Duncanson Program

Celebrating 40 Years of the Duncanson Program

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.

Duncanson 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).  

Explore the legacy of artists-in-residence over the past 40 years of the Duncanson Program here.

2026 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence

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.  

40 Years of Impact

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.

A Duet of Artistic Inspiration | In Conversation with Duncanson Artists-in-Residence Kathy Wade and Tracy Walker

In January 2026, two Cincinnati-based musicians with a passion for art and shared history as Duncanson Artists-in-Residence came together in a spirited dialogue in celebration of the program’s 40th anniversary. Learn more from Kathy Wade (1988) and singer-songwriter Tracy Walker (2011) and experience how two artists, decades apart, found meaning in their experiences as Duncanson Artists-in-Residence in excerpts from their conversation.

Read More

Asha Ama: Reclaiming Identity Through Design

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.

Read More

The Power of Art and Freedom

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.

Read More

Empowering Art Entrepreneurs

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!

Fall Pop-Up Events

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.  

Duncanson Program Sponsors
Duncanson Program was Financially Assisted by

 

Duncanson Artist-in-Residence Accommodations

Generously provided by Morgan and Eddie Rigaud

Scroll to top