Taft’s Artist-in-Residence

Continuing the Legacy of African American Artist Robert S. Duncanson

The Duncanson Artist-in-Residence Program was established in 1986 to honor the achievements of contemporary African American artists working in a breadth of artistic disciplines. The program honors the relationship between African American painter Robert S. Duncanson and his patron, Nicholas Longworth, who commissioned Duncanson to paint landscape murals in the foyer of his home, now the Taft Museum of Art. Each year, the selected artist works directly with the public and with area schools.

2021 Artist-in-Residence

Applications are now closed. Stayed tuned for our announcement on this year's selected artist.

2019 Artist-in-Residence

Ya’Ke Smith was selected as the Taft's 2019 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence. Known for his unflinching and veracious style of storytelling, he is a rising voice in independent cinema. Smith's films have received world-wide acclaim, screening and winning awards at more than 90 film festivals. He currently writes and directs television content for AMS Pictures and the REELZ Network and serves as an associate professor of film at the University of Texas at Austin.

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The Duncanson Society

The Robert S. Duncanson Society was founded in 1986 by Doris Rankin Sells, William Joel McCray, and Ruth K. Meyer to affirm an ongoing African American presence within the structure of the Taft Museum of Art, including the Duncanson Artist-in-Residence program, and to celebrate Robert S. Duncanson’s artistic contributions.

Interested in learning more about the Duncanson Society? Contact darcoordinator@taftmuseum.org