Assistant Professor in Studio Art and Creative Arts, Health, and Wellness

University of Guelph; Guelph; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Guelph seeks an Assistant Professor in Studio Art and Creative Arts, Health, and Wellness. This tenure-track position involves teaching and research in innovative arts practices, emphasizing inclusivity and community engagement. The candidate should hold an MFA or PhD and demonstrate expertise in various artistic mediums. Applications are encouraged from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the university's commitment to equity.

Qualifications

• Active professional visual arts practice required.
• Experience teaching studio art and/or arts and health at university level.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Studio Art and Creative Arts.
• Maintain an active community-engaged or independent professional art practice.

Skills

Photography

Video Art

Digital Media

Social Practice Art

Printmaking

Community Engagement

Inclusive Practices

Education

MFA

PhD

Job description

Location:

Guelph, CA, N1G 2W1

Primary Category Page: Faculty, Librarian and Veterinarian

Division: College of Arts

Requisition ID: 1130

Position Title / Rank: Assistant Professor in Studio Art and Creative Arts, Health, and Wellness

Department: School of Fine Arts and Music

Position Description
The School of Fine Art and Music at the University of Guelph invites applications for a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level. The candidate will be appointed to the School of Fine Art and Music (SOFAM) and teach in our undergraduate BA in Studio Art program, our Masters of Fine Art program, and our undergraduate Creative Arts, Health, and Wellness degree. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2025, or another mutually agreed-upon date in 2025.

The successful candidate will hold an MFA and/or PhD (or equivalent professional experience) in studio art or a closely related field. The committee will consider applicants with an active professional visual arts practice, with preference for expertise in photography, video art, digital media, social practice art, and/or printmaking. A strong exhibition record, active studio, and/or community-engaged/applied arts practice are required. The research should demonstrate expertise or certification in creative arts therapies (visual art) and/or community-engaged arts practices related to arts and health.

The candidate should have experience teaching studio art and/or arts and health at the university level. Preference will be given to those able to teach research methods related to arts and health; arts and the Canadian healthcare system; ethics; and/or social prescribing/“arts on prescription.” They should also be capable of teaching technical and practical elements of studio art. Fluency with ethical, inclusive, anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and decolonial artistic practices emphasizing community engagement is essential. Maintaining an active community-engaged or independent professional art practice is also expected.

We value diversity and inclusivity at SOFAM. We recognize that diversity fosters innovation, critical thinking, and a representative academic community. We are committed to an inclusive culture that is positive, respectful, and supportive of all members, valuing wellness and work-life balance alongside research and teaching excellence. Candidates with knowledge of BIPOC identities, cultures, and communities, including lived experience, are especially encouraged to apply.

The Studio Art program at Guelph is renowned for excellence in educating young artists at both undergraduate and graduate levels, integrating traditional skills with digital tools. Our MFA program has a strong record of professional achievement among alumni. The Bachelor of Creative Arts, Health, and Wellness, is Canada's first undergraduate program combining arts and health, emphasizing anti-oppressive practices.

The university acknowledges its location on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, and Huron Wendat, and is committed to reconciliation and Indigenous initiatives.

Guelph is a vibrant city of over 144,000, about an hour west of Toronto. With over 30,000 students, the university is known for innovative research, collaboration, and a shared purpose to "Improve Life," driven by social responsibility and global engagement.

Application Process
Applicants must create an account on https://careers.uoguelph.ca/ and submit a single PDF including:
- Cover letter
- CV (including teaching, research, service, affiliations/licensures)
- Teaching dossier with philosophy statement
- 1-2 page diversity statement on IEDIA and inclusive excellence
- Evidence of teaching effectiveness (syllabi, student work)
- 20 digital images or 10 images + 10 minutes video/link
- Contact info for three references (letters only requested later)

Candidates are encouraged to identify any accommodation needs during application. Applications should be sent to Professor Kimberly Francis, Director, SOFAM, c/o Nicola Ferguson, at [e-mail], or apply online at https://bit.ly/4ho3BUf. Review begins March 6, 2025, and continues until filled. The deadline is March 6, 2025, or until a suitable candidate is found.

The university is committed to equity and encourages applications from diverse groups, including Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, racialized persons, women, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons. We support applicants in noting circumstances affecting their record of achievement and provide accommodations during the hiring process upon request.