About Kemi
Building stronger arts ecosystems with Black & Brown leaders, institutions and networks.
Kemi Ilesanmi is founder and Principal of KGI Projects.
A dynamic culture strategist and leadership coach 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 has 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 Brooklyn Museum of Art, Joan Mitchell Foundation, and Nonprofit New York, 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 with her spouse. She has traveled to over 50 countries, and in 2023, she took a “gap year” to visit India, Mexico, Italy, and 10 incredible African countries from west to east to south - immersing herself in the unique art, architecture, culture, nature, and history of each place.
