We build stronger Black and Brown arts ecosystems with invested leaders, institutions, and networks.
Purpose
KGI Projects cultivates strong and sustainable Black and Brown arts ecosystems through consulting, mentoring, and connecting arts leaders, institutions, and networks across the US and African diaspora.
Vision
We believe that robust, interconnected, and resilient arts ecosystems are essential to a world in which Black and Brown people can truly thrive wherever they live. To help budding art ecologies grow and flourish, we need sustained and visionary support across and within Black and Brown geographies.
Values
KGI Projects lives these principles:
1) Assume abundance
2) Foster connections
3) Multiply knowledge
4) Center joy
5) Manifest dreams
Kemi Ilesanmi is Founder and Principal of KGI Projects.
A dynamic arts strategist and leader with over 25 years of experience in the arts sector, she has served as executive leader, foundation officer, and museum curator.
Kemi was executive director of The Laundromat Project, a nationally-recognized and community-based arts organization in New York City from 2012-2022. Under her leadership, The LP grew its staff, budget & impact tenfold, including a significant award from Mackenzie Scott and attaining a long-term community home in Central Brooklyn.
Kemi led development of the organization’s pioneering POC-Centered Principles and Create Change Institute for ethical and joyful community-responsive art practices. In 2021-22, she was a founding partner of HueArts NYC, a catalytic map, directory, and report focused on POC-centered arts organizations in New York City.
Prior to that, Kemi served as Director of Grants and Services at Creative Capital Foundation and visual arts curator at the Walker Art Center. Kemi contributes to scholarship through speaking engagements and platforms, including Brooklyn Museum, Creative Time, The New School, Artnet News, and The Art World: What If…?!, among others.
Kemi was appointed by the Mayor of New York City to the Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission for seven years, including two as Chair. She has been featured in the New York Times, among Brooklyn Magazine's 50 most fascinating people, and on The Observer’s annual list of the Arts Power 50. She has been honored by the Metropolitan Museum and Project for Empty Space. Currently, she serves on the boards of the Andy Warhol Foundation, Joan Mitchell Foundation, 32 Degrees East (Uganda), and Brooklyn Museum of Art, as well as several advisory boards. She is a graduate of Smith College, New York University, and Coro Leadership NY.
Kemi is proudly of Nigerian and Black American descent. She lives in Brooklyn NY with her spouse. She has traveled to over 50 countries, and in 2023, she took a “gap year” to visit 13 countries, including 10 in Africa from west to east to south - immersing herself in the unique art, architecture, culture, nature, and history of each place.
