Full-Time Visiting Artist in Fashion Design

The Department of Fashion Design at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) invites applications for a Full-Time Visiting Artist. The position begins in August of 2024.

PROGRAM PROFILE

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago's (SAIC) Department of Fashion Design provides a unique, interdisciplinary experience that challenges students to bring an artistic and theoretical approach to the work. Taking a holistic approach to design, the program offers a range of technical instruction, conceptual development, and professional practice courses all serving to foster our student’s ability to create dynamic and engaged work, and where they benefit from a rigorous artistic and professionally oriented curriculum. Consisting of both an undergraduate program and Master of Fine Art Degree in Fashion, Body & Garment, the department serves students at different stages of their academic progression in the field of fashion design.

Further information about the department can be found at: https://www.saic.edu/fashion-design.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Full-time visiting faculty in the Department of Fashion Design teach and advise undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds within the interdisciplinary art and design school environment of SAIC. Faculty will be expected to teach a range of undergraduate level courses focusing on collection design, pattern making, materials and digital advances in design with an emphasis on conceptual development and research based practices.

In the spring semester, faculty support and guide students through year-end presentation experiences, such as creating installations or showcases, documentation of student work, and/or photo and video shoots for editorial, and digital portfolio development. All faculty are expected to be actively engaged in the field of fashion design whether in their creative practices, research, or scholarship.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A master’s degree in Fashion Design, or a terminal degree in a relevant field of study is preferred.
• Active / current professional practice in the field of fashion design that demonstrates professional achievement in the area of collection design, pattern making, and digital advances in design (such as having developed and presented innovative fashion collections, either with a fashion house or under their own label, using an artistic approach to design).
• College level teaching experience is preferred.
  
• Interest in an interdisciplinary approach to design and collection development that is conceptually rooted and research based.
• Interest in contributing to the diversity of the School by bringing a perspective, way of thinking, and/or a unique set of experiences that expand the intellectual conversations and practices in the field of fashion.
• Knowledge and aptitude to teach and mentor students from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
  
• Interpersonal and organizational skills.
  

Applicants who have taught at SAIC within the past five years are ineligible for this position.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Applicants are encouraged to apply by Monday, April 8, 2024, for full consideration.

Please submit application materials via http://SAICfaculty.slideroom.com. You will be asked to create an account after which time you may complete the application, which consists of fill-in fields and required documents to upload. You are encouraged to begin the application well before the priority deadline.

Complete the fields for: educational background; current position; and contact information for three professional references.

Please convert all word documents into PDFs before uploading. Required files to upload include:

• cover letter stating your interests and qualifications
• curriculum vitae
• statement of teaching philosophy including your thoughts on teaching a diverse student population and creating an inclusive learning environment
• documentation of professional work
• 1 sample syllabus

QUESTIONS

Questions regarding the School and its open positions, application procedures, or the search process may be emailed to saicteach@saic.edu. Please consult www.saic.edu for information on the School and its programs.

ABOUT SAIC

A leader in educating artists, designers, and scholars since 1866, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) offers undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate programs to students from across the globe. Located in the heart of Chicago, the School is one of the largest and oldest private schools of art and design in the country with programs reflecting current practices in art. SAIC's educational philosophy is built upon a transdisciplinary approach to art and design that provides unparalleled opportunities for students to develop their creative and critical abilities with renowned faculty who are leading practitioners in their fields. SAIC's resources include the Art Institute of Chicago and its Modern Wing, and numerous special collections and programming venues that provide students with exceptional exhibitions, screenings, lectures, and performances. The campus is located on Chicago’s magnificent lakefront amid the city’s cultural and architectural treasures.

Degree tracks include the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Studio; BFA with Emphasis in Art Education or Writing; BA degrees in Art History and Visual and Critical Studies; Master of Architecture; Master of Design (MDes) in Designed Objects; MDes in Fashion, Body, and Garment; MFA in Studio or Writing; MA degrees in Arts Administration; Art Education; Art History, Theory, and Criticism; Art Therapy; Teaching; Visual and Critical Studies; and a Master of Science in Historic Preservation.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIY EMPLOYERS

The Art Institute of Chicago, including both the school and the museum, is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for its students, visitors, faculty, and staff, and to ensuring that educational and employment decisions are based on an individual’s abilities and qualifications. The Art Institute of Chicago does not tolerate unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or former military status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law, in its programs and activities, public accommodations or employment practices. The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Title IX Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator

Lakeview Building, 116 S. Michigan Ave., 12th floor, Chicago, IL 60603, 312.499.4165, title9@saic.edu

For further information on notice of nondiscrimination, see the Office for Civil Rights Discrimination for the address and phone number of the office that serves your area, or call 800.421.3481.

REQUESTS FOR ACCOMMODATIONS

SAIC provides reasonable accommodations during the interview process for candidates with disabilities in adherence with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Should you need an accommodation to participate in an interview, please contact Molly Scranton, Associate Director of Faculty Affairs, at mscranton@saic.edu.