Visiting Assistant Professor of Art (Photography) - School of Art Studio Art

Summary of Job Duties:

The School of Art in the Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Arkansas invites applications for a non-tenure track up to three-year position as Visiting Assistant Professor of Art (Photography) to start in August 2025. For a three-year merit based renewable appointment position to be considered, the candidate should provide at least three years of evaluations as instructor of record illustrating high quality teaching effectiveness. This is a 9-month standard faculty appointment with a 40% teaching, 40% research / creative activity, and 20% service expectation. Ideal applicants should have a strong commitment to an expanded definition of photography and its use as a means for research, technology, and interdisciplinary approaches to art making.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively to assist in the oversight of the photography area while contributing to the strength and energy of the School of Art as a whole. Applicants should possess knowledge of a wide variety of multidisciplinary art-making strategies centering on or intersecting with photography. Alongside a strong skillset in the history & practice of photography, the ideal candidate will offer research interests in photographic futures, new technology, and an expanded photographic practice. This may include (but is not limited to) experience with video, sound, experimental lens-based practices, and/or installation. A foundation in photography alongside a demonstrated dedication to expanding the technical and conceptual direction of the discipline is preferred. The successful candidate will show evidence of a strong commitment to teaching and mentorship.

The School of Art at the University of Arkansas highly values and promotes belonging in creating, studying, and teaching. We intend to foster an innovative and positive environment for teaching, mentoring, research, and service for all. The School of Art is especially interested in applicants whose work aims to broaden the canon, demonstrates a commitment to mentoring students from all backgrounds, creates the conditions for classroom experiences that are marked by empathy and mutual respect, and fosters collaboration, community, and open dialogue. We seek faculty committed to working and creating in ways that foster encouraging and supportive learning experiences that expand the School of Art’s current efforts to engage the campus and community in dialogue.

The program celebrates an interest in fostering interdisciplinary cross-campus relationships and engagement with a vibrant local and regional art community. Beyond the primary role in Photography, the position may also contribute to teaching and service within the School of Art’s Foundations program, which serves a broader student population pursuing degrees in Studio Art, Graphic Design, and Art Education.

Our hope is to draw applicants at any career level post-MFA—emerging, mid-career, or established artists and educators—who are active in the field and ready to contribute their unique insights to our learning environment.

Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Job Duties will include:
40% - Teaching
40% - Research
20% - Service

About the Photography Area: 
Photography at the University of Arkansas School of Art combines practice in traditional & contemporary photographic processes with conceptual development, inspiring students to become innovative & critically engaged artists. The photography program offers a robust and supportive community where artists define their practice, deepen their understanding of visual literacy and create innovative imagery. The area provides training in a variety of traditional & contemporary techniques, equipping students with a critical understanding of the medium and its applications in research and artmaking. Experimentation, interdisciplinary practice and conceptual development are fostered, preparing students to become engaged practitioners. 

About the School of Art: 
In 2017, the University of Arkansas was awarded a $120 million gift from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation to establish a School of Art in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. The gift created the first and only school of art in the state of Arkansas, and is helping to advance art education, design, art history and studio art in the state while providing unparalleled access and opportunity to students. In addition, in 2017, the School of Art also received a $40 million gift from the Windgate Foundation to develop and build a new Studio Art and Graphic Design facility. Most recently, in 2021, the Windgate Foundation gave a $30 million partial challenge grant to develop and build a facility to house a professional gallery, auditorium, the foundations program, as well as idea fabrication and arts entrepreneurship labs. The mission of the School of Art is to develop one of the highest quality educational, research and service programs in the visual arts available nationally. The School of Art is a fully accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and includes 54 faculty, 8 staff members, and more than 500 students. There are currently 8 degree options: BFA in Art Education, BFA in Graphic Design, BFA in Studio Art, BA in Art History, BA in Studio Art, MA in Art Education, MFA in Studio Art, and MDES in Communication Design. The MA degree in Art History of the Americas launched this Fall 2023.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

With submitted materials, the candidate must demonstrate

Master of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in Studio Art, Photography, or equivalent terminal degree conferred by the start of employment

A research record and portfolio of work that demonstrates either promise, active practice, or sustained practice in the field of photography

At least one year of teaching experience and demonstrated classroom competency with a commitment to exceptional teaching and mentoring for all

Preferred Qualifications:

Strong evidence of an active creative studio research practice and exhibition record

Experience in interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and cross-campus collaborations

Demonstrated experience and/or research in photographic futures, new technology, and an expanded photographic practice.  This may include experience with video, sound, experimental materiality, analog photography, alternative photographic processes and/or installation

Demonstrated ability to teach photography at the intermediate, advanced, and/or graduate level

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

Proficient knowledge of analog and digital photography

Knowledge of the Darkroom processes

Photographic Lighting Studio Skills

Digital Lab operations and printing technique skills

Ability to use Adobe software in service to artistic production.

Additional Information:

Salary Information:

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, Curriculum Vitae, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Other (see special instructions for details), Statement of Research Philosophy, Statement of Teaching Philosophy

Optional Documents:

Proof of Veteran Status

Recruitment Contact Information:

Aaron R. Turner, Search Committee Chair, art024@uark.edu

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS  

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.