From Philly and its surrounding areas to South Jersey and Delaware, WHYY News is seeking your input on what they should cover. And now, a fresh face has taken the helm at Temple University's Tyler School of Art and Architecture, promising to bring a new outlook. Matthew Jordan-Miller Kenyatta (Dr. Matt) recently joined Temple Contemporary as Director of Exhibitions and Public Programming.

Bringing a Hidden Gem to the Forefront

Temple Contemporary is the Tyler School's center for public exhibitions and programming, with a public gallery that showcases various art and events throughout the year. Dr. Matt, who grew up in the Bay Area in a creative Black family of artists and was driven by questions about moving, went on to earn a master's in city planning from MIT and a doctorate in urban planning and development from USC, focusing on Black art and culture.When he joined Temple Contemporary, he saw the opportunity to transform the space. He is now meeting with members of the Temple community and the wider public to learn about their experiences and expectations. He asks the public two key questions: How should the Temple Contemporary space make the public feel, and how can it be an unforgettable destination? He also asks Temple alumni and faculty what they love about what Tyler has made.Dr. Matt is re-imagining Temple Contemporary's place in the North Philly community during its economic transformation. He considers principles like place, taste, and urban change in his work. Inspired by the pandemic's use of digital formats in museums, he wants to revamp the "digital storefront" to make it more accessible. Though new to the role, he is eager to transform Temple Contemporary into a popular community hub and launch a five-month artist residency program highlighting Native American artists in 2025.He will also teach a spring 2025 course on place making titled "Planning and Development Program in community development and city planning" while preparing to publish his forthcoming book.