Assistant Professor of Practice: Interdisciplinary Art/Curation

Assistant Professor of Practice (non-tenure track) Interdisciplinary Art. The Division of Art in the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University invites nominations and applications in Interdisciplinary Art for an opportunity to be involved in the shaping of a dynamic interdisciplinary curriculum in Art. The candidate selected will be expected to be a significant partner in connecting the Division to an increasingly diverse and globally connected community at the university and in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. The successful candidate will be an artist with a significant record of creative practice with at least one year of full-time teaching. 

As a faculty committed to interdisciplinary dialogue, we seek an artist and educator working in Interdisciplinary Art with an active artistic presence through exhibitions or other forms of creative work. Teaching responsibilities include introductory and advanced undergraduate courses and graduate courses. Other responsibilities include university service, especially but not limited to directing the Pollock Gallery with the support of the Pollock Gallery Business Manager and the Art Technical Manager, for a 3-2 teaching load. 

Interdisciplinary Art integrates contemporary artistic practices, which may include, but are not limited to, visual arts, performance, new media and technology, sound, social practice, environment or bio art, literature or text-based art, curation and public art, with links to the other areas in the Division of Art. Artists of all ethnic backgrounds and philosophical persuasions and women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 

This is a Professional and Teaching faculty position for a renewable multi-year contract. While it is not eligible for tenure, it has a three-tier promotion path (Assistant, Associate, Full) and opportunity for long-term contracts which may, at the top rank, be renewed annually contingent on job performance. Professional and Teaching faculty’s primary responsibility is teaching, though courses may be substituted by significant service roles.  

Qualifications  
Minimum qualifications: 
–An MFA or equivalent in Art 
–An extensive creative portfolio in Interdisciplinary Art with an active exhibition record 
–Extensive knowledge of the theory and history of art, including Interdisciplinary Art 
–The ability to teach across a broad spectrum of materials and concepts 
–One year full-time teaching at the university level 
–An interest in curriculum development and commitment to managing and curating the Pollock Gallery. 
–Commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment for students of all backgrounds. 

Preferred qualifications: 
–Two years full-time teaching at university level  
–Experience curating or managing a gallery, museum, or art space, including organizing exhibitions, collaborating with artists, and engaging with diverse audiences. 
–Demonstration of a body of work and teaching that integrates Interdisciplinary Art with contemporary artistic practices and dialogues. 
–An engagement with contemporary art theory, issues, cultural studies, or innovative and experimental practices.

Application Instructions  
Applications must include: 
–Letter of application highlighting the candidate’s accomplishments and interest in the position 
–Artist statement (one page or less) describing the artist’s work in relation to historical and contemporary art practices 
–Teaching statement (one page or less) describing the candidate’s philosophy of teaching undergraduate and graduate students 
–CV 
–Names and contact information of three recommenders (the committee will request letters when appropriate) 
–20 images of work samples with descriptions in a single portfolio. Samples may include up to 60 seconds of video, though inclusion of video work should reduce the overall number of samples submitted. 

 Applications must be submitted electronically via Interfolio.  To ensure full consideration, the application must be received by December 15, 2024, but the committee will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check.  

Position start date: August 1, 2025. Contact for further questions: Melanie Clemmons, Associate Professor of Art, mclemmons [​at​] smu.edu. The Division of Art provides a challenging environment for the study of studio art within a multi-faceted arts school at a major liberal arts university. We offer a BA, BFA, and MFA in studio art.