Happy New Year from Akin!

Looking back at 2023 and looking forward to 2024!

Dear Akin Community,

Goodbye 2023 and hello 2024! We are so excited for the new year, but before moving forward we wanted to take time to reflect on the incredible journey we've had together in the past year. 2023 was a whirlwind of creativity, growth, and community spirit, we're excited to share some highlights with you.

2023 Studio Highlights

Map with all of Akin’s current locations including, Akin Yonge-St Clair, Akin Richmond-Bathurst, and Akin Davisville which were launched in 2023.

Image Description: Map of Toronto with Akin’s seven locations.

In the spirit of evolution, we said heartfelt goodbyes to four of our studios over the last year: Akin Bloor-Yonge, Akin Stockyards, Akin Waterfront and the Akin Studio Program at Auto BLDG. It is always a challenge for our team and our members when a studio closes, and we work closely with every member to relocate them to new studios at other Akin locations. In order to do that, we had to open new spaces! In 2023 we introduced Akin Yonge-St Clair, Akin Richmond-Bathurst, and our newest space Akin Davisville!

For those who might have missed our exciting December 15th announcement amid the holiday hustle, don't worry! Catch up on the details and discover the availability of Akin Davisville studios, with upcoming open studio dates here.

2023 Programming Highlights

Catherine Tàmmaro, Fire Over Water Exhibition,
at Remote Gallery

Image Description: Exhibition photograph of ‘Fire Over Water’ at Remote Gallery. There are sculptural objects in the space including clothing and animal antlers, and framed paintings on the wall.

It’s been an inspiring year, filled with powerful art we were proud to facilitate. Our first large exhibition of 2023 was inspired by Dr. Kathryn Magee Labelle’s book, Daughters of Aataentsic: Life Stories From Seven Generations, in conjunction with the Wendat Wyandot Women's Advisory Council: Fire Over Water Exhibition at Remote Gallery by Akin's Indigenous Elder Artist in Residence, Wyandot multimedia artist and Tradition Keeper Catherine Tammaro (Taǫmęˀšreˀ) was presented at Remote Gallery for four weeks in February and March 2023.

Following that, Akin was pleased to participate in the 2023 edition of Artist Project Toronto with the Akin Member exhibition at the Artist Project featuring work by members of the Akin Studio Program at Auto BLDG.

“In the Middle” a celebration of Canadian-Middle Eastern and North African Artists Exhibition at Remote Gallery

Image Description: “In the Middle” Exhibition at Remote Gallery Many artworks hung on the wall and on tables. Several people are seen looking at the art and conversing.

We were honoured to be able to share the creativity of our community with you all year long! More exhibition highlights include our collaboration with Pride Toronto to present Narcissus by Renato Baldin in June, and our series of summer exhibitions at Remote Gallery by winners of the OCADU Career Launcher Award, and the Newcomer Space Awards throughout July and August! And of course, in November Akin celebrated our 15th Anniversary! We’re grateful to all who joined us at our in-person celebration at Remote Gallery, and are excited to share this video with you to highlight the evening of memories and nostalgia:

15 Years of Akin

Video by Tiana Robinson

Watch the video here

We also were proud to share virtual programming with you throughout the year. Thanks to those who followed along on our blog with our Akin Member Highlights series, and on Instagram with our Akin Instagram Takeover series. The incredible talent and creative spirit of our members never ceases to amaze us and we hope to introduce you to more of our members in the coming year!

What to Look Forward to in 2024

Get ready for an exciting new year with Akin! Stay tuned for news about community programming and more new studio locations in the coming year. Meanwhile, you can look forward to the upcoming Vitrine Gallery exhibition by the talented artist Tam Phan. The Akin Vitrine Gallery is located at 1747 St Clair Ave West and is viewable from the street at any time. Tam’s installation will be up from January 29 to March 9, 2024.

Akin staff at the Akin 15th Anniversary celebration.

Image description: Five Akin staff members smile for a photo in a brightly decorated room with coloured streamers and photos on the walls.

A heartfelt thank you to our members, whose creativity knows no bounds. To our dedicated team, it’s your hard work that makes Akin thrive. And to our vibrant community, your enthusiasm sustains the Akin spirit. Here's to the collaborative magic we've created together!

As we step into 2024, we invite you to be a part of our journey. Your support makes all the difference, and if you feel inspired, please consider contributing to Akin Projects here.