Duncanson Artist-in-Residence

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 Black 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 circa 1850-52, now the Taft Museum of Art.

Robert S. Duncanson’s art was appreciated in his day, but today, his reputation is expanding rapidly and returning to the forefront as an important contributor to the American art history canon. Discover how you can celebrate the murals’ upcoming 175th anniversary:

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).

Stay tuned for the 2025 call for artists!

Pop-Up Event Series

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

FREE! Endless Summer Skate w/ DJ Sneaks & DJ Jigg

Saturday, September 28 | Riverfront Rink at Sawyer Point, 925 Riverside Drive, Cincinnati, OH, 45202

5–10 p.m.

Spend a beautiful evening in the park at the Endless Summer Skate Night September 28th. Learn new moves with the contemporary dance crew CA^2 in their free workshop. DJ Sneaks and DJ Jigg will spin through the family and adult skates. Concessions and beer are available to purchase (6-9 p.m.) from Cincy Parks. Admission is FREE and rental skates are FREE with ID - Just come on out!

SCHEDULE:

5–6 p.m. | Dance Workshop with CA^2

6–8 p.m. | Family Skate

8–10 p.m. | Adult Skate

Empowering Art Entrepreneurs

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

Additional events coming soon!

The Duncanson Society

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

Interested in joining? Email education@taftmuseum.org to learn more.