| Collection |
| Title: |
African American Master
Artists-in-Residence Program records |
| Dates: | 1976-1993 (bulk 1977-1988) |
| Call Number: | A80 |
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Historical Note
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The African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program (AAMARP) began in 1974 when Northeastern University provided 28,000 square feet of 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. The African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program held its first exhibition in 1977; between 1978 and 1988, the organization held approximately ten openings a year. Examples of exhibitions during the 1980s include Prison Art in Massachusetts, Young Black Artists Under 36, International Child Art, Irish and Black Stereotypes in Boston and Greater Boston Women Artists. In its first decade, the program strove to promote public awareness of the talent of African American artists as well as artists of other ethnicities. African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program provided long and short term residencies for Boston artists, hosted thousands of tourists and students annually, produced art programs for the community at moderate prices, and held workshops for children and many other special events. In the early 1990s, African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program's budget was cut substantially. Chandler subsequently resigned as director on June 30, 1993. In 1993, administration of the program was placed under Northeastern University's Department of African American Studies. |
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| Chronology |
| 1974 | Northeastern University makes studio space available for African American artist Dana Chandler. |
| 1974-1976 | Chandler paints, teaches at Northeastern University, opens the studio to the community for meetings, and provides space for other African American artists to use. |
| 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. |
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| Bibliography |
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Frederick, Antoinette. Northeastern University, Coming of Age: The Ryder Years, 1975-1989. Boston: Northeastern University, 1995. |
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