Seeking Artists-in-Residence: Painting and Photography

Cranbrook Academy of Art, ranked nationally as one of the top ten programs in graduate art, design and architecture education, seeks new leaders for our Painting and Photography Departments.

The successful candidates should demonstrate strong records as professional artists at the highest level in their field, have teaching experience at the graduate level, strong interpersonal and communication skills, and a record of success advising and mentoring individuals from groups underrepresented in higher education.

Cranbrook Academy of Art has been leading innovation and experimentation in the fields of art, design, and architecture for over 75 years. At Cranbrook, nothing is off the table—materials, process, disciplines, and research all become a site for exploration. This cross-media approach creates opportunities for critical inquiry, rethinking, and reengaging with the world around us. Cranbrook is not simply a graduate program; it is a community of artists, architects, and designers, living and working together on a campus that was designed specifically for that purpose.

At Cranbrook the Artists-in-Residence (faculty) are the single leaders of their departments. They are given the autonomy to determine the department’s pedagogy and the responsibility for its success. During the academic year, September-May, the Artists-in-Residence typically mentor 15 graduate students in a collegial environment that includes eleven departments: 2D Design, 3D Design, 4D Design, Architecture, Ceramics, Fiber, Metalsmithing, Painting, Photography, Print Media, and Sculpture. Within the Department, the Artist-in-Residence recruits and selects their students, guides the development of individuals, and nurtures a productive and interactive environment. The degree program culminates in an exhibition and written master’s statement approved by the Artist-in-Residence, who reports to the Director of the Art Academy.

The Artist-in-Residence’s responsibilities include teaching within the department, personal studio practice, and the administration of their department (recruiting, budgets, curating visiting artists, guiding travel experiences, etc.).

Candidates for these positions must be unusually well qualified to provide open, independent learning, resulting in rigorous production, critique and discussion, and inspire research, innovation and experimental paradigms in Painting and Photography. It is anticipated that the Artists-in-Residence will also advocate for the program via digital media, publications, and national/international lectures as an active component of recruiting future students.

Each Artist-in-Residence is provided with a private studio, housing on campus, and benefits in addition to salary.

Candidates for these positions must hold a Masters Degree or higher in Painting, Photography, or a related field with a sustained record of professional activity; preferred 5 years or more of college-level teaching with experience at the graduate level; excellent communication and leadership skills; the ability to provide a productive and interactive learning environment; and the capacity to make a significant contribution to the field and to the Academy.

Cranbrook Academy of Art is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse faculty committed to teaching and working in a diverse and inclusive environment, and it strongly encourages applications that are in keeping with this commitment.

Positions commence September 2020.

To apply
Applications consist of two pieces: a single PDF document and a completed Cranbrook Faculty application form. 

Cranbrook Faculty application form.

The PDF should contain a cover letter, a statement that outlines your definition of the field of Painting or Photography and the contribution advanced by your practice and teaching, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references. It should also include a portfolio of your work (20 examples).  Applicants are encouraged to describe in their letter of intent how their research contributes to building and supporting diverse communities. The PDF should be labeled as FirstInitial.LastName.pdf.

Applications received by November 15, 2019 will be given priority consideration. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 

Materials should be sent to humanresources [​at​] cranbrook.edu.

For more information about the Academy and our programs, please visit our website,

Cranbrook Academy of Art Statement of Non-Discrimination
Cranbrook is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes a diverse work environment. Cranbrook Academy of Art does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, height, weight, marital status, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by local, state or federal law in its programs and activities.