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 program's 40th anniversary with the Duncanson Artist-in-Residence, NEW! Legacy Hub, Duncanson Chats, Arts Entrepreneur Events, and Fall Pop-Up Events.
Take part in inspiring conversations with former Duncanson Artists-in-Residence, and discover the enduring legacy of 19th-century Black American landscape painter Robert S. Duncanson.
These are FREE events! Registration required. Admission to the museum is sold separately.
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).
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.
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 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.
2025 | Rich Robbins: hip-hop artist
2024 | Tunde Wey: artist, writer, and chef
2023 | Anita Graef: cellist
Ajanae Dawkins: writer, performer, educator
Asha Ama Bias-Daniels: fashion designer
2019 | Ya'Ke Smith: filmmaker
2018 | Vanessa German: visual and performance artist
2017 | Stafford C. Berry Jr.: choreographer, dancer
2016 | Carla Cook: jazz vocalist
2015 | Alysia Nicole Harris: poet
2014 | Laci Coppins: photographer
2013 | Diane Macklin: storyteller
2012 | Nikkole Salter: actor/playwright
2011 | Adrienne Danrich: soprano; John Blake Jr.: jazz violinist; Tracy Walker: singer-songwriter
2010 | Nokuthula Ngwenyama: violist
2009 | Brian Joiner: painter
2008 | Sandra Cardoso Muendane: fashion designer
2007 | Keith Josef Adkins: playwright
2006 | 20th Anniversary
2005 | Thom Shaw: printmaker
2004 | Melvin Grier: photographer
2003 | Annie Ruth: spoken word
2002 | William Menefield: jazz piano
2001 | La-Vaune Henry: soprano
2000 | Dayton Contemporary Dance Second Company
1999 | Charlotte Blake Alston: storyteller
1998 | Sharon M. Draper: author
1997 | John Blake, Jr.: jazz violinist
1996 | Dhana Bradley-Morton: actress
1995 | Frederick A. Wallace: conservator
1993 | Tarleton Blackwell: painter
1992 | Sebronette Barnes: soprano
1991 | William Greaves: documentary filmmaker
1990 | Michael Harper: poet
1989 | Tyrone Geter: painter
1988 | Kathy Wade: jazz vocalist
1987 | William de Valentine: opera singer
1986 | Nikki Giovanni: poet
Paloozanoire
Generously provided by Morgan and Eddie Rigaud
