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).  

2025 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence | Rich Robbins, hip-hop artist

Residency Dates | April 10–26, 2025

The 2025 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence, Rich Robbins, is a Chicago-based rapper, songwriter, producer, educator, and television host known for critiquing societal issues while envisioning new possibilities for the future. Robbins will join the museum as the 39th artist-in-residence as part of the award-winning Duncanson Program focused on elevating the profile of Black and Brown contemporary artists. Robbins will lead public programs, teach workshops, and visit schools across Greater Cincinnati from April 10–26, 2025.

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Opening Celebration

Thursday, April 10

6–8 p.m.

Questions? Contact education@taftmuseum.org.

Creative Writing Workshop

OFF-SITE EVENT | Harriet Beecher Stowe House, 2950 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45206 

Saturday, April 12

4–5:30 p.m.

Join 2025 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence Rich Robbins for a creative writing workshop that explores the power of storytelling, lyricism, and rhythm in creative writing.

Recommended for ages 18 and up. This is a FREE event! Registration is not required; participation is available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Questions? Contact education@taftmuseum.org.

FREE! Family Funday

Earth Day Art  

Sunday, April 13, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.  

Celebrate Earth Day at the museum! Make upcycled art all day under the tent, join a hands-on workshop with Charlotte Reed of Art Equals, and rock out with the Taft's 2025 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence, Rich Robbins, and School of Rock Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky in the afternoon.

FULL SCHEDULE:

10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. | Garden Tent | Recycled art activities and water coloring garden sketching.
10 a.m.–3 p.m. | Taft Café | Food and beverages available for purchase
10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Museum Shop | Taft merchandise and special exhibition gifts available for purchase
11 a.m.–12 p.m. | Garden Tent | Family artmaking workshop with guest Charlotte Reed, of Art Equals
1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. | Music Room | Sensory Explorations, a hands-on gallery experience
2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. | Garden Tent | Musical guests 2025 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence Rich Robbins and School of Rock Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

This is a free event! Registration is not required. Includes admission to Mystery & Benevolence, J.M.W. Turner: Watercolor Horizons, and the collection galleries featuring the Duncanson murals.

Questions? Contact education@taftmuseum.org.

Educator Master Class | Art Integration for K-12 Educators

Wednesday, April 16

5–7 p.m.  

This immersive masterclass, led by this year's Duncanson Artist-in-Residence, hip-hop artist and educator Rich Robbins, equips K-12 teachers with strategies to integrate the arts into their curriculum.

This is a FREE event for K-12 educators. Registration is required.

Continuing Education Credit: A certificate of participation will be provided to all attendees. It is the responsibility of the participant to verify acceptance by professional governing authorities in their area.

GET TICKETS

Questions? Contact education@taftmuseum.org.

Creative Master Class Series

OFF-SITE EVENTS | Elementz, 3344 Central Pkwy, Cincinnati, OH 45225 

5:30–6:30 p.m.  

• Thursday, April 17 | Hip-Hop and Creative Thinking | Discover how hip-hop fosters innovative thinking, helping artists, entrepreneurs, and creatives break boundaries in their work. This session will challenge participants to reimagine problem-solving, branding, and expression. 
  
  
• Tuesday, April 22 | The Art of Lyricism and Story Writing | Explore the craft of songwriting and lyric writing through hip-hop’s rich tradition of storytelling. Learn how to harness personal experiences, cultural influences, and rhythm to create impactful narratives.
  
  
• Thursday, April 24 | Technology and the Music Business | Navigate the evolving music industry with insights into how technology is shaping production, distribution, and artist visibility. From streaming to social media strategies, this session equips participants with the knowledge to thrive in today’s music landscape.

These are FREE events! Recommended for audiences ages 13 and up. Registration is recommended.

GET TICKETS

Questions? Contact education@taftmuseum.org.

Closing Celebration

OFF-SITE EVENT | Artsville, 5021 Whetsel Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45227

Saturday, April 26

1–3:30 p.m.

Questions? Contact education@taftmuseum.org.

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’ varied histories, interests, and practices.  

Additional events coming soon!

Empowering Art Entrepreneurs

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

Additional events coming soon!