duncanson artist in residence

The Duncanson Artist-in-Residence will be actively engaging the Cincinnati community for two weeks in Spring 2026. The ideal candidate will not only be an outstanding visual artist who uses paint as their primary medium, but also a dynamic educator who is comfortable working with a variety of audiences including students ranging from grades K-12, families, and adults. Throughout the Residency, the artist will share their creative vision/talent by leading a variety of public programs including lectures, workshops, gallery talks, school visits, and other signature events. Flexibility will be key to execute the roster of innovative and collaborative programs. Artists will have the opportunity to advance their work, actively pursue their career ambitions, and foster connections within the Cincinnati community.

The Duncanson Artist-in-Residence will also collaborate with Taft Museum of Art staff to present an exhibition of their artwork in the museum’s Sinton Gallery, positioning the Artist’s work in conversation with Robert S. Duncanson’s landscape murals and the Taft’s historic collection of paintings and decorative arts.

Previous Duncanson Artists-in-Residence include, poet/essayist Nikki Giovanni, filmmaker William Greaves, playwright/screenwriter Keith Josef Adkins, violist Nokuthula Ngwenyama, soprano Adrienne Danrich, actor/playwright Nikkole Salter, and visual/performance artist Vanessa German, among others.

Dates of Residency: April 11 through April 26, 2026

Responsibilities include:

• Communication with Taft Museum of Art staff leading up to the Residency and exhibition.
• Assistance with planning and confirming Residency events.
• Publicity appearances and/or media interviews prior to and during the Residency.
• Participation in daily Residency events including:Reception(s) to open and close residency.
• Evening and/or weekend public presentations.
• Up to ten school visits.
• Weekend programs for families.
• Master classes/workshops for teens/adults.
• Appearances and/or presentations at donor events in support of the Residency.
• Additional programs for targeted audiences, to be determined.

Note: These responsibilities are subject to some flexibility, and the Taft Museum of Art will work with the Artist-in-Residence to develop a roster of events that fulfills the needs of the museum while highlighting the talents of the artist. Artists are expected to work 6-8 hours per day 6 days a week. It is our mission to reach the broadest possible audience and to form as many community collaborations as possible.

Duncanson Artist-in-Residence Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by a panel consisting of Taft Staff, members of the Duncanson Society, community members, educators and awarded by the Taft Museum of Art using the following criteria:

• Artist’s programming is participatory, social, and part of an overall plan to engage the Greater Cincinnati community.
• Programming and potential exhibition of the Artist’s work align with the Taft Museum of Art’s Duncanson Program mission to affirm an ongoing Black presence within the structure of the Taft Museum of Art, and to celebrate Robert S. Duncanson’s artistic contributions.
• Programming engages members of the Greater Cincinnati community in the development, implementation, and marketing of this program.
• The Artist presents an outstanding portfolio of paintings that showcases their unique and compelling perspective.