Visiting Assistant Professor of Studio Art

University of Arkansas • Fayetteville, AR

2d

About The Position

The School of Art in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure track Visiting Assistant Professor of Studio Art beginning August 2026. This is a 9-month faculty appointment with a standard academic workload of 40% teaching, 40% research/creative activity, and 20% service. Initial appointment is for one year with the opportunity for up to two additional years of reappointment that will be based on performance and continued need. Ideal applicants should have a strong commitment to an expanded definition of interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary studio practice and its use as a means for research, technology, and interdisciplinary approaches to art making. The successful candidate will work across multiple media areas within Studio Art to contribute to both undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as 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 various modes of making (ceramics, drawing, experimental media, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture). Alongside a strong skillset in the history & practice of contemporary art, the ideal candidate will offer research interests and expanded practices that engage an interdisciplinary and/or transdisciplinary ethos. This may include (but is not limited to) experience with traditional media, experimental media, performance, technology, and/or installation. A foundation in various studio disciplines alongside a demonstrated dedication to expanding the technical and conceptual direction of a 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 Studio Art, the position may also contribute to teaching and/or 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.

Requirements

• With submitted materials, the candidate must demonstrate Master of Fine Arts degree or equivalent terminal degree from an accredited institution of higher education conferred by the date of initial appointment
• A research record and portfolio of work that demonstrates an active practice across multiple disciplines
• At least one year of teaching experience and demonstrated classroom competency with a commitment to exceptional teaching and mentoring for all
• Proficient knowledge in contemporary art, theory, and criticism illustrated through research projects and/or teaching
• Aptitude for weaving technical skills with conceptual development demonstrated through research projects and/or teaching
• Demonstrated experience and skilled in mentoring students in studio disciplines to think expansively and engage with diverse modes of making
• Demonstrated proven ability to discuss trends in shaping creative art futures within the context of an art school curriculum
• Evidence of strong communication and interpersonal skills

Nice To Haves

• Strong evidence of an active creative studio research practice demonstrated by a national and/or international exhibition record
• Demonstrated experience with interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and collaborations
• Demonstrated ability to teach at the intermediate, advanced, and/or graduate level

Responsibilities

• 40% Teaching
• 40% Research
• 20% Service

Benefits

• The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time