Established in 1986 by the Taft Museum of Art and the Robert S. Duncanson Society, the award-winning Duncanson Program affirms an ongoing Black presence within the structure of the Taft Museum of Art. Year-round, the Duncanson Program honors the achievements of contemporary artists working in a variety of disciplines and celebrates Robert S. Duncanson’s artistic contributions including his suite of landscapes and still-lifes (created about 1850-52) painted directly on the foyer walls of what is now the Taft Museum of Art.
Discover how you can celebrate the program's 40th anniversary with the Duncanson Artist-in-Residence, NEW! "40 Years of Impact" Stories, Duncanson Chats, Arts Entrepreneur Events, and Fall Pop-Up Events.
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).
Explore the legacy of artists-in-residence over the past 40 years of the Duncanson Program here.
Ayana Ross, visual artist
The Taft Museum of Art has selected visual artist Ayana Ross as the 2026 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence. The award-winning residency is known for its competitive application and review process, with the 40th anniversary signifying exceptional significance to the program’s long-standing mission of elevating the profile of contemporary artists across a variety of disciplines. Ross’ residency will include an exhibition of her work as well as engagement with the community, leading public programs, teaching workshops, and visiting schools across Greater Cincinnati in spring 2026.
Welcome this year’s Duncanson Artist-in-Residence, visual artist Ayana Ross, with an evening honoring artist excellence, cultural dialogue, and the legacy of Robert S. Duncanson!
This special evening will gather museum friends and community members to mingle and celebrate, and will feature a presentation from Ross where she will share insights into her artistic practice, creative inspirations, and vision for residency at the Taft Museum of Art. Following this will be remarks from museum leadership and program partners, highlighting the meaningful impact of this longstanding residency on Cincinnati’s cultural landscape.
This is a FREE event! Registration required. Light bites and refreshments provided. Includes admission to the collection galleries.
Questions? Contact duncanson@taftmuseum.org.
Meet 2026 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence, Ayana Ross in the collection galleries! Hear her discuss her artistic practice and the works on view in the special exhibition Beyond the Picturesque, on view at the Taft April 11-July 26, 2026.
This is a FREE event! No registration required. Learn more about the full event here.
Experience an engaging artist talk with 2026 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence, Ayana Ross, who will lead a candid conversation with women artists—including 2003 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence Annie Ruth—about creativity, identity, and sustaining an artistic practice. Ross will share insights into her own work and residency experience while fostering open dialogue about the challenges and inspirations that shape women’s voices in the arts.
This is a FREE event! Registration required. This is an off-site program hosted at P&G MLB Cincinnati Reds Youth Academy, 2026 E Seymour Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45237, and does not include museum admission.
Questions? Contact duncanson@taftmuseum.org.
Award-winning artist Ayana Ross will join the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Cincinnati as a guest judge for the Regional Youth Art Exhibition, which features work from members of local Boys and Girls Clubs in grades K-8. Experience the creative showcase and celebrate the work of these students with the 2026 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence!
This is a FREE event! No registration required. This is an off-site program from 1–2 p.m. hosted at BGCGC Headquarters, 1205 Dewey Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45205, and does not include museum admission.
Questions? Contact duncanson@taftmuseum.org.
Enjoy an afternoon celebration honoring 40 years of the Duncanson Program! Bringing together former artists-in-residence, community partners, supporters, and friends, this event will feature live performances, reflections, and tributes to generations of artists who have shaped the legacy of this program.
This is a FREE event! Registration required. Includes admission to the special exhibition and collection galleries.
Questions? Contact duncanson@taftmuseum.org.
The Taft Museum of Art proudly welcomes Ayana Ross as the 40th Duncanson Artist-in-Residence with a presentation of seven figural paintings. Known for her emotionally resonant portraiture and narrative storytelling, Ross captures the quiet strength and complexity of Black life, reflecting everyday moments that carry deeper meaning. Often drawing on her own experiences, her work explores intergenerational themes, current events, and cultural conversations shaping our world. Through ornamentation, Ross anchors her work in memory, preservation, and continuity. In this collection of paintings, she employs picturesque landscapes as a decorative motif, offering echoes of American ideals, elevating the subjects within her paintings, and inviting viewers to reflect on the world we have inherited and the one we continue to shape.
For 40 years, the residency has amplified the artists transforming culture from the inside out. This hub shares their stories—and how investing in artists of color drives change across museums and communities.
In October 2025, during Cincinnati’s historic America’s River Roots Festival, spoken-word performances by Annie Ruth and Ajanaé Dawkins kicked off the 40th anniversary year of the Taft Museum of Art's Duncanson Program, which has now been expanded to year-round events and activities. Learn more about these artists and watch excerpts from their performances!
In 2026, the transformative Duncanson Program celebrates its 40th anniversary as a platform for artists and a thriving space for dialogue, creativity, and community engagement! Learn more about the legacy and impact of this vital program in the Cincinnati community and beyond.
In April 2025, the Taft Museum of Art welcomed hip-hop artist Rich Robbins to Cincinnati for a two-week residency. During his time here, he immersed himself in the city's arts and culture scene and made an impact through various programs, performances, collaborations, and celebrations.
Painted by Duncanson between 1850 and 1852 as a commission for Nicholas Longworth, then the home's owner, the spectacular murals don't reveal what was happening in Cincinnati during the turbulent time of their creation. They also don't tell us much personally about Duncanson: a man whose grandfather was born enslaved in Virginia, a man who mostly taught himself how to paint, and who became the first internationally recognized Black artist.
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.
More events to be announced soon!
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.
Generously provided by Morgan and Eddie Rigaud
