the namesake

Mtamanika Youngblood is a renowned community development advocate emphasizing equitable, sustainable growth rooted in cultural heritage. As Chair Emeritus of Sweet Auburn Works (SAW), she led efforts to revitalize the historic Sweet Auburn corridor. She is also Chair Emeritus and past President and CEO of the Historic District Development Corporation (HDDC), guiding revitalization in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic District and Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward. Youngblood champions the arts, founding Studioplex to provide space for artists in Sweet Auburn. Her work has earned accolades from local and national organizations. In addition to her trustee roles, she has served on various boards, contributing to community preservation and revitalization.

Youngblood holds a BA from New York University, an MBA from Atlanta University, and has completed prestigious fellowship programs. Recently, she transformed her historic home into short-term rentals, creating an enriching amenity for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic District.

The Initiative

Named in honor of Mtamanika Youngblood, a trailblazer in Sweet Auburn community development, advocate for the arts, and former President and CEO of Historic District Development Corporation (HDDC), this program offers a dedicated platform to emerging curators. It provides them with the opportunity to curate exhibitions that shed light on the rich tapestry of local, national, and international narratives surrounding Black history and culture.

Historic District Development Corporation (HDDC) will provide the selected Mtamanika Youngblood Curator-in-Residence with the following benefits: 

Time & Space

The Curator-in-Residence is provided with a spacious office at Haugabrooks on Auburn, offering 24/7 access to an expansive 1,000 square feet of gallery space. The schedule is flexible, allowing for independent and self-driven use dedicated to scholarly research, curatorial project development, and building professional connections with local artists and arts professionals. Curators are expected to have office hours for the public at least once a week.

Financial Support

The chosen Curator-in-Residence will be allocated a $15,000 budget to curate three exhibitions within a 12-month timeframe, with $5,000 earmarked for each exhibition.

The Historic District Development Corporation (HDDC) holds the conviction that championing arts and culture plays a vital role in safeguarding the profound cultural heritage of Sweet Auburn and the Old Fourth Ward.

Demonstrating this commitment, in 2019, HDDC meticulously restored Haugabrooks Funeral Home, transforming it into a vibrant community gathering venue and an enriching art gallery. This venue stands as a testament to their dedication to seamlessly blending and honoring art and culture.

goals of Haugabrooks on Auburn:

• To create an inviting, and inclusive hub open to the public, designed for artists and the community at large.

• To create an exhibition space for artists (emerging/mid-career/established) and curators.

• To provide a well-curated library housing a collection of literature that focuses on the art of Africa and the diaspora.

• To provide a cultural landmark suitable for hosting special events, meetings, and public programs.

• To provide an area for a teahouse and a boutique gift shop.

Program Timeline

APPLICATION DATES:

• Application Opens: October 24, 2024

• Application Closes: December 5, 2024

• Applicants Status Notification: Week of January 13, 2025

• Program Start: Monday, February 3, 2025

2025 EXHIBITION DATES:

• Exhibit 1: March (Install), April - June (Exhibition Run), July (Deinstall)

• Exhibit 2: July (Install), August - September (Exhibition Run), October (Deinstall)

• Exhibit 3: October (Install), November - January 2026 (Exhibition Run), February 2026 (Deinstall)

• Program Ends: Week of February 2, 2026

Curator Qualifications

• Metro-Atlanta Based

• Dynamic and organized individual with a passion for fine art, community engagement, and public education.

• Proven ability to work independently, take initiative, and demonstrate resourcefulness.

• Experience in coordinating collaborative programs, adept at both leading and supporting others in achieving a shared vision.

• Exceptional organizational skills, with particular attention to detail, and the capacity to multitask effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

• Demonstrated proficiency in writing and research.

• Outstanding communication skills, consistently managing artists with diplomacy and warmth.

• Knowledge and familiarity in artwork installation.

Submission Requirements

• Curator general Information

• CV/Resume (no more than two pages single-spaced)

• Brief statement about curatorial practice

• Examples of past curatorial projects, exhibitions, or programs including images, descriptions, and any available documentation.

• A written statement outlining:

  • What motivates your interest in this residency program, and how do you envision it impacting your practice?

  • How do your professional goals align with the opportunities provided by this residency, and what unique contributions do you bring to the program?

• Goals you hope to achieve during the residency period.

• Two professional references.

Mtamanika Youngbood Curator-in-Residence Program has formed an artist advisory board composed of Atlanta-based artists, creatives, and community leaders. This interdisciplinary board contributes their expertise, guidance, and insights to the HDDC team, aiding in the curation and development of their exhibition and programming schedule for the entire calendar year.