Akin was founded in 2008 in a small loft on Queen West in Toronto. Initially set up as a small studio for a group of artist friends, the organization, still entirely artist run, has since grown to become the largest provider of shared studios in Toronto. Akin provides low-cost 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 is currently comprised of about 35,000sf of space across its eight locations. Akin operates on both long- and short-term leases (sometimes activating spaces just prior to their redevelopment) and partners with property owners for the social and cultural benefit of providing affordable studio space for creatives and community activation for the general public. Our real estate partners have included: Allied REIT, Capital Developments, Castlepoint NUMA, Marlin Spring, Percy Ellis, Quadreal, TAS, Toronto Arts Council, and Waterfront Toronto. In addition to providing affordable studio space Akin has developed a range of arts programming opportunities including about 50 events each year including community art events, site activations, exhibitions as well as creative and professional development workshops. Akin's programming partners have included: AGO, MOCA, CAMH, The Power Plant, 401 Richmond, 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 Wealthsimple.