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.
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Master of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in Studio Art, Photography, or equivalent terminal degree conferred by the start of employment
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A research record and portfolio of work that demonstrates either promise, active practice, or sustained practice in the field of photography
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At least one year of teaching experience and demonstrated classroom competency with a commitment to exceptional teaching and mentoring for all
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Strong evidence of an active creative studio research practice and exhibition record
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Experience in interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and cross-campus collaborations
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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
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Demonstrated ability to teach photography at the intermediate, advanced, and/or graduate level
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Proficient knowledge of analog and digital photography
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Knowledge of the Darkroom processes
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Photographic Lighting Studio Skills
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Digital Lab operations and printing technique skills
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Ability to use Adobe software in service to artistic production.
For additional inquiries, please contact the search committee chair, Aaron R. Turner, at art024@uark.edu.
Applicants must submit:
• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae with website URL
• Two sample syllabi of relevant courses, taught or proposed (submit as one document)
• Statement of research (one page maximum and including how you support and incorporate inclusive excellence).
• Statement of teaching philosophy (one page maximum and including how you support and incorporate inclusive excellence).
• 20 images of personal work identified with title, date, medium, and dimensions (as a single PDF)
• 20 images of student work identified with date, course title, and student level (as a single PDF)
• List of three professional references (name, title, email address, and phone number) willing to provide letters of recommendation if requested during the application process. Letters of recommendation will be requested only for candidates selected for interviews.
• At least one year of evaluations as instructor of record illustrating high quality teaching effectiveness to qualify for an one-year appointment with the potential for annual reappointment. At least three years of evaluations as instructor of record illustrating high quality teaching effectiveness required to be considered for a renewable three-year merit-based appointment.
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Annual Salary/Benefits Package: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.