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
ARTE NOIR celebrates and sustains Black art, artists, and culture by cultivating inclusive spaces, fostering opportunities, and honoring community alongside the diversity and vitality of Black creativity.
VISION
ARTE NOIR envisions a world where the creativity rooted in the culture of the African diaspora illuminates new possibilities and realities for all. With a deep reverence for community and the soulful power of Black art, we uplift and celebrate the Black artists, makers, thinkers, and doers who shape and innovate in their fields.
UNIQUE CONTRIBUTIONS
ARTE NOIR's unique and sustainable nonprofit-business hybrid model directly invests in Black artists and makers through upfront purchasing and creative collaboration. By doing this, the organization’s model amplifies Black ownership, culture, and economic impact like no other entity does.
ARTE NOIR also enjoys a strong reputation built by its partnerships, collaborations, and community programming.
MEET THE BOARD
Juan Alonso-Rodríguez
Karinda Harris
Donna Moodie
Eric Gerard Parsons
