The Taft Museum of Art seeks a hip-hop artist and a painter to fill its Duncanson Artist-in-Residence position in 2025 and 2026, respectively.
The Robert S. Duncanson Society annually recognizes and celebrates the achievements of contemporary Black artists through residency. The name honors the relationship between Black American painter Robert S. Duncanson and Cincinnati art patron Nicholas Longworth (1782–1863), the original owner of the mansion that the Taft now calls home.
The purpose of the program is to promote and develop a deepening awareness of Black art and artists and to inspire future generations.
Tunde Wey, artist, writer and chef
Through the residency, the Taft aims to recognize world-class talents in a variety of different artistic mediums. Previous Duncanson residents include, among others, poet/essayist Nikki Giovanni, filmmaker William Greaves, playwright/screenwriter Keith Josef Adkins, violist Nokuthula Ngwenyama and actor/playwright Nikkole Salter.
Celebrated Nigerian-born, New Orleans-based chef Tunde Wey held the position this year.
For 2025, the Taft is looking for a socially minded hip-hop artist to serve as artist-in-residence. They’re looking to fill the position with a visual artist, specialized in painting, for the following year.
Both candidates will need experience with teaching and a commitment to social justice. The museum also wants candidates who specialize in areas such as regional history, marginalized culture and entrepreneurship with a “passion for pushing boundaries and expressing unique perspectives.”
In a hip-hop artist, the ideal candidate won’t only be an outstanding artist but someone who’s comfortable working with a variety of audiences, including students ranging from grades K-12, families, and adults. In the role, they’ll engage the Cincinnati community for two weeks in mid-April 2025.
For 2026, which marks the 40th anniversary of the program, the visual artist will be in town from April 11–26. Beyond duties as AIR, the painter will collaborate with Taft staff to present an exhibition of their own artwork in conversation with Duncanson’s landscape murals and the Taft’s historic collection of paintings and decorative art.
Those interested should contact duncanson@taftmuseum.org. Applications for both the 2025 and 2026 residencies are due by 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 14.
The Taft Museum of Art will announce the winners in January.
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