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African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program records

 Collection
Identifier: A080

Scope and Content Note

This collection documents many of the art exhibitions and activities hosted by the African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program in its first decade. It contains administrative documentation such as memoranda to resident artists, correspondence, exhibition publications, slides and information about resident and affiliated artists, press, and newsletters. The newsletters include information about events, promotions and appointments, awards and grant, and photos of artists at various exhibitions. Other publications include flyers, posters, invitations to events, descriptive brochures, and schedules. There are also certificates from the Mayor of Boston, the Boston City Council, and the Governor of Massachusetts. The Exhibitions files include materials from AAMARP exhibitions and other exhibitions featuring AAMARP artists. The Press files contain exhibition advertisements, newspaper articles about the program and resident artists, and reviews of AAMARP exhibitions.

Dates

  • Creation: 1976-2003
  • Creation: Majority of material found within 1977-1988

Creator

Language of Materials

Materials entirely in English.

Conditions Governing Access:

This collection is unrestricted.

Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use:

Copyright restrictions may apply.

Historical Note

The African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program (AAMARP) began in 1974 when Northeastern University provided studio space to artist Dana Chandler. Established officially in 1977, the program was the first African American artist-in-residence program in the United States, providing studio space on an annually renewable basis to visual artists. The first exhibition by African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program debuted at Boston City Hall in 1977. Between 1978 and 1988, the organization held approximately ten openings a year. Originally located on Leon Street in the old Ruggles building, the program moved in 1988 to its current location at 76 Atherton Street in Jamaica Plain, Boston.

Chronology

1974
Northeastern University makes studio space available for African American artist Dana Chandler. In exchange, Chandler teaches courses at the university.
1974-1976
Chandler paints, teaches at Northeastern University, opens the studio to the community for meetings, and invites several local black artists to establish studios at 11 Leon St.
1977
African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program (AAMARP) officially established; Chandler becomes its first director.
1978
African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program's debut exhibition is held at Boston's City Hall.
1978-1988
African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program holds approximately ten exhibits a year and garners critical acclaim.
1988
African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program moves from Leon Street (old Ruggles building) to 76 Atherton Street, Jamaica Plain.
1988
Boston City Council recognizes African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program for its dedication and contributions to the city.
1988
African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program receives several awards, including a Governor's citation and a State Senate citation, for its contribution to the growth of African American and American art.
1990
During the City's commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Boston City Mayor Raymond G. Flynn recognizes the African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program and the artists for their presentation of images in the Boston City Hall relating to the principles of Dr. King.
1991-1993
African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program faces budget cuts, resulting in resignation of Dana Chandler.
1993
Administration of the African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program is placed under the African American Studies department.

Extent

1.15 cubic feet (2 containers, 2 flat file folders)

Overview

The African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program (AAMARP) began in 1974 when Northeastern University provided studio space to artist Dana Chandler. Established officially in 1977, the program was the first African American artist-in-residence program in the United States, providing studio space on an annually renewable basis to visual artists. The first exhibition by African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program debuted at Boston City Hall in 1977. Between 1978 and 1988, the organization held approximately ten openings a year. Originally located on Leon Street in the old Ruggles building, the program moved in 1988 to its current location at 76 Atherton Street in Jamaica Plain, Boston.

Overview

This collection documents many of the art exhibitions and activities hosted by the African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program in its first decade. It contains administrative documentation such as memoranda to resident artists, correspondence, exhibition publications, slides and information about resident and affiliated artists, press, and newsletters. The newsletters include information about events, promotions and appointments, awards and grant, and photos of artists at various exhibitions. Other publications include flyers, posters, invitations to events, descriptive brochures, and schedules. There are also certificates from the Mayor of Boston, the Boston City Council, and the Governor of Massachusetts. The Exhibitions files include materials from AAMARP exhibitions and other exhibitions featuring AAMARP artists. The Press files contain exhibition advertisements, newspaper articles about the program and resident artists, and reviews of AAMARP exhibitions.

System of Arrangement:

Arranged in one alphabetical sequence.

Physical Location

31/2, 33/4, FF4/D7, FF4/D10

Immediate Source of Acquisition:

The collection was transferred from the African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program.

Bibliography

  • Frederick, Antoinette. Northeastern University, Coming of Age: The Ryder Years, 1975-1989. Boston: Northeastern University, 1995.
  • History and Goals, Folder 5, Box 2.
Title
Finding aid for the African American Artists-in-Residence Program Records
Author
Finding aid prepared by Cynthia Rufo
Date
February 5, 2009
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Northeastern University Archives and Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Snell Library
360 Huntington Avenue
Boston MA 02115 US