Testimonials

‘Without Akin I really feel like my artistic practice would have been over before it even had a chance to begin in Toronto,” 
- Emma Aurelia, a recent OCADU grad and Akin Career Launcher recipient

Akin is incredibly unique and widely celebrated for its ability to build community and foster a network of support among its artist membership and throughout Toronto's arts sector. Through the delivery of affordable studio production space and responsive, high-calibre professional development and creative programs, Akin provides crucial support and opportunities that benefit hundreds of Ontario artists every year.
- November Paynter, Director of Programs, Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto Canada

As cities like Toronto race to develop more residential and commercial space, artists and other creative workers are routinely being displaced and it has become both difficult and costly to find a space to create in. But Akin, an organization created and led by artists, is ADDING affordable studio space in prime areas of Toronto, and doing it productively and efficiently through creative city building by tapping an underutilized resource in the form of otherwise vacant space. Akin has come up with an ingenious and highly effective approach to utilizing both space and human capital to embed artists in the life of the city
- Ken Greenberg

It’s clear to us at Toronto Arts Council that Akin is a much needed organization. Akin currently provides critically needed, flexible and affordable rental space to hundreds of artists across the city. Run by artists who saw the need for space, Akin took the initiative to work with their community and with building owners to find solutions. Their growth is really remarkable; from one studio for a group of friends in 2008 to now nearly 45,000 square feet of studios in nine locations. Moreover, the unique nature of  flexible rentals affords an artist to rent short term to produce for an upcoming show, or to rent long term as a permanent studio. The collegial nature of the studios allows for conversations to range from technique to taxes, from engaging curators to visit, to working on grant applications together. Given that demand for space is very high, Akin shows willingness to grow and evolve in its quest to help the arts community.
- Claire Hopkinson, Director and CEO, Toronto Arts Council, Toronto Arts Foundation