OCAD U CAREER LAUNCHERS

2026 Akin Career Launcher

OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

OCAD University’s RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designersand Akin have partnered since 2016 to offer this amazing annual opportunity exclusive to OCAD U graduating artists. Two(2) successful applicants will be awarded $2,000 in credits to go towards a studio space at Akin’s shared work spaces in 2026-2027, and $450 in credit for use at Remote Gallery!  

This is an amazing opportunity to become part of a larger creative community and gain access to the excellent multidisciplinary facilities that Akin has to offer. Drawing & Painting, Integrated Media, Indigenous Visual Studies, Cross Cross-Disciplinary Art: Life Studies, Sculpture & Installation, and Interdisciplinary Art, Media and Design students in their graduating year are invited to apply.

Akin is a Toronto-based arts organization that provides creative studio space as well as arts-based programming. Akin's studios provide a working environment that maintains a friendly and inspiring atmosphere where people can work on creative endeavors and entrepreneurial undertakings of all kinds. Akin builds community through a variety of programming including workshops, open studio events, gallery tours, exhibitions, as well as various other art projects.

Remote Gallery is Akin’s dedicated exhibition and programming space located at 568 Richmond Street West. Remote Gallery provides opportunities for artists and members of the public to rent space for various types of programming. The multi-use space is available for single or multiple day rentals for exhibitions, workshops, artist talks, readings, presentations, pop-ups and other artistic programs.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Please provide the following information in one PDF document:

• Full contact information (Name, phone, and email)
• Current resume or CV 
• Website and/or social media
• A brief statement/bio that contextualizes your overall practice (150 words max)
• A statement of interest that contextualizes your intent to use the studio and outlines the significance of the opportunity (400 words max)
• Creative portfolio. Include 5-7 sample support images of past artwork in a single PDF

INFO-SESSION & TOUR

Wednesday, December 3, 2025. 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Akin Remote Gallery, 568a Richmond St. West, Toronto
RSVP: <Link TBD>

Join us for this info-session if you are thinking about applying to Akin Studios Career Launcher. You will hear from Farah Yusuf, OCAD U CEAD Special Projects Coordinator, about theAkin Career Launcher and how to put together a strong application. Renato Baldin, Gallery Manager at Remote Gallery, will speak to the many ways Remote Gallery can be utilized and show some examples from previous Akin Career Launcher recipients’ exhibitions and events. Charlotte Van Ryn, Studio Manager at Akin Richmond-Bathurst, will give an overview of Akin’s studio locations and memberships, and lead a studio tour of Akin’s Richmond-Bathurst location after the info session.

APPLICATION SUPPORT

The OCAD U RBC CEAD is committed to promoting substantive equality for equity-seeking groups that are under-represented in the creative sector. We encourage applications from first-time applicants to the program and graduates of equity-seeking communities including racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities / expressions. Applicants are welcome to advise the CEAD of any accommodations needed to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process. 

Applicants who need assistance with their submissions are invited to connect with the RBC CEAD for Advising support. Click here to learn more about how to book an advising appointment.