Archives and Special Collections
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Archives and Special Collections Finding Aids

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Collection Overview
Title: African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program records
Dates:1976-1993 (bulk 1977-1988)
Location:31/2, FF4/D10
Call Number:A80
Volume:.15 cubic ft. (1 box, 1 flat file folder)
Scope and Content Note:This collection documents many of the art exhibitions and activities hosted by African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program in its first decade. It contains administrative documentation and newsletters that detail upcoming events, promotions and appointments, recent awards, and grants. The newsletters also include photos of artists at various exhibits. 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.
Historical Abstract: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.
Arrangement:Arranged in one alphabetical sequence.
Subjects and Contributors:
  • Chandler Jr., Dana, 1941-

  • Northeastern University (Boston, Mass.). African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program.

  • African American art – Massachusetts – Boston
  • African American artists – Massachusetts – Boston

Restrictions:The collection is unrestricted.
Processor:Finding aid prepared by Lisa Luna, May 2004

Historical Note

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.

Chronology
1974Northeastern University makes studio space available for African American artist Dana Chandler.
1974-1976Chandler paints, teaches at Northeastern University, opens the studio to the community for meetings, and provides space for other African American artists to use.
1977African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program (AAMARP) officially established; Chandler becomes its first director.
1978African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program's debut exhibition is held at Boston's City Hall.
1978-1988African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program holds approximately ten exhibits a year and garners critical acclaim.
1988African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program moves from Leon Street (old Ruggles building) to 76 Atherton Street, Jamaica Plain.
1988Boston City Council recognizes African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program for its dedication and contributions to the city.
1988African 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.
1990During 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.
1991-1993African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program faces budget cuts, resulting in resignation of Dana Chandler.
1993Administration of the African American Master Artists-in-Residence Program is placed under the African American Studies department.
Bibliography

Frederick, Antoinette. Northeastern University, Coming of Age: The Ryder Years, 1975-1989. Boston: Northeastern University, 1995.
Return to Top
BoxTitleDate
1Administrative 1977-1979
1Awards1980-1990
1Exhibits and Events n.d., 1976-1990
1Newsletters1980, 1984, 1993
FF4/D10Postersn.d., 1979, 1981