5 Things ARTNOIR Learned in a Decade of Supporting Black Artists

Founded in 2013, ARTNOIR has over a decade of experience in championing Black voices in the arts. As part of Black History Month, Artsy asked the collective of curators and cultural voices—founded by Larry Ossei-Mensah, Carolyn “CC” Concepcion, Danny Báez, Isis Arias, Jane Aiello, Melle Hock, and Nadia Nascimento—to share what they’ve learned about supporting Black and Brown creatives.

As an organization dedicated to championing artists and cultural equity, ARTNOIR is constantly navigating the shifting landscape of the art world and society at large. We build genuine relationships through intimate gatherings, collaborative projects, and direct dialogue, creating spaces where people feel seen, understood, supported, and heard. Since ARTNOIR’s founding, the landscape of diversity and equity in the arts has evolved significantly, though there’s still much work to be done. A decade ago, conversations about representation and inclusion were often sidelined, but today, they’re at the forefront of the art world’s discourse.

Over the years, ARTNOIR has learned several key lessons about navigating the art world as a platform dedicated to uplifting the voices of Black and Brown creatives and opening up access to those interested in art to learn, grow, and be inspired. These lessons have shaped our approach and reinforced the importance of our mission:

One of the most important lessons we’ve learned is the power of community. The art world can often feel isolating and uninviting, especially for Black and Brown creatives and communities of color interested in the arts who are underrepresented and at times undervalued. By fostering a sense of belonging and creating spaces where people can connect, share ideas, and support one another, we’ve seen how transformative collective energy can be. Community is about building relationships that sustain and uplift.

While representation is vital, we’ve learned that access is equally important. It’s not enough to simply showcase Black and Brown artists; we must also create pathways for them to thrive. This means providing resources and opportunities like our Jar of Love Microgrant, which has distributed nearly $300,000 in grants to Black and Brown artists, curators, and cultural producers globally. This initiative was created to address the systemic barriers that marginalized creatives face, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Jar of Love Microgrant is more than financial support—it’s a lifeline. It has enabled artists, creatives, and cultural workers to sustain their practices, launch new projects, and take creative risks. For many, this support has been transformative, leading to groundbreaking work and greater recognition in the art world.

The same relates to engaging communities of color, who are often not targeted or engaged with the arts, to feel welcomed to art environments that they are often excluded from. ARTNOIR has worked to open more pathways to possibilities.

ARTNOIR’s authenticity—our commitment to centering Black and Brown voices and experiences—has resonated deeply with our community. People can sense when something is genuine, and that authenticity has been key to building trust and credibility in the art world.

Navigating the art world as a platform for voices that have been pushed to the periphery requires collaboration. We’ve learned that we can’t do this work alone. By partnering with like-minded organizations, artists, and institutions, we’ve been able to amplify our impact and create opportunities that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. Collaboration allows us to pool resources, share knowledge, and reach new audiences.

Finally, we’ve learned that ARTNOIR’s work is part of a larger movement for equity, parity, and justice in the art world and beyond. It’s not just about what we’re doing today; it’s about the legacy we’re building for future generations. This perspective keeps us grounded and reminds us why this work is so important. It’s not just about art—it’s about creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to see themselves reflected, valued, and celebrated.