In April 2025, the Taft Museum of Art welcomed hip-hop artist Rich Robbins to Cincinnati for a two-week residency. This annual residency, which is part of the museum's year-round Duncanson Program initiative, celebrates the achievements of contemporary artists working in a variety of disciplines. The program also 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.
During Robbins' time in the Queen City, he immersed himself in the city's arts and culture scene and made an impact through various programs, performances, collaborations, and celebrations. Here's a quick photo highlight of his time with the Taft:
To close his two-week residency, Robbins led a closing celebration at Artsville which included a recorded iteration of his conversation series Soft & Tender, a multidimensional exploration of Black fatherhood through the lens of the sons they raised. Joining him were panelists Damian Hoskins, Executive Director of Elementz; Davia J. Crutchfield, PhD, Creator and Co-Founder of BL&CK; and Kareem Simpson, Duncanson Program Manager.
The museum is grateful to Rich Robbins for joining the legacy of the Duncanson Artist-in-Residence, and look forward to 2026 celebrating the 40th anniversary of this prestigious program.
In 2025, the Taft Museum of Art accepted two copper etching plates and four etchings depicting the Taft home by Edward Timothy (E. T.) Hurley from friends of the museum David and Debra Hausrath. Learn about E.T. Hurley's history, and his love for the home from Research Fellow, Kobi Morgan.
Anyone who has had the opportunity to encounter one of the many Duncanson Artists-in-Residence over the years has been fortunate to witness firsthand the creativity, courage, and cultural depth that define each year’s artist-in-residence. In 2021, that artist was Asha Ama Bias-Daniels—learn more about her work, her residency at the Taft, and her impact in the community and beyond as we celebrate 40 years of the Duncanson Program.
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!