The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) seeks nominations and applications for the Director of a new School of Art and Art History. The position begins in the fall of 2012 as Co-Director of the School of Art and Design with official implementation of the proposed School of Art and Art History anticipated in August 2013. The Co-Director/Director will work with faculty to support and enhance existing programs, develop and expand programs across disciplines, and establish a strong identity for the new school joining Art and Art History. We are searching for an individual with strong leadership capabilities and outstanding creative or scholarly achievements, who is motivated to build upon our national reputation for excellence in the formation of this exciting new school. The director will have the opportunity to teach in her/his area of expertise.
The School of Art and Art History will become one of four academic units in the proposed College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts (currently the College of Architecture and the Arts). The director will work closely with the dean and directors of the School of Architecture, the new School of Design, and the new School of Theatre and Music.
The diversity of cultural and professional activity in art found in Chicago is reflected in the wide range of curricular options that the School of Art and Art History will offer. Approximately 300 undergraduate and 85 graduate students are enrolled in programs in Art (studio arts, photography, moving image, new media arts) and Art History (history of art, architecture and the visual and built environments). Approximately 20 tenured/tenure track faculty, 15 adjunct faculty, and 6 visiting faculty instruct coursework leading to the BFA and MFA degrees in Art; the BA, MA and PhD degrees in Art History; and the MA in Museum and Exhibition Studies.
In its ongoing commitment to public partnership and exchange, Art and Art History collaborate to develop programs situated at the vital intersection of university and community. Among these programs and partnerships are: Voices, a public lecture series; Gallery 400, which presents an ambitious schedule of curated exhibitions of national scope; the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum; international study/ travel programs for students and faculty in England, Sweden, Germany, Italy, Japan, China, and Mexico.
Qualifications: Terminal or other equivalent advanced degree in art, art history or a related field and/or significant recognition of an active practice which may include art, art history, museum or curatorial practice, contemporary art theory/criticism, arts administration or advocacy. Prior leadership or administrative experience preferred.
The candidate’s record should demonstrate a commitment to, and advocacy for:
– creative excellence and academic scholarship
– pedagogy reflecting the strengths and needs of a diverse student/faculty population in a vital urban context
– integration of new technologies within and across disciplines
– cross-disciplinary research and instructional initiatives
In addition, the candidate will provide leadership and direction in:
– creating an international profile for the new School of Art and Art History
– fundraising and development to enhance educational programs and research activities
– building university–community partnerships
The Director/Co-Director will be a full-time nine-month appointment at the rank of Associate or Full Professor with tenure, commensurate with qualifications and experience. The salary is competitive.
To apply: Submit a letter of interest, vitae, list of courses taught at academic institutions, and the names and contact information for five references (at least three of which should be academic) in a single PDF document. Also submit a separate file including 12 images representative of your visual work and/or two examples of recent scholarly work.
Submit all application materials via the UIC Job Board: jobs.uic.edu
Direct link to the Director/Co-Director listing: jobs.uic.edu
Apply by: January 16, 2012
Complete applications must be submitted by the close date to the attention of Anthony Tasset, Search Committee Chair and Professor of Art.
For more information about the College of Architecture and the Arts go to: www.aa.uic.edu
With questions e-mail: [email protected]
The University of Illinois is an Affirmative Action-Equal Opportunity Employer.
