The Department of Art History, Visual Art and Theory (AHVA) at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, invites applications for a tenure-track appointment in visual art at the rank of Assistant Professor. The anticipated start date of employment is as early as July 1, 2024.
The department seeks an individual who pursues studio practice against a strong background of contemporary, art-historical and theoretical concerns.
We welcome applications from individuals working in a wide range of practices from traditional to expanded or post-media art forms. Our department is committed to the understanding that equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence; an open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We are interested in a variety of pedagogical approaches and interests, applications from individuals who are qualified to teach courses in expanded sculpture, sound, digital media and/or performance; from the perspectives of queer and trans practices and/or decolonial methodologies are strongly encouraged.
The successful candidate will be expected to maintain an active program of research, exhibition, graduate supervision, undergraduate- and graduate-level teaching and service. A demonstrated record of or potential for innovative pedagogical approaches is considered an asset.
Applicants must possess the following minimum qualifications:
- an MFA degree is preferred; however, in exceptional cases, the equivalent combination of education and professional practice may be considered
- an active national and international exhibition record or alternatively, a significant contribution to an emerging field of practice
- a serious engagement with contemporary art practice, theory and critical discourse
- post-secondary teaching experience or evidence of potential for teaching excellence, and the capacity to teach at all levels from foundation courses to graduate-level seminar and studio courses
- ability to teach and to lead discussions on contemporary art and critical theory with students across all levels
The University of British Columbia, one of the largest and most distinguished universities in Canada, has excellent resources for scholarly research and artistic practice. It is home to the Audain Art Centre, purpose built in 2013. The artistic and intellectual community of AHVA is built on meaningful interaction between faculty and students across the three scholarly streams. We are committed to the belief that the production, exhibition, critical and historical analysis of art are all advanced by the close integration of the specific perspectives and methodologies each stream contributes to our endeavours. Visual art students may pursue an MFA, a BFA, a BA major or minor in visual art, and we are also a participant in the Bachelor of Media Studies program. Our faculty and students benefit from frequent pedagogical and research opportunities in partnership with the internationally recognized Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery and Museum of Anthropology here on campus. With its international faculty, the department is committed to a global historical and contemporary analysis of artistic production.
Applicants must submit their application at https://ahva.air.arts.ubc.ca and upload the following in the order listed within a single PDF (max size 15MB):
- letter of application
- detailed curriculum vitae (that includes a listing of relevant publications and exhibitions, including authored works and reviews)
- statement of artistic, research, and teaching philosophies
- evidence of teaching effectiveness (that includes courses taught, teaching evaluations and/or sample course syllabi)
- statement of experience working with a diverse student body and contributions or potential contributions to creating/advancing a culture of equity and inclusion
- URL to (and/or a PDF of) visual documentation of current work
- name, title and affiliation, and contact information of three references
Please note we do not require letters of reference for your initial application. However, your listed references should be willing to provide a letter of reference at a later date should your candidacy progress.
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. This position is subject to final budgetary approval.
Review of applications will begin on September 21, 2023, and will continue until the position is filled.
We would like to acknowledge that the land on which we are situated is the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) People.
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the BC Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.
Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority; however, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.
