply is September 27, 2019 at 5:00pm EST.

The selected participants will be integrated into the daily life of the Museum during each three-month residency. Through access to resources and mentorship, they will advance their own creative practice, challenging both themselves and Museum visitors to engage with art, craft, and design in new and innovative ways through participation in demonstrations, public programs, performance, and conversation in the galleries. This is an opportunity to re-imagine the museum experience. This program is supported by a Seed Grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Selected applicants will receive a $18,600 honorarium.

For more information please direct any questions via email to Susan Fohr, Curator of Education, at sfohr@textilemuseum.ca

Spark Box Studio's Emerging Artist Residency Award 2020

Supporting artists at an early stage of their career is a priority at Spark Box Studio, which is why we created an award program that offers 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: December 1, 2019.

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

Emerging Artist Award is valued at $480.00 per person.

MOCA Goes Dark: Night Visions Party Retrospective

Last month, Floor 1 at MOCA was transformed into an interactive art party, presented by some of the artists working in Akin’s 4th floor studios at MOCA. The Tower Automotive Building was once the site of legendary dance parties, raves, and punk gigs. The building’s wild legacy was revived for one night only with amazing art and music, lighting MOCA up in the dark.

The evening featured artist-led interactive installations and activities, beats by DJ Lulu Wei and DJ Sammy Rawal and the Akin Year 1 artist group exhibition An Index was open on Floor 4 throughout the evening. Thanks to everyone who attended the party, and congratulations to the collaborators who worked hard to make it happen!

DJ Lulu Wei
Her mix of pop, hip-hop, R&B and hi-energy house hits has been making queer folks dance for years in parties like New Ho Queen.

DJ Sammy Rawal
Sammy is the co-founder/resident DJ of Yes Yes Y’all, Canada’s largest queer hip hop/dancehall party that seeks to create spaces for LGBTQ2 POC.

Humboldt Magnussen
Curator, co-director of YTB Gallery and Akin MOCA Year 1 artist Humboldt Magnussen produced the Night Visions Party. Humboldt’s practice is interdisciplinary in nature. Often his work is rooted in performance and includes the creation and use of elaborate masks and helmets. He utilizes elements of humour and glamour to make difficult topics more accessible and to create entry points for people to engage with the work.

Design by Nuff
Akin MOCA Year 1 artist and designer David Nuff created live 3D visuals during the party on the big screen. His work blurs the lines between commerce and culture, art and design. Nuff’s interactive installation, Shard, a giant icy light crystal that responds to sound and motion, was also on display during the event.

Leone McComas
Leone McComas , an Akin MOCA Year 1 visual artist and designer specializing in painting, graphic design, and mural art, created live-paintings during the party. Her painting technique is both intuitive and process driven; a method producing highly detailed and saturated oil paintings that appear to glow from within.

Jieun June Kim
Akin MOCA Year 1 artist Jieun June Kim provided glow-in-the-dark face painting for guests at the party. Jieun is a painter and muralist whose body of work usually instigates conversation and interaction with viewers from different cultures.

Strike Design Studio
Akin MOCA Year 1 designer Emily Woudenberg of Strike Design Studio created all of the event graphics based on aluminum caps that were made in the 1940’s by Canadian steel company Alcan who formerly occupied the Akin MOCA building before it was abandoned. Strike is a Toronto-based design studio offering frank consultancy, innovative strategy and striking solutions for print and screens.

This party was organized and presented with the exhibition An Index which featured 24 artists from the inaugural Akin Studio Program. An Index made visible the labours of artistic creation through an open and honest charting of the processes, challenges, delights, and failures of making art in the city. Night Visions credited the importance of social play in creative production. For the first time ever MOCA Goes Dark, and welcomed guests to explore the museum transformed by local artists.

Event graphics by Strike Design Studio

Studio Mates Group Exhibition

September 26 - October 1, 2019
Opening Reception: Thursday, September 26, 7 PM – onwards
Gallery Hours: September 27 - Oct 1 • 12 to 7 PM, Closed Monday

Curated by Mel Hayes and Dalia Hassan and hosted at Black Cat Showroom (1785 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto).

Studio Mates is a group show featuring work by 16 artists who share a space at the Akin Lansdowne studios.

Studio Mates is a snapshot of a shared studio’s constantly changing occupants and their diverse work, capturing a dynamic environment where at any given moment there is a plethora of concepts, processes, materials and creations.

Featured artists:
Rakefet Arieli, Andrea Bailey, Elizabeth Basskin, Brianne Burnell, Rachel Butler, Claire Correia, Dalia Hassan, Mel Hayes, Kim Kermode, Michelle Evelyn Lee, Aaron Lozynsky, Linds Miyo, Eloisa Morra, Nick Murido, Michelle Rawlings, and Gwen Tooth.

Child of Rock: Solo Exhibition by VAYA

September 5 to September 28, 2019

VAYA UNPLUGGED/Acoustic Performance: Thursday September 19 2019 • 6 PM to 7 PM

RSVP either event to info@urbangallery.ca 

ABOUT VAYA

An incisive & provocative artist, Akin Ossington member VAYA explores, mixes, meets & transcribes the darkness in the angels’ voices. An energetic claw on each canvas, VAYA dances as she works and often by candlelight to be closer to the imperceptible. "It's always a discovery the next day in daylight." She also employs a camera to share her creativity, "A way of getting out of yourself and becoming your own observer is fun and fascinating". VAYA has fun, dances, writes prayers on the souls of her music legend subjects. "I like to pay tribute to those who have suffered so much, laying some particles of peace over their restless souls - isn’t that the artist's role? Transfigure suffering into masterpieces?

"It's always a discovery the next day in daylight."

~Would she become animal or simply an expression of the painting, these faces that invite her to dance, whatever it is? 

"The limit is tiny between Madness and Genius." It's just a question of knowing how to pass the stirrup to this crazy horse that takes you to the depths. Keep your eyes closed in all confidence with it, holding the reins with your fingertips, while keeping a clear vision, discipline and flexibility.

When she has fun with a camera, VAYA plays the photographer as the muse. 

"A way of getting out of yourself and becoming your own observer is fun and fascinating".

VAYA has fun, dances, writes prayers on the souls of Legends, particularly iconic.

"I like to give a tribute to those who have suffered so much, some particles of peace over their restless souls: Isn’t it the Artist's role? Transfigure suffering into masterpieces?”

Show & Tell at Akin River

Next month Akin's very own Erin Candela and Özge Aytekin are hosting a relaxed and fun ‘Show and Tell for Artists’ at Akin's River studios (7 Labatt Avenue, 3rd floor).

This Show & Tell will kick off at 6:00pm and Akin members and other Toronto artists are invited to show completed works or works in progress and get friendly feedback and answers from their peers in a casual studio setting.

Feel free to bring art to share, bring a friend or two, bring snacks or drinks or just bring yourself! Come for the conversation or just to meet other artists and makers. This is a FREE public event - everyone is welcome!

Accessibility:
Akin River is not currently an accessible location. Akin regrets this barrier to access. The front entrance to the building has 4 steps with handrail on left side only. there is no ramp available.

Our first floor studio has no additional steps, but one must pass through two doors leading to the hallway which are not automated. To access our third floor studio there 20 stairs to 2nd floor and then another set of 20 stairs to the 3rd floor. There are two doors you must walk through on the second floor to get to the stairs to the third floor. These doors are not automated.

All genders bathrooms are on the first and second floors of the building. Bathrooms do not have automated doors and the toilets are not raised. There are no grab bars in the bathroom and the stalls are narrow. Doors to the bathrooms are narrow and the door is heavy. Bathrooms are locked to the public and require a key to enter.

There is no elevator for regular use in the building.

Getting here by TTC:
Both the Dundas #505 and King #504 Streetcar have stops at River street, approximately a block or two away.

Parking:
Parking is extremely limited, but is 1h free on Labatt Ave, and 3h free on River Street.

Call for Artists: Nia Artist in Residence

After an incredible first year, Nia Centre for the Arts is re-launching their Artist-in-Residence program.

Deadline to apply: Sunday, September 22, 2019, 11:59pm.

The first program of its kind in Canada to provide access to shared studio space, exclusive and customized professional development opportunities that support artistic growth - all with the goal of building the creative capacity of Afro-diasporic artists.

GOALS FOR THE RESIDENCY

1. Accessibility & Inclusion: Address the lack of safe and inclusive spaces for Black artists. 

2. Professional Development: Create spaces to support emerging artists to hone their talents.

3. ​Community Building: Create opportunities for the community to experience artistic works rooted in Afro-diasporic traditions.

​Residents will have access to:

• Shared studio space for 4 months

• Curatorial Guidance

• Opportunity to present your work & receive feedback

• Conversations with artists and leaders in Toronto’s arts & cultural community

• Professional Development workshops

• An artist fee + materials budget

The program will culminate with an exhibition of works produced by the residents in February 2020; dates to be confirmed.

Why we need a Black Arts Centre? Artists, elders, supporters and alumni share their experiences with Nia Centre and answer the question of, why, more than ever, we need a Black Arts Centre.

The Artist-in-Residence program is open to all, however, preference will be given to artists from the African Diaspora. 

Anda Pop Up: Reflection On the Don

Anda tells the hidden stories of this city that we love so much. Over the past 2 years we have done so in-format of an artist residency. This Anda event is a pop-up event that will engage in art and conversation over the course of one evening. At this event we will gather in an unclaimed space which is both known and hidden to those of us who call Toronto home.

We will be planting ourselves in a space whose ownership feel confusing at best and use that as a platform to discuss our evolving relationship with ownership of space. We will explore the idea of space - who lost it, who has it, and who will possess it?

But perhaps like all Anda events, the space we gather in will evoke as many questions as it answers.

What belongs to mother nature?
What belongs to native stewards of our lands?
What belongs to the commons?
What belongs to people?
What belongs to the city?
Who is the city? Corporations? Citizens?

Indigenous peoples have been stewards the lands of Kanada for many years prior to us, the settlers. Since then we have seen a steady increase in privatization of public spaces and utilities.

So who protects and owns this land? Who looks after the interests of its future stewards?

This event will host a series of experiences, using art to bridge the conversation.

The flow will take you through a journey of heart, intellect and soul.
-Guided Sound Meditation
-Indigenous History
-Panel Discussion on Spaces
-Live Performances

Akin Vitrine Gallery + Erin Candela

We are delighted to introduce our current Akin Vitrine Gallery artist, Akin King alumi, soon to be Akin MOCA artist and staff member Erin Candela. Erin’s work will be on exhibit in our galleries beginning at 1485 Dupont for the month of September and then 1747 St. Clair Avenue West for the month of October.

Erin Candela is a Canadian artist originally from northern BC, currently living in Toronto. Often using historical documents such as photographs, public school books, nature encyclopedias and community journals, themes of Memory and identity are frequently present in her drawings. Ideas of North, Canadian landscape, and portentous depictions of wild creatures and characters are also common and contribute to a scattered and ambiguous narrative.

Things Go So Wrong?
Mixed Media
Dimensions Variable
2019

To contact the artist:
Instagram: @candles_
#Akinvitrine
www.erincandela.ca

Akin Collective + Akin Projects are excited to present our 2019 programming in two Vitrine Galleries located at Akin Dupont and Akin St. Clair. These miniature galleries feature the diverse talent of our members with travelling installations rotating each month. Each artist will be featured for the first month at Dupont and second month at St. Clair. For more information about our artists and our programming, join us on Instagram @akinvitrine.

‘Things Go So Wrong?’ will be on view for the month of September in our Dupont Akin Vitrine Gallery, located in the Clock Factory Building at 1485 Dupont Street (entrance on Campbell Avenue). Find Akin Studio 215 on the second floor and follow the sign into the hallway around the corner. The building is open from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday.

The exhibition will then travel to the Akin St. Clair Vitrine Gallery and be on view for the month of October at 1747 St. Clair Avenue West. Gallery is street level and can be viewed at any time.

Fall + Winter Workshops at Contemporary Textile Studio Coop

SILKSCREEN PRINTING
with Sharon Epstein
OCTOBER 5, 19, 26 & NOVEMBER 9, 16, 23
Spend three Saturdays building your skills and knowledge of the silkscreen printing process with an experienced instructor who will guide you through the technical and creative aspects of this exciting technique. Open to all skill levels.

WOVEN MATERIALITY - WEAVE A MULTI-FUNCTIONAL CLOTH
with Amanda Wood
SEPTEMBER 15
This workshop will introduce traditional cloth weaving techniques within a contemporary, materials based context. Students will work on pre-warped Ashford rigid heddle looms to create a textured multi-functional cloth. Suitable for all skill levels.

STUDIO PRINT NIGHT
with Erin MacKeen
TUESDAYS (6:00 - 9:00 pm)

Are you looking for a space to work on a printing project? Join us for Print Night and get access to our fully-equipped space to work independently. Technical assistance and screen preparation services available.