Tenure-Track Position Fine Arts
Studio: Material Practice

GRFA-2018-002
Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, has a population of more than 1,300 students with over 20% of the student body self-identifying as Indigenous. The Campus emphasizes innovative approaches to teaching and learning, research and engagement. Experiential learning, impactful research and strong community relationships are the hallmarks of Grenfell’s profile.

Our campus is located in Corner Brook, on Elmastukwek/Bay of Islands, in traditional Mi’kmaw territory with the Province having significant Mi kmaq, Innu and Inuit communities.

The Visual Arts Program in the School of Fine Arts at Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland has restructured its studio curriculum to reflect contemporary art practices that explore the territory beyond conventional boundaries of discipline based focus/ practices. Grenfell Campus is home to Atlantic Canada’s first low-residency MFA program.

The School of Fine Arts invites applications for the following position:
Tenure-Track Studio Faculty: Material Practice (effective August 1, 2020).

The Grenfell Visual Arts Program invites exceptional applicants, with a dynamic record of creative research, for a full-time tenure-track faculty position in Material Practice. This Position is for an Indigenous artist/researcher with a focus in Material Practices and an aptitude to teach and mentor students from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Possible areas of research and creative-work may include fibres, textiles, wearables, new materials and technology, and/or traditional material practices. The applicant will bring the technological, theoretical, material, social, cultural, and political nature of material practice into studio practice and teaching pedagogy.

RESPONSIBILITIES
The faculty member will teach in their area of specialization, as well as conduct research and/or studio work in the area of Material Practice. They will also be integral in forming the goals and future direction of the faculty of Visual Art. Full-time faculty are responsible for student advising, committee work, special projects, and contribute to the Grenfell community through ongoing curricular development, departmental administration and governance. The ideal candidate will bring distinct perspectives, processes, and experiences that expand the intellectual conversations and practices in the program, creating space for the ongoing decolonization of the academy.

QUALIFICATIONS
A Master’s degree in fine arts is required, though in exceptional cases an equivalent combination of professional experience, training and education may be considered. Candidates are expected to have undergraduate teaching experience, an active research and studio practice, as well as a national and/or international exhibition record. The candidate will also be conversant with the history of material studies and fibre arts, its theoretical underpinnings, and contemporary practices. They will have the ability to apply interdisciplinary approaches to instruction, and the commitment to ensure safe studio practices for students. Graduate level teaching experience would be an asset, as the candidate will be involved with the new MFA program in Studio Art Practice.

HOW TO APPLY
Applications should include: a letter of application indicating the position being applied for, curriculum vitae, teaching dossier, teaching philosophy, statement of research/creative activities, documentation/portfolio of recent creative work, and the names and contact information for three (3) references. These should be sent in electronic form to:

Dean of Fine Arts, Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Corner Brook, NL A2H 6P9. Telephone: 709-637-6223; email: sofadean@grenfell.mun.ca

Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on January 15th 2020.

This competition is open to individuals who identify with an Indigenous community, as per approval granted by the Human Rights Commission pursuant to Section 8 of the Human Rights Act.

All appointments are subject to budgetary approval. Salary will reflect qualifications and experience in accordance with the Collective Agreement governing faculty at Memorial University of Newfoundland.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. Memorial University is committed to employment equity and diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women; people of any sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; indigenous peoples, visible minorities, and racialized people; and people with disabilities.

As part of Memorial University’s commitment to employment equity, all applicants are invited to identify themselves as a member of a target group(s) as appropriate. Applicants cannot be considered as a member of a target group(s) unless they complete an employment equity survey. If you do not receive a survey or have any questions, please contact equity@mun.ca.