A PERMANENT HOME TO HONOR BLACK CREATIVITY

Founded by Vivian Phillips, an arts leader with decades of experience working and advocating on behalf of Seattle's creative community, ARTE NOIR initially emerged in May 2021 as an online publication dedicated to showcasing and uplifting Black art, artists, and culture.

As Vivian's vision for ARTE NOIR and the community grew, so has our reach - quite literally. Incorporated as a nonprofit arts organization in June 2021, ARTE NOIR, under the leadership of Executive Director Jazmyn Scott, now boasts a brick-and-mortar location at Midtown Square in Seattle's historic Central District neighborhood.

The anchor retail space complements the existing online publication, celebrating and spotlighting the dynamic creativity of the Black arts community – locally, nationally, and internationally. All products and items in the shop are made by Black creatives who receive 100% of net proceeds from their products and goods sold in the shop.

The location also includes a fine art gallery, which anchors a connection to the Black community, creating a permanent home for Black art and artists in Seattle's Central District, and increasing opportunities to showcase and sell the work of Black artists.

In the coming months, ARTE NOIR will expand to include a small recording studio for training young people in audio and music production. Additionally, an art and maker space will be completed for classes and artist use.

MISSION

To create space, stability, opportunity, and training to
serve the needs of the displaced Black creative community through our
permanent location at Midtown Square.

VISION

Establish a permanent arts and cultural space for a Black art gallery, Black culture retail location, and a small recording studio, all in service to the mission.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

ARTE NOIR seeks to be a gathering place for exploring the dynamic creativity that springs from African and African American culture. With a focus on people, ARTE NOIR shines a light on the makers, thinkers, and doers who are, and have been, innovating in their fields; centering the soulfulness and power of Black art. ARTE NOIR exists to uplift Black artists!