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Matthew Jordan-Miller Kenyatta, Ph.D.

Dr. Matt: AUTHOR, ARTIST, ADVOCATE.
  • Welcome
  • ABOUT
    • Biography
    • CV
  • WRITING
    • Books and Manuscripts
    • Research Articles
    • Notes & Public Thoughts
    • Media
  • VISUALS
    • Documenting Black urbanisms
    • Photography Portfolio
    • Exhibits
    • Films
  • DESIGN
    • The New Freedom District
    • Museum of Hidden Genius
  • NEWS
  • Home
  • Happenings
  • Contact Dr. Matt

Dr. Matthew Jordan-Miller Kenyatta posed at the Charles Library at Temple University, North Philadelphia (October 29, 2024)

My Next Chapter: Unearthing New Possibilities at Temple Contemporary

October 30, 2024 in visual art, Temple University , teaching

I’m thrilled to announce my new role as the Director of Exhibitions and Public Programs at Temple Contemporary within the Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University. Starting this late November 2024, I’ll have the privilege of leading exhibitions and programs that bring art, community, and possibility to the forefront.

A Vision Rooted in Home, Cultural Heritage and Joy

Two years ago, during my 10-year reunion at Stanford, I had the honor of moderating a panel with some of our most accomplished alumni. Playfully, I asked them to think about the next decade: What era did they feel they were entering into, and if they could pick a song, what Beyoncé track would represent it?

For me, the song was “Energy.” I shared that, while my first 10 years out of college had been dedicated to doing things that felt necessary, the next decade would be about manifesting joy and pursuing what feels deeply fulfilling and energizing. I wanted to move from duty to delight, from “must-do” to “want-to-do.”

It took two years, but I am profoundly grateful to God for bringing me this opportunity at Temple Contemporary within an institution in my adopted hometown. This curatorial and scholarly role feels like a divinely inspired chance to bring those dreams into focus and infuse my work with joy and purpose.

Building Spaces that Sparkle with Stories of Creativity: North Philadelphia Style

At Temple Contemporary, I envision a space where we unearth the “diamonds in our backyard” and amplify North Philly’s heritage and creativity as its own kind of cultural destination. My interdisciplinary background—spanning geography, urban planning, architectural history, and cultural studies—has always fueled my belief in the value of unrecognized stories and spaces. In this role, I’ll be focusing on exhibitions and public programs that are deeply rooted in heritage, imagination, and community.

I’m also honored to join the faculty at Tyler as a lecturer in the Planning and Development Program and Art History’s Arts Management track. This will allow me to build on my expertise in placemaking and work with the next generation of genius artists, designers, and urban planners who are shaping the future of art and culture.

To stay updated on this journey, including upcoming exhibitions and events, I invite you to join my growing list of art and architecture-minded fans. Together, we’ll build spaces that celebrate stories, heritage, and all the wonders that lie just around the corner.

Be First to Know what Tyler Makes

Drop your email address to receive exclusive news and updates as I embark on this journey.

I respect your privacy.

Thank you!

Stay tuned for the official announcements from Tyler School Dean, Temple University, among others.

Tags: dr. matt, temple university, arts, worldbuilding, black urbanism
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Notes & Public Thinking

Writing is thinking through things on the page. This space is my way of thinking out loud before cementing ideas into static work.


Featured Posts

Featured
Profiled by PBS/NPR's WHYY as "Fresh Face at the Helm" of Temple Contemporary
December 8, 2024
Profiled by PBS/NPR's WHYY as "Fresh Face at the Helm" of Temple Contemporary
December 8, 2024

There is a fresh face at the helm at Temple University’s Tyler School of Art and Architecture, and he promises to bring a new perspective.

Last month, Matthew Jordan-Miller Kenyatta (Dr. Matt) joined Temple Contemporary as Director of Exhibitions and Public Programming.

“What really excited me about this role was the opportunity to show people a true hidden gem along North Broad,” Dr. Matt said.

Read more →
December 8, 2024
Release Party for Cohen’s Black History in Philadelphia Landscape Book
September 18, 2024
Release Party for Cohen’s Black History in Philadelphia Landscape Book
September 18, 2024
Read more →
September 18, 2024
Featured on National TV at the DNC during Obama's Speeches
August 20, 2024
Featured on National TV at the DNC during Obama's Speeches
August 20, 2024

A bit of a backstory is warranted here. This technically was not my first time at the DNC. In fact, both Malcolm and I spoke during the 2020 virtual DNC. I have a separate post about that here.

But nothing compares to the live experience and this was the first for me.

I was there for my husband's speech - which went amazing - laying out the case for a new leadership and concern about Project 2025. However, the surprise was that the Obamas were speaking the same night!

Read more →
August 20, 2024
KENYATTA Film Named One of Philadelphia's 10 Best Documentaries
August 3, 2024
KENYATTA Film Named One of Philadelphia's 10 Best Documentaries
August 3, 2024

Last year, this film critic at The Philadelphia Inquirer called the film “an X-ray for the soul.” It is an honor the paper stood by that opinion for this roundup over a year later!

Read more →
August 3, 2024
Our Film and Soundtrack Now Streaming - Tubi and Amazon Prime!
July 30, 2024
Our Film and Soundtrack Now Streaming - Tubi and Amazon Prime!
July 30, 2024

After screening around more than a dozen festivals and self-organized screenings with Seven Knots Production and XPedition Media's relentless efforts, I am so proud that KENYATTA: DO NOT WAIT YOUR TURN is now available for streaming both on Amazon Prime and Tubi!

Read more →
July 30, 2024
Quoted in Philadelphia Inquirer on America’s 250th - Museum of Hidden Genius
July 4, 2024
Quoted in Philadelphia Inquirer on America’s 250th - Museum of Hidden Genius
July 4, 2024

Other projects that offer similar approaches include Matthew Jordan-Miller Kenyatta’s The Museum of Hidden Genius: An Atlas of Afrotech, which chronicles the technologies developed by Black inventors, and the Sacred Red Rock Project, focused on returning a boulder sacred to the Kaw Nation back to its people in Kansas.

Read more →
July 4, 2024
Featured in Penn Today Article: “Design and build, but first, collaborate“
June 13, 2023
Featured in Penn Today Article: “Design and build, but first, collaborate“
June 13, 2023
Read more →
June 13, 2023
Profiled and Quoted by U.S. Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
January 23, 2023
Profiled and Quoted by U.S. Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
January 23, 2023
Read more →
January 23, 2023
Quoted in Philadelphia Inquirer Series “The Blueprint” on Equitable Street Design
December 6, 2022
Quoted in Philadelphia Inquirer Series “The Blueprint” on Equitable Street Design
December 6, 2022
Read more →
December 6, 2022
Interviewed on KBLA's More Perfect Union - Analysis of Mary McLeod Bethune
July 15, 2022
Interviewed on KBLA's More Perfect Union - Analysis of Mary McLeod Bethune
July 15, 2022
Read more →
July 15, 2022