IDEA Leader: An individual or group who has amplified the voices and vision of artists in the community or has strengthened inclusion, diversity, equity and access for and within the arts.
KINK Contemporary
KINK Contemporary is an experimental exhibition space founded in 2019. Their mission is to connect artists—both established and emerging — who have a unique voice and technique to people of all ages and backgrounds. This is an exhibition space founded by artists for artists. KINK Contemporary works hard to promote creative passion, working with each artist and listening to their needs and suggestions to continually improve their mission. KINK Contemporary was co-founded by McKenzie Beynon and Anna E. Young.
McKenzie Beynon is a passionate advocate for the arts with more than a decade of diverse experience. She holds a B.F.A. in Photography from The University of Akron and is currently an M.A. candidate in UA’s Arts Administration program. Beynon has curated and juried numerous exhibitions, served as director of multiple galleries, and showcased her photography in solo exhibitions. Currently, Beynon plays a crucial role at The Nightlight, where her work is vital to the Second Screen Expansion and ongoing Capital Campaign. As a proud alumna of The Myers School of Art, she has a deep and enduring connection to her hometown of Akron, OH.
Anna E. Young is a fine art photographer and arts advocate. She holds an M.F.A. in Photography from Cranbrook Academy of Art and a B.F.A. from the University of Akron, with minors in Printmaking, Art History, and Professional Photography. Young works full-time at the Massillon Museum as administrative assistant and social media manager and is the MassMusings podcast producer. She is also an assistant lecturer at the University of Akron, Myers School of Art in the 2D Design department. In her free time, she creates photographs, prints, and silicone sculptures revolving around contemporary social issues, body dysmorphia, and mortality.
