Studio Manager
CurrentAkin was founded in a small loft on Queen West, Toronto in 2008. Initially set up as a small studio for a group of artist friends, the organization has since grown to become the largest provider of shared studios in Toronto. Akin provides affordable rental space to nearly 300 visual artists, designers and other creatives. The studios maintain a friendly and inspiring atmosphere where people can work on creative endeavours and entrepreneurial undertakings of all kinds. Akin Collective is currently comprised of 19 commercial units covering about 30,000sf of space across its seven locations at King W & Spadina Ave, Lansdowne & Bloor, Dupont & Symington, Ossington & Dupont, St.Clair & Keele, River & Dundas W, Victoria Park & Eglinton and soon at the MOCA. In addition to providing affordable studio space Akin has developed a range of arts programming opportunities through the non profit Akin Projects. This includes about 60 events each year in three streams: professional development opportunities for practicing artists, creative workshops and programs, and community engagement projects with marginalized groups. As a matter of principle all Akin events are free or low cost and are open to the public. In many cases Akin partners with other organizations to provide these offerings. Partners have included: AGO, MOCA, CAMH, The Power Plant, Canadian Art Magazine, Ronald McDonald House, West Neighbourhood House, the Drake Hotel, the Gladstone Hotel, Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council, OCADU, Soho House, and Sunday Drive Art Projects.
