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Ya’Ke Smith is named the 2019 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence at Taft Museum of Art.

 

The Taft Museum of Art and the Duncanson Society have selected filmmaker Ya’Ke Smith as the 2019 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence. Ya’Ke Smith, known for his unflinching and veracious storytelling style, is a rising voice in independent cinema.

 

His films have received worldwide acclaim and screening and won awards at over 90 film festivals. He writes and directs television content for AMS Pictures and the REELZ Network. He is also an associate film professor at the University of Texas at Austin.

 

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Related Events

 

Film Screening and Panel Discussion: Heavenly

School of Creative and Performing Arts (OTR)
Saturday, October 12, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Free Entry – Tickets required
See Duncanson Artist-in-Residence Ya’Ke Smith’s latest short film Heavenly. A beautifully crafted film with a provocative storyline, Heavenly will keep you thinking long after you leave the theater. Meet the filmmaker and stay for the panel discussion following the screening. Learn more about the issues presented in the film. See what you can do to make a difference in your community.
About the Film: Heavenly (2019) running time: 12 1/2 minutes
A former ballet dancer, Crystal returns home after being sex-trafficked. She struggles to shake the physical and psychological trauma she endured while “in the life.”
This film contains mature content and themes.
Buy Tickets

 

Related Article: Learn about Robert Duncanson, the first African American artist to earn an international reputation

 

 

Film as Activism: A Conversation with Ya’Ke Smith

The Esquire Theatre (Clifton)
Wednesday, October 16, 7:30 p.m.
Join the Taft Museum of Art & Cincinnati Film Society for an inspiring evening of film and conversation. Duncanson Artist-in-Residence, Ya’Ke Smith, will show excerpts of his work and discuss how he creates art to spark discussion about often overlooked but highly relevant socio-political topics. This program is an hour-long moderated talk interspersed with film excerpts. The film excerpts may contain mature content and themes. A 15-minute Q&A with the audience will follow the conversation. FREE tickets are available on a first-come-first-served basis at the Esquire box office on the day of the eventEsquire box office—an event sponsored by The Esquire Theatre.

 

Related Article: Fashion designer Asha Ama Bias-Daniels is the 2021 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence

 

THRIVE: Forward

Historic Union Hall (OTR)
Thursday, October 17, 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
FREE Entry – Tickets Required
Celebrate the closing of the 33rd annual Duncanson Artist-in-Residence with THRIVE: Forward, presented by Elementz and the Taft Museum of Art! Join us for an artistic evening exploring life, loss, and transformation themes through film, spoken word, and music.
Buy Tickets

 

 

About The Duncanson Society

 

The Duncanson Artist-in-Residence Program was established in 1986 to honor the achievements of contemporary African American artists working in various disciplines. The program honors the relationship between African American painter Robert S. Duncanson and his patron, Nicholas Longworth, who commissioned Duncanson to paint landscape murals in the foyer of his home, now the Taft Museum of Art. The breadth of talent featured throughout the history of the residency has been matched by its depth of programming and outreach to the Cincinnati community.

 

The Robert S. Duncanson Society originated in 1986 by Doris Rankin Sells, William Joel McCray, and Ruth K. Meyer to affirm an ongoing African American presence within the Taft Museum of Art structure and celebrate Robert S. Duncanson’s artistic contributions.

 

Related Article: Writer, performer, and educator Ajanae Dawkins is the 2022 Duncanson Artist-in-Residence

 

 

Written by: Crystal Kendrick

 

The Voice of Black Cincinnati is a media company designed to educate, recognize, and create opportunities for African Americans. Want to find local news, events, job posting, scholarships, and a database of local Black-owned businesses? Visit our homepage, explore other articles, subscribe to our newsletter, like our Facebook page, join our Facebook group, and text VOBC to 513-270-3880.

 

Photo credit: Taft Museum of Art

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Written by Crystal Kendrick

Publisher, The Voice of Black Cincinnati