A PERMANENT HOME TO HONOR BLACK CREATIVITY
About Arte Noir
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 the 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.
Our physical space complements our online publication, serving as a dynamic hub that features a gift shop and a fine art gallery, creating a permanent home for Black art and artists in Seattle's Central District. 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.
In the coming months, the Barbara Earl Thomas Maker Space will be available for classes, workshops, and artists, and our Source of Labor Recording Studio will offer music and audio production education in partnership with The Residency, further expanding our commitment to supporting the arts. Join our community to stay connected with upcoming exhibitions, artist spotlights, and ways to support Black creatives in Seattle and beyond.
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 and innovators.
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.
OUR WORK
Our state-of-the-art gallery anchors a connection to the Black community, creating a permanent home for Black art and artists in Seattle's Central District, while increasing opportunities to showcase and sell their work.
The museum-style gift shop is filled with products by Black makers, including art prints, beauty products, jewelry, books, and more. Creatives receive 100% of the net proceeds from every sale.
Black Canvas is our monthly editorial magazine. In addition to spotlighting art and stories shaping the culture, each edition highlights one creator, offering a closer look at the inspiration and vision behind their work.
Square events invite space to enjoy dance, fitness, concerts, pop-up markets, guest art exhibitions, fashion shows, chef dinners, and more, all with community building at the core.
From public and private art commissions to speaking engagements, performing arts requests, residencies, retreats, workshops, and more, the roster is a singular location for artists to discover and apply for available opportunities.
The maker space offers a free location for creative production, where artists can learn, experiment, and grow.
A barrier-free zone for youth to explore creative expression through music production, the studio is hosted in partnership with The Residency, and built in honor of the late Jonathan Moore.
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.
