ABOUT

OUR STORY

A Legacy That Became a Mission

K Galerie began with a dream long before the gallery officially existed.

In the mid-1990s, my father arrived in Canada from the Congo with the hope of opening a gallery that celebrated Black art and the stories our communities carry. At that time, spaces dedicated to Black artists simply did not exist — and the barriers facing a Black immigrant trying to build anything in the arts were undeniable.

Growing up with his love of art, I found myself drawn into that world. Over the years, I supported Black artists at fairs and exhibitions in Chicago, Toronto, New York, and even the Florence Biennale. Everywhere I went, I met incredibly talented artists whose voices deserved to be heard — yet many lacked access, networks, or institutional support.

K Galerie was born from that legacy: my father’s dream, my lived experience, and the ongoing need to create space for Black artists across Canada.

OUR MISSION

What We Stand For

Our mission is simple but urgent:
to champion Black artists across Canada by creating visibility, opportunity, and long-term support.

We are committed to:

  • Uplifting Black creatives through exhibitions, mentorship, and professional development

  • Building a national platform that reflects the richness of the Black diaspora

  • Providing space — digital and physical — where artists can grow careers, not just showcase work

  • Expanding access to audiences, collectors, institutions, and international networks

  • Ensuring Black cultural expression is preserved, valued, and centered

K Galerie is Black-led, Black-serving, and community-driven. Every decision we make is rooted in our belief that art is a powerful force for cultural pride, storytelling, and economic empowerment.

OUR VISION

Where We Are Going

We envision a future where Black creativity stands at the center of Canada’s artistic landscape.

K Galerie is preparing to open Québec’s first permanent Black contemporary art gallery — a physical home where our artists can exhibit, grow, and belong.

Our vision includes:

A permanent gallery home in Montréal

National reach that supports artists across provinces

Safe, supported pathways to international visibility

Workshops, mentorship, and culturally rooted programming

A space where Black artists feel seen, supported, and connected

Our vision is bold — but necessary.
We are shaping a future where Black creativity thrives, influences culture, and stands at the heart of Canada’s artistic landscape.

OUR FOUNDERS

Alex Kabeya

Itse Hesse