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2027 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence (Oral Storytelling)

Taft Museum of Art

The Taft Museum of Art invites applications for the 2027 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence. This program honors the legacy of Robert S. Duncanson (1821–1872) and the historic relationship between the artist and Cincinnati patron Nicholas Longworth (1783-1863), whose support helped shape Duncanson’s career and contributed to the development of 19th-century American art. The residency supports artists whose work engages storytelling, history, and cultural identity.

We seek an oral storyteller whose practice may include spoken word, performance poetry, oral history, or narrative performance. The ideal candidate demonstrates:

•  A distinct and compelling storytelling voice
• Experience engaging diverse audiences
• The ability to connect personal narrative with broader cultural, historical, or community-based themes

We are particularly interested in artists whose work centers lived experience, cultural memory, and community engagement.

The selected artist will work closely with the Taft Museum of Art to engage the Cincinnati community through performances, workshops, and educational programming.

Why Apply?

• National Recognition: Gain visibility as a leading artist carrying forward the legacy of Robert S. Duncanson.
• Performance Opportunity: Showcase your work at the Taft Museum of Art, engaging with a broad and diverse audience.
• Community Engagement: Lead workshops, lectures, and collaborative projects, fostering meaningful connections with the Cincinnati arts community.
• Inspiration and Legacy: Be part of a program that honors and amplifies Black voices in the arts, bridging the gap between past and present.

Residency Overview

• Dates: April 8–24, 2027
• Location: Taft Museum of Art, Cincinnati, Ohio
• Honorarium: $10,000 plus $69/day per diem; lodging and travel provided

The Artist-in-Residence will lead a range of public programs, including performances, workshops, school visits, gallery talks, and community events. The schedule will be developed collaboratively with museum staff to align with the artist’s strengths and interests.

The ideal candidate is both a skilled performer and an engaging educator, comfortable working with K–12 students, families, and adult audiences. Flexibility and collaboration are essential to developing meaningful and responsive programming.

Responsibilities

• Participate in opening and closing residency receptions 
• Deliver evening and/or weekend public presentations 
• Conduct up to 10 school visits 
• Lead weekend programs for families 
• Facilitate master classes or workshops for teen and adult audiences 
• Participate in donor events and related presentations in support of the residency 
• Develop and present additional programs for targeted audiences, as determined in collaboration with museum staff

Programming will remain flexible to support both the artist’s practice and the museum’s goals. Artists are expected to work approximately 6–8 hours per day, six days per week. The Taft Museum of Art is committed to reaching the broadest possible audience and fostering meaningful community collaborations throughout the residency.
Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following materials via the Taft Museum of Art Careers page at https://www.taftmuseum.org/jobs/ :

• Cover letter outlining interest in the residency and proposed programming connected to Duncanson’s legacy
• Résumé or CV (including relevant professional experience and links to online presence, if applicable)
• Artist statement
• Portfolio of 10–15 work samples (audio, video, or written formats accepted)
• Description of proposed public programs for school, family, and adult audiences
• Three professional references

Application Deadline: July 31, 2026 (11:59 p.m.)
Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be reviewed based on:

• Strength and originality of artistic practice
• Ability to engage diverse audiences through participatory programming
• Alignment with the Duncanson Program’s mission to affirm and celebrate Black artistic presence and legacy
• Quality of prior work and demonstrated public engagement experience

Tips for submitting your application:

• Be concise, clear, and focused on key information
• Assume reviewers may not be familiar with your work
• Prepare responses in advance and copy them into the online application

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. 
Upon verbal notification of the award, the selected candidate must complete a background check and reference verification. Following successful completion, a formal Letter of Agreement will be issued and must be signed and returned within three (3) days.

The Taft Museum of Art will provide W-9 and ACH forms, which must be completed prior to April 2027.

Contact

For questions, please contact:
Kareem A. Simpson
Duncanson Program Manager
(513) 684-4525
duncanson@taftmuseum.org

The ideal candidate is both a skilled performer and an engaging educator, comfortable working with K–12 students, families, and adult audiences. Flexibility and collaboration are essential to developing meaningful and responsive programming.

Responsibilities

• Participate in opening and closing residency receptions 
• Deliver evening and/or weekend public presentations 
• Conduct up to 10 school visits 
• Lead weekend programs for families 
• Facilitate master classes or workshops for teen and adult audiences 
• Participate in donor events and related presentations in support of the residency 
• Develop and present additional programs for targeted audiences, as determined in collaboration with museum staff

Programming will remain flexible to support both the artist’s practice and the museum’s goals. Artists are expected to work approximately 6–8 hours per day, six days per week. The Taft Museum of Art is committed to reaching the broadest possible audience and fostering meaningful community collaborations throughout the residency.
Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following materials via the Taft Museum of Art Careers page at https://www.taftmuseum.org/jobs/ :

• Cover letter outlining interest in the residency and proposed programming connected to Duncanson’s legacy
• Résumé or CV (including relevant professional experience and links to online presence, if applicable)
• Artist statement
• Portfolio of 10–15 work samples (audio, video, or written formats accepted)
• Description of proposed public programs for school, family, and adult audiences
• Three professional references

Application Deadline: July 31, 2026 (11:59 p.m.)
Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be reviewed based on:

• Strength and originality of artistic practice
• Ability to engage diverse audiences through participatory programming
• Alignment with the Duncanson Program’s mission to affirm and celebrate Black artistic presence and legacy
• Quality of prior work and demonstrated public engagement experience