Duncanson Program

Celebrating 175 Years of Duncanson

Established in 1986 by the Taft Museum of Art and the Robert S. Duncanson Society, the award-winning Duncanson Program honors the achievements of contemporary artists working in a variety of disciplines—year-round. The program honors the relationship between Black American painter Robert S. Duncanson and his patron, Nicholas Longworth, who commissioned Duncanson to paint landscape murals in the foyer of his home about 1850-52, now the Taft Museum of Art.

Discover how you can celebrate the murals’ upcoming 175th anniversary with Pop-Up Events, Arts Entrepreneur Events, and the Duncanson Artist-in-Residence.

Pop-Up Event Series

Across the city, the Taft is helping to grow the collection of art experiences, serving as an educational resource for artists, and expanding public engagement with artists’ varied histories, interests, and practices. 

Empowering Art Entrepreneurs

Working closely with community collaborators and industry experts, entrepreneurial programs are designed to assist creatives of varied disciplines to cultivate their business skills and help them to thrive in the marketplace.

Duncanson Artist-in-Residence

Over the years, many nationally and internationally acclaimed artists spanning an array of disciplines have been selected for the Duncanson Artist-in-Residence. This includes visual and performance artist Vanessa German, choreographer Stafford Berry, and the esteemed poet Nikki Giovanni (the inaugural Duncanson Artist-in-Residence in 1986).