About Us
Celebrating our Roots
K Galerie was founded to honor and continue a family legacy that began when Kabeya's father emigrated from Congo to Canada with the dream of opening an art gallery dedicated to showcasing Black art. However, in 1995, the challenges faced by a Black immigrant trying to establish such a space were immense, with little to no support available.
Despite these obstacles, the family's passion for the arts and their commitment to sharing Black culture and creativity persevered. Inspired by this determination and driven by a deep-rooted love for the arts, K Galerie was established to fulfill the vision that began years earlier. The gallery now stands as a testament to that enduring dream, dedicated to highlighting and showcasing the work of Black artists, ensuring their voices and perspectives are celebrated and recognized.
MISSION
As the first and only Black contemporary art gallery in Montréal and Quebéc as a whole, K Galerie is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting Black artists through exhibitions, workshops, and community engagement. Our mission is to provide a platform for artistic expression and foster a deeper appreciation of Black art within the Quebéc community and beyond.
To become a leading cultural hub that amplifies the voices of Black artists, celebrates diversity in art, and creates lasting opportunities for Black creatives to thrive. We envision a future where Black art is not only celebrated globally but also recognized as a driving force for social change, cultural preservation, and creative innovation
Through various programs, events, and initiatives, we aim to support and empower these artists by offering opportunities for exposure, collaboration, and professional growth. Our commitment is to create an inclusive and vibrant arts ecosystem that honors the legacy and ongoing contributions of African, Caribbean, and Black artists, ensuring their voices are heard and their stories are told.
VISION
OUR guiding principles & CORE VALUES
Empowerment and Representation : We empower and amplify the voices of Black artists, ensuring that their stories, cultures, and talents are represented in the art world and beyond.
Core Values Includes
Inclusion & Diversity
Empowerment
Community Building
Accessibility
Creativity and Excellence : We champion creativity, innovation, and cultural excellence by honoring Black heritage while inspiring future generations through education and artistic expression.
Core Values Includes
Cultural Preservation
Education
Collaboration
Sustainability
Excellence & Integrity
Innovation
Sustainability and Collaboration : We promote sustainability and collaboration, ensuring long-term growth for artists and fostering partnerships that extend the reach and impact of Black art.
Core Values Includes
Kabeya Nkongolo
Founder & Executive Director
Alex Kabeya is a passionate and ambitious art dealer, born in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. From a very young age, he developed a love for art in all its forms, ranging from painting to sculpture and photography. His insatiable curiosity drove him to explore various artistic movements, from the classics to the more contemporary.
After a brief stint at university where he took art history courses while studying religious studies, Alex decided to venture into the art world as a dealer. Driven by a desire to promote talented young artists and make art more accessible to the general public, he founded a gallery specializing in the works of emerging and professional contemporary artists.
Thanks to his experience and ability to build trusting relationships with clients in the contemporary art market, Alex Kabeya stands out for his passion, creativity, and innovative vision. He regularly participates in exhibitions, art fairs, and biennials, highlighting emerging talents and seeking to establish connections between artists and collectors.
With his determination and contagious enthusiasm, Alex Kabeya is determined to make his mark in the art world. His journey as a budding art dealer promises to be full of challenges and opportunities, but he is convinced that his passion for art and his dedication to artists will make him a key player in the contemporary art world.
Itse Hesse
Co-founder & Director of Operation
With a diverse and impressive career, Itse has gained extensive expertise in brand management, program coordination, marketing, and nonprofit leadership.
Itse began as a Brand Manager at Cascade Gear, where they developed innovative and effective brand strategies. Her passion for community development led them to work part-time as a Program Coordinator for the Federation of Black Canadians, contributing to important community initiatives.
Subsequently, Itse served as a Marketing Coordinator at Keela, a software company dedicated to helping nonprofits, reinforcing their mission to support those who help others. In parallel, She founded and ran Black Girl Collective, a nonprofit organization aimed at empowering and supporting Black girls and women.
Currently, Itse is the Executive Director of Vansuya Food Bank, where they oversee operations and strategies to combat food insecurity. In addition to this crucial role, She is also the the driving force behind the scenes at K Galerie.
Itse’s career journey reflects their dedication to both business innovation and community engagement, making them an inspiring and versatile leader.