The holidays bring us closer together as we take time to celebrate family, friends, the gift of life, the spirit of generosity, and the turning of our calendars to a new year. At the end of each year we often find ourselves planning to reset and start fresh in the new year. For some of us, Kwanzaa principles help us take stock of the ways we function in the world. The seven principles of Kwanzaa are:
Umoja (Unity) To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race. ...
Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) ...
Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) ...
Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) ...
Nia (Purpose) ...
Kuumba (Creativity) ...
Imani (Faith)
At ARTE NOIR, our daily practice is rooted in the Kwanzaa principle NIA (Purpose).
Over two years ago when we first considered the possibility of expanding our footprint by creating a physical space, our first consideration was to firmly understand our purpose. Our mission easily articulated that purpose:
To create space, stability, opportunity, and training to serve the needs of the displaced Black creative community.
To accomplish this mission we committed to investing in the process of repairing the damage done to Seattle's Black community through a history of restrictive covenants, redlined banking practices, anti-Black government policies, and gentrification. Our investment has not only provided an anchor space in the historic Black community to showcase the creative excellence and diversity of Black artists, but it has also led us to ownership. Our ownership is about creating stability and authority to lead our own destinty. The creation of a long-term legacy is the direction our purpose has taken us, and as Executive Director Jazmyn Scott so eloquently articulated in her email earlier this month, there are several other ways that our purpose manifests.
Our investment has not only provided an anchor space in the historic Black community to showcase the creative excellence and diversity of Black artists, but it has also led us to ownership.
Truth is, each Kwanzaa principle is at work at ARTE NOIR throughout the entire year. As this year comes to a close, we hope you will consider a gift to ARTE NOIR and invest in our purpose. Our work continues and with your support, our ability to be an anchor for celebrating the rich legacy of Black art and culture while also driving positive economic outcomes for Black creators will be strengthened. We've accomplished a lot and still have more to do to maintain the momentum of sustainable revitalization of the Central District community and support for Black artists and makers.
Your gift of $10, $100, or $1,000, or any amount you feel called to give will help us maintain our focus on the purpose that led us here. Your contribution will also help us:
Continue to put money in the hands of Black artists and makers
Expand our curatorial vision by specifically engaging Black women curators
Provide free and low-cost music production programming to youth upon the completion of our recording studio buildoutÂ
Provide a free space for hands-on classes, workshops, activities, and presentations; as well as a dedicated workspace for artists in our soon-to-open maker space
 So much more...
And don't forget, if you're looking for unique holiday gifts, ARTE NOIR has you covered.
Happy holidays,
Vivian Phillips, Founder + Board President
Jazmyn Scott, Executive Director
