Assistant Professor – Painting and Drawing

The VCUarts Department of Painting and Printmaking (https://arts.vcu.edu/paintingprintmaking/) seeks a colleague for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor. The ideal candidate will be an artist, dynamic teacher, and broad thinker deeply connected to contemporary painting and drawing practices and discourses. We are seeking someone who wants to thoughtfully contribute to the progressive spirit of an established fine arts program. The successful candidate will be well versed in contemporary issues in painting and drawing and will offer students a framework through which these discourses and practices can be addressed. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to pedagogical projects and coursework that supports an inclusive, diverse, and accessible experience for all students. Additional interdisciplinary opportunities are available for an engaged colleague.

Major Responsibilities:

This position is a 9-month tenure-eligible faculty position in the Department of Painting and Printmaking, with an academic rank of Assistant Professor. Candidates should be able to teach painting and drawing at multiple levels and will be expected to develop curriculum within a Painting and Printmaking department and engage in interdisciplinary avenues of collaboration. An annual teaching load will be determined in consultation with the Chair of the Department and course assignments could change based on demand. In order to support progress towards promotion and tenure, it is expected that the teaching load for research active, tenure-track faculty will be two courses in the fall semester (totaling 6-8 credits) and two courses in the spring semester (totaling 6-8 credits), while holding a tenure-eligible faculty appointment.

Candidates should be fluent in contemporary painting discourse and multiple forms of studio practice. Candidates should be able to balance the discipline's conceptual, aesthetic, and technical potential, including the politics of representation.

The faculty member must have demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment and will have experience in developing or the potential to develop initiatives, mentoring, and teaching that makes a meaningful fine arts education accessible to underrepresented or disadvantaged

groups. The successful colleague will demonstrate through research, teaching, and/or public engagement the richness of diversity in the learning experience and integrate multiple approaches and perspectives into instructional methods and research tools.

The preferred candidate will have an active artistic research practice and a substantial exhibition record. In addition, the ideal candidate will have an established career profile and be active in national and/or international contexts. The faculty member's creative and research activity should make a significant contribution to a body of knowledge within the discipline of painting as well as reflect a high standard of quality. Creative activities should be related to the program's curriculum, be consistent with and support the broader mission and initiatives of the department, School, and University, and exhibit potential for or evidence of securing external funding for scholarship or creative expression.

As a member of a community-oriented, tight-knit department and School, the faculty member will provide service, including graduate student supervision; coordination of student activities and student exhibitions; serving on School/University committees; participating in open houses, portfolio reviews, and attending exhibition openings; and contributing to recruitment efforts for the department's undergraduate and graduate

programs. The faculty member will mentor student artists and foster collaborative curriculum and research across the arts and broader campus.

Qualifications:

Required
  • MFA or equivalent professional experience
  • Active artistic practice.
  • Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.
  • Significant reputation in the field.
  • Demonstrated effectiveness in studio critique and teaching beyond graduate school. Preferred
  • Significant evidence of active engagement with contemporary art discourse.
  • Ability to attract high-caliber graduate students.
  • Record of community engagement or social justice work.

Application Instructions:

Virginia Commonwealth University is committed to organizational diversity, equity and inclusion – an environment where all can thrive in their pursuit of excellence. VCUarts strongly encourages applications from all racial, ethnic, gender, and social identities.

Applicants are requested to submit a Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (typically between 150-300 words) providing your career aspirations and contributions toward promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through this statement, you can share how your lived experiences, and academic and professional activities will impact your contribution to VCU's mission of promoting equity and inclusion.

Note: Examples include working with others to further the goals of equity and inclusion; leading in any capacity that tangibly promotes an environment where diversity is welcomed, fostered, and celebrated; creative activity, research and scholarship that promotes equity and parity; teaching and mentoring students, and/or engaging

with faculty and/or staff from traditionally underrepresented groups to create a positive and successful organizational experience. For additional guidance on writing a Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: https://provost.vcu.edu/faculty/prospective/.

To apply, please submit application materials via VCU Jobs Website at

https://vcu.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home?c=vcu. Only electronic applications will be accepted.

The following documents should be included:
  • A Letter of Interest that conveys relevant academic and professional experience and a Diversity statement.
  • Current CV;
  • A list of three current references including names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses (references will not be contacted prior to applicant's approval);
  • Portfolio of 20-30 images of professional work and up to 20 images of student work. Due to file size limitations, providing an accessible link that points to a website or cloud storage (with access instructions) to view visual work is acceptable.

Applications are due on Monday January 23, 2023

To read more about VCUarts: http://arts.vcu.edu

Virginia Commonwealth University is committed to providing accessible and equitable living, learning, and working environments free from discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or disability.