Akk

There’s a quiet electricity in the way Akram moves through the world. The pause before the shutter. The moment just before everything aligns.   Listening to him talk about photography feels like standing beside him as time slows. Watching anticipation turn into instinct. That split second when light, place, and feeling meet, and something real is held still. Akram’s journey began right here. In his neighbourhood. In moments that opened a door he didn’t know he was ready to walk through. What started as curiosity became a way of seeing. A way of remembering. A way of holding onto moments that won’t ever return the same way twice.   This video portrait, filmed by Laura Dittmann as part of the RBC @rbc Emerging Artist program, captures Akram Yacout in his own words, in his own rhythm. Thoughtful. Grounded. Always chasing light.   Watch Akram’s video portrait about golden moments, anticipation, and learning how to see what’s already there.   Jamii’s Emerging Artist program uplifts young artists by connecting them with mentorship opportunities that spark growth, collaboration, and community impact.   Produced by Jamii Esplanade Artist: Akram Yacout @akktivated Project Director: Isorine Marc @isorine.marc Filmmaker & Editor: Laura Dittmann @lauradittmann Interview Lead & B-Rolls: Iris Unlu @isinunlu     This video is supported by the RBC Foundation’s Emerging Artist Program. #AkramYacout #RBCfoundation #EmergingArtists #JamiiEsplanade #thejamiihub

EMERGING ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Akram Yacout | Supported by RBC Foundation’s Emerging Artist Program We’re proud to celebrate Akram @akktivated , a Toronto-based photographer whose journey with Jamii’s Emerging Artist Program marked an inspiring step forward in his artistic growth and confidence. Rooted in the downtown community, Akram began photography as a hobby in 2016, a creative outlet that has since become his true passion. Through his lens, he captures authentic emotion and the beauty in everyday life, inviting viewers to pause, reflect, and connect. As part of Jamii’s mentorship program, Akram worked closely with mentors Laura Ditmann @lauradittmann and Jae Yang @silentjae , gaining new insights into both the artistic and technical sides of photography. Laura guided him in visual storytelling, capturing the energy of live events and the intimacy of portraits, while Jae helped him deepen his understanding of focus, lighting, and timing. Akram shared: “Working with Jamii was a big step for me, both as a person and as an artist. It gave me the chance to see my photography in a new way and to push myself past where I thought I was. I learned how powerful mentorship and community can be, how much growth can happen when you’re in the right environment.” ​ His mentors echoed that growth, praising his natural eye for framing, sense of timing, and spirit of experimentation. Through Jamii’s Emerging Artist Program, Akram not only sharpened his technical skills but also found renewed confidence and direction in his creative path. We can’t wait to see where his camera takes him next. Thank you to @rbc Foundation for supporting mentorship and artistic growth within our community. 💙 #JamiiEsplanade #EmergingArtistProgram #RBCEmergingArtists #ShootForPeace

🎨 New Mural At The St Lawrence Market! 🎨 In July, Jamii partnered with the @stlawrencemarket to bring another stunning and vibrant artwork to life - located on the south side of the Market (Esplanade St.). This year’s mural, “Across Dimensions”, created by 16 youth, explores the theme of living together while coming from different spaces, with our beloved Market as the heart and gathering place of our shared community. From brainstorming the concept to the final brushstrokes, the youth artists shaped every step of this incredible project. 👏 Huge thanks to lead artist Jieun Kim @junekima.rt and assisting artist Tina Abdelbasit for their creativity and leadership, and to photographers Laura Dittmann @lauradittmann and Akram Yacout @akktivated for beautifully capturing the journey. Both Tina and Akram are Jamii’s 2025 Emerging Artists, supported by the @rbc Foundation - and we’re so grateful to Jieun and Laura for mentoring them through this experience. ✨ Stop by the Market, check out the mural, and let us know what you think! #JamiiEsplanade #CommunityArt #EmergingArtists #AcrossDimensions #StLawrenceMarket #PublicArt

SOMETHING WORTH FIGHTING FOR

📸 Spotlight on Emerging Artist: Akram Yacout 📸   Akram @akktivated is not only local to The Esplanade, but also a talented photographer whose journey we are proud to support through the @rbc Foundation Emerging Artist Program.    Since joining Jamii’s emerging artist program, Akram has been capturing some of our beautiful Summer moments, including these incredible shots from this year’s Wayo Festival.   What started as a hobby in 2016 has grown into a true passion, shaping the way he sees and connects with the world. Now part of Shoot for Peace @shootforpeace_ and Jamii’s emerging artist mentorship program, Akram is sharpening his craft and stepping confidently into photography at a professional level.   Specializing in live event photography, Akram has an eye for detail and timing that brings out the authentic emotion and energy of every moment. Through his lens, he creates space for reflection - inviting viewers to pause, feel, and discover the beauty and meaning in the everyday.    Special thanks to RBC Foundation for supporting our Emerging Artist program. Photos by Akram are featuring artists @patrick_debelen @michaelmortley @queenhezumuryango @heyaliki @duppyvibe @ximenita.loayza @facepaintingwithlinda   #JamiiEsplanade #RBCEmergingArtist #WayoFestival #LocalTalent #ShootForPeace #PhotographyMagic

Where the wild things are👹💐

Came from the bottom look how we made elevation📈😮‍💨

Thank god for what I am experiencing right now🙏🏽💯

Niggas can’t out snake me imma king cobra🐍🤮

In a golden state of mind✨✨

Starboy💫🤩