The Academy of Fine Arts of the University of the Arts Helsinki invites applications for a lectureship in contemporary art in society for a five-year term.

Launched in January 2013, the University of the Arts Helsinki is the result of the merger of the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts, Sibelius Academy, and Theatre Academy Helsinki. The total number of students is approximately 2,200.

The Academy of Fine Arts of the University of the Arts Helsinki is an international academy that has trained visual artists since 1848. The study programmes leading to Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in fine arts are offered in five subject areas: Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking, Time and Space Arts, and Joint Studies. In addition, the Academy of Fine Arts has Praxis – Master’s Programme in Exhibition Studies, which grants Master of Fine Arts degrees. The Academy’s Doctoral Studies Programme offers doctoral degrees in fine arts. The Academy of Fine Arts has approximately 270 students.

Instruction at the Academy combines theory and practice to support students’ artistic development. The programmes emphasise individual instruction, allowing students to receive sustained personal guidance while working independently. The Academy of Fine Arts maintains a dynamic relationship with the world of fine arts as the Academy’s instructors pursue active artistic careers alongside their teaching duties.

Duties of Lecturer in Contemporary Art in Society
The duties of Lecturer include carrying out teaching and supervision tasks related to their own field, following the developments and participating in the social interaction and international activities in their field and taking part in collaborative activities at the university level.

Eligibility and qualification requirements for Lecturer in Contemporary Art in Society
To be considered for a lectureship in Contemporary Art in Society, the applicant must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field and demonstrate sufficient artistic and/or scientific merits and good teaching skills. Previous experience in the field will be taken into account when assessing the merits of the applicants.

The lecturer is also expected to have a comprehensive understanding of the education field. The successful candidate will show a good understanding of contemporary art and its societal contexts, possess an intimate knowledge of the art scene both internationally and in Finland, and have previous experience of participating in public art projects.

The appointee will also need to be prepared to engage in wide-ranging collaborations and to show an interest in promoting the status of artists and of free art.

Teaching will be given in Finnish, Swedish and English. The appointee is expected to have a good command of Finnish and English, and at least a satisfactory command of Swedish. Rector of the University of the Arts Helsinki may, at his discretion, exempt an applicant from the language requirements when they are not a prerequisite for a successful performance in the position, and when the exemption is necessary for the selection of a candidate who is the most competent in other respects.

How to apply
Applications, together with the required appendices, should be submitted as a single PDF file. The application must include the following appendices:

–An informal statement on the applicant’s vision of the position, their specific strengths with respect to the position, as well as their views on the status and development of an artist and free art in society
–A written report of the applicant’s artistic and teaching merits relevant to the position
–A curriculum vitae
–A certificate of language skills.

Applications addressed to the dean of the Academy of Fine Arts of the University of the Arts Helsinki are to be submitted by e-mail to kuva.kirjaamo@uniarts.fi. The applications must be submitted by the deadline of April 30 at 3pm, local Helsinki time (UTC +2). Late applications will not be considered. The subject line of the e-mail should be: “Lecturer in Contemporary Art in Society”.

The call for applications in its entirety: www.uniarts.fi