Call for Submissions: Akin x BigArtTO
The Echoes of Community

Akin is thrilled to be partnering with BigArtTO as part of ArtworxTO this fall with three projections happening at Summerville Pool (1867 Lake Shore Blvd E at Woodbine Ave), Etobicoke Civic Centre (Burnhamthorpe Rd at The West Mall) and Piccininni Community Centre (St Clair Ave W & Lansdowne Ave). We intend to select four artists per site, to have their artwork projected onto these buildings. Akin is inviting all current or alumni Akin Members who live or work in the City of Toronto to submit one artwork for consideration responding to the theme of “The Echoes of Community”. We would love to know: How do collective and community rooted experiences radically reimagine art practices? How does ancestral knowledge of the past and the future inspire our making? What is revolutionary about community ties and how do we utilize those connections to upend oppressive systems? Existing work or sketches / renderings of proposals for new work will be accepted. Images of the final artworks may be included in marketing materials. Please indicate on your application if you would like to be considered for a specific projection site. Your location preference will be considered by the jury. However, the overall consistency of the selected projects will be prioritized. Artists will be selected for one of the three locations.

Submission deadline: Friday September 3rd 2021 *Extended to September 7th 2021

There are three locations where these activations will take place:

Summerville Pool (1867 Lake Shore Blvd E)
Wednesday October 6th - Saturday October 9th, 7:15pm - 10:15pm
Etobicoke Civic Centre (399 The West Mall)
Wednesday October 13 - Saturday October 16th, 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Piccininni Community Centre (1369 St. Clair Ave W)
Wednesday October 27 - Saturday October 30th, 6:30pm - 9:30pm

Compensation:
An artist fee of $800 CAD will be paid to each selected artist

Timeline:
Application due by: Friday September 3rd 2021, 11:59pm *Extended to September 7th 2021
Artworks reviewed & selection: First week of September
Artists to be notified by: September 10th 2021
Final artworks due: Date depending on location selected for
*Artists will be required to invoice for payment

To Apply:
Applications should be submitted by email to laura@akincollective.com with the subject line “Akin x BigArtTO” no later than Friday September 3rd at 11:59pm

In a single PDF please submit the following:

A brief biography of yourself and your practice. (max 200 words)
A brief artist statement responding to the theme of “The Echoes of Community” (max 500 words)
Artist CV (max 2 pages)
1-3 high quality images of the existing work or renderings of unique works you are submitting for consideration as well as any related links to your work online that you would like to share. (Weblink or social media link)
Contact information - including phone number, email address, website and Instagram username if available.

We welcome and encourage applications from members of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. Adapting the Toronto Arts Council’s Equity Priority Group Policy, applicants who self-identify as belonging to one (or more) of Toronto Arts Council’s Equity Priority Groups (Persons of Colour, Deaf Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Persons Living with Mental Illness, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIAP) will all be prioritized.

Applicants who require additional resources, support or time to complete their applications can request as such. Please request this assistance at least one week in advance of the submission deadline. To do so, or for additional information, please contact laura@akincollective.com

*Please note, the jury consists of: Alexander Robinson, Özge Aytekin & Yasmeen Nematt Alla

Successful applicants will be contacted by email no later than : September 10 2021