40 Years of Impact | Celebrating 40 Years of the Duncanson Program

On Impactful Artistry | In Conversation with Ya'Ke Smith

07 July 2026

How can someone be an impactful artist? Ya'Ke Smith, filmmaker and 2019 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence says "good artists are sensitive artists, sensitive to the world around you." 

In this conversation between Smith and Duncanson Program Manager, Kareem A. Simpson, they explore the ways in which Smith listens to and watches world and stories around him, the impact and importance of artist support in our communities, and how these can allow artists to "bring somebody behind you who's doing the work and shares the mission."


Modeling Museum Practice | A Commitment to Black Artistry and Robert S. Duncanson's Legacy

01 October 2026

Some anniversaries simply invite us to celebrate. Others encourage us to ask why a legacy has endured. As the Taft Museum of Art commemorates the 175th anniversary of Robert S. Duncanson's landmark murals alongside the 40th anniversary of the Duncanson Program, we have a rare opportunity to reflect on how one artist's legacy has evolved from a remarkable chapter in history into a model for museums committed to creativity, community, and cultural equity.

A Journey to Conservation | In Conversation with Frederick A. Wallace, 1995 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence

26 August 2026

In 1995, Frederick A. Wallace, conservator, was named the 9th Duncanson Artist-in-Residence at the Taft Museum of Art. But what was his journey to the world of art like, and how did he become a conservator? In this interview, Jae Washington of Cincinnati's Conscience sits down with Wallace to discuss how conservation impacted his career and creative process, and some of his favorite things in Cincinnati.

How Does a Conservator Help Tell an Object’s Story? Unveiling the Beauty of European Fans

24 August 2026

In preparation for the exhibition "Unfolding Elegance: European Fans from the Taft Collection", objects conservator Betsy Allaire spent over a year documenting, researching, and treating the Taft Museum of Art’s fans. Thanks to Allaire, we have a better understanding of what these works of art looked like when they were first made around 300 years ago, having devoted countless hours addressing areas of loss, reducing surface grime, and tending to repairs old and new. Learn more about the complex techniques, processes, and materials she worked with through this project!


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