KINK Contemporary was founded in 2019 by Anna Young and McKenzie Beynon. The two met in 2011 while studying photography at the University of Akron. By 2014 graduation was quickly approaching, and the requirement of an off-site exhibition was looming over both of their heads. They noticed this was difficult for them, and many of their peers, and that there was a significant lack of exhibition spaces for emerging artists. So they pledged to create an inclusive space for emerging and established artists alike. 

As time passed, and Anna moved to Detroit to obtain her MFA in photography at Cranbrook Academy of Art. McKenzie stayed in Akron to pursue a career in gallery directing and art handling, and began gaining experience at galleries, museums, and art fairs. By 2018, Anna had graduated and returned to Akron, and McKenzie had moved to Cleveland, working as a full-time art handler. Then, one night while attending 78th Street Studios Third Friday art walk, they noticed a vacancy in the building and saw an opportunity to make their dream into a reality. 

In February 2019, they opened their doors, and KINK Contemporary was born. Throughout the last four years, they have taken pride in themselves by providing a platform for both emerging and established artists and being there for them in a multitude of ways. They constantly remind themselves how lucky they are that the artists who have exhibited with KINK leave as friends. Likewise, students and young artists are and always will be an essential part of what KINK does as they are the next generation shaping the future of the arts. By fostering an inclusive environment where they aim to build sincere and authentic relationships with both artists and patrons, they hope to inspire more spaces like KINK to emerge and populate the scene.