Kindred Noir is a multidisciplinary arts and cultural organization creating access, visibility, and opportunities for Black creatives.

Founded by Black woman and fine artist Jayla Trenyce Watkins, Kindred Noir was born from a desire to create the kind of creative community she needed herself—one where Black artists could explore their voices, build their practices, and imagine sustainable creative lives.

Our work spans exhibitions, digital marketing, creative programming, and community initiatives. We curate and program exhibitions through The Corridor Gallery, creating accessible opportunities for emerging and early-career artists to exhibit their work, expand their professional practices, and connect with artists, audiences, and cultural organizers.

Our team is Black-led and brings together diverse creative and professional backgrounds, allowing us to approach our work through multiple perspectives and disciplines.

Kindred Noir began in 2024 with the inaugural Black Student Art Exhibition at Northern Illinois University, created to celebrate Black student artists and create greater visibility for their work. What started as one exhibition has grown into a broader commitment to building the resources, relationships, and spaces creatives need to thrive.

We believe creative access should be more than an opportunity—it should be infrastructure. We’re building it through community, programming, and opportunities that help Black creatives pursue their work fully, unapologetically, and sustainably.