The Department of Contemporary Practices at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position. The position begins in August of 2025. Salary is competitive with peer institutions and commensurate with quality of practice, scholarship, academic research, extent of teaching experience, and current professional standing.
Program Profile
SAIC's first-year studio program, the Department of Contemporary Practices (CP), provides an intensive introduction to interdisciplinary contemporary art and design practices, including required curriculum for first-year and transfer students. Faculty work with students in transitioning into SAIC and preparing for their future studies at the School. Pedagogically, the Department of Contemporary Practices is committed to integrating critical thinking skills, cultural competency, anti-racism, and social engagement towards a decolonized, studio-based curriculum across myriad media and processes. Courses move between studio practices, investigating and developing ideas, skill building, collaborative learning, various forms of critique, and activities to foster community.
Evolving out of a traditional foundations program, the Department of Contemporary Practices is continually evaluating and assessing what a first-year required curriculum in the arts might be, rigorously exploring the changing nature of what it means to be “contemporary” for new generations of artists and designers.
The Department of Contemporary Practices is deeply committed to consistent and ongoing anti-racist work and creating a culture of learning and engagement. This work has taken the form of educational programming events focusing on anti-racism, social justice, and inclusivity in the arts and classroom settings including artist talks, workshops, reading groups, and student panel discussions about urban segregation, identity, oppression, disability justice, and land acknowledgment, all designed to engage faculty and students in critical dialogue and reflection on these issues.
The Department of Contemporary Practices provides courses for over 850 students. Seventy-five faculty teach in the department, eleven of whom are tenured or tenure-track faculty.
Further information about the department can be found at: https://www.saic.edu/contemporary-practices
Responsibilities
Full-time faculty in the Department of Contemporary Practices teach and advise SAIC’s newest undergraduate students within the context of an interdisciplinary art and design school. CP faculty engage with work across a wide range of disciplines. Contemporary Practices faculty participate in new student orientation, co-teach Core Studio courses, and partner with academic advisors in the Research Studio I course. Full-time faculty must maintain an active professional practice, develop curriculum on an ongoing basis, provide vision and direction in a variety of administrative roles on a rotating basis, and participate in the SAIC community through departmental and school governance.
Qualifications
An MFA or a terminal degree in a relevant field of study is preferred. Some teaching experience is required, particularly at the undergraduate level. Applicants should have experience teaching courses related to art, design, and/or digital technology in relation to contemporary art and design. The candidate’s prior experience should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with others. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to foundational and/or introductory-level arts education, as well as a desire to build strong and innovative programs and initiatives. The ideal candidate will contribute to the diversity of the School by bringing a perspective, way of thinking, and/or a unique set of experiences that expand the intellectual conversations in art and design.
Priority will be given to candidates whose practice and/or pedagogy are in the following areas:
- comics and/or animation including but not limited to, experimental and narrative storytelling
- 3D modeling and rendering
- interactive media
- artist books
- graphic novels
- other emerging storytelling practices
Application Procedures
Applicants are encouraged to apply by Wednesday, January 15, 2025 for full consideration. Please submit application materials via https://saicfaculty.slideroom.com/#/Login. You will be asked to create an account after which time you may complete the application, which consists of fill-in fields and required documents to upload. You are encouraged to begin the application well before the priority deadline.
Complete the fields for educational background; current position; and contact information for three professional references.
Please convert all word documents into PDFs before uploading. Required files to upload include:
- cover letter stating your interests and qualifications
- resume or curriculum vitae
- documentation of a selection of professional work
- statement of teaching philosophy including details on how your teaching has supported the success of students from racial, ethnic, gender, and/or socio-economic backgrounds that are underrepresented in your academic field
- statement of research and practice
All applicants for this position must complete and sign a Prior Workplace Conduct Declaration as part of their initial application materials in order to be considered as a candidate and sign a release authorizing SAIC to conduct a misconduct reference check should the candidate ultimately be selected as a finalist for the position.
Questions
Questions regarding the School and its open positions, application procedures, or the search process may be emailed to saicteach@saic.edu. Please consult www.saic.edu for information on the School and its programs, or https://www.saic.edu/about/work-at-saic for open positions and application procedures.
About SAIC
A leader in educating artists, designers, and scholars since 1866, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) offers undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate programs to students from across the globe. Located in the heart of Chicago, the School is one of the largest and oldest private schools of art and design in the country with programs reflecting current practices in art. SAIC's educational philosophy is built upon a transdisciplinary approach to art and design that provides unparalleled opportunities for students to develop their creative and critical abilities with renowned faculty who are leading practitioners in their fields. SAIC's resources include the Art Institute of Chicago and its Modern Wing, and numerous special collections and programming venues that provide students with exceptional exhibitions, screenings, lectures, and performances. The campus is located on Chicago’s magnificent lakefront amid the city’s cultural and architectural treasures.
Degree tracks include the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Studio; BFA with Emphasis in Art Education or Writing; BA degrees in Art History and Visual and Critical Studies; Master of Architecture; Master of Design (MDes) in Designed Objects; MFA in Fashion, Body, and Garment; MFA in Studio or Writing; MA degrees in Arts Administration; Art Education; Art History, Theory, and Criticism; Art Therapy; Teaching; Visual and Critical Studies; and a Master of Science in Historic Preservation.
Requests for Accommodations
SAIC provides reasonable accommodations during the interview process for candidates with disabilities in adherence with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Should you need an accommodation to participate in an interview, please contact Molly Roth Scranton, Associate Director of Faculty Affairs, at mscranton@saic.edu.
