Alfred University, New York State College of Ceramics, Division of Ceramic Art announces a search to fill a full time, faculty position in its Beijing, China, based ceramic design program.
In 2006 the Ceramic Art Division, NYSCC School of Art and Design at Alfred University established a collaborative ceramic design program with the Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing, China. The ALFRED-CAFA program is located at the City Design School, a unit of the Central Academy of Fine Arts which specializes in teaching design for urban life.
The student body is Chinese, undergraduate BFA students. Classes are taught in English and Chinese (Chinese language skill is not required. Student translators are present in each class and the two faculty colleagues who also teach in the program are fluent in Chinese and English). BFA students from Alfred’s Division of Ceramic Art are also in attendance as exchange students during the spring semester. A visiting artist program brings ceramic art professionals to the program for a residency each semester.
While exposing students to the many ideas and techniques of contemporary studio ceramics, our program also connects with the world of industrial ceramics by collaborating with a number of ceramics factories around the country. To this end, we aim to teach our students to become designers who understand the conceptual side the design profession as well as the technical and theoretical complexities of material, making, planning, and facilitating the production of utilitarian ceramic products.
An initial commitment of two years (two sequential one year contracts) is requested. The position is continually renewable going forward. This faculty position includes curriculum development, studio management, and teaching: wheel-throwing, hand-building, mold-making and slip casting, material research, glazing and firing as well as western ceramic art history, and senior thesis advising/preparation for graduate exhibitions. Other annual activities include curating student exhibitions, and participating in class field trips to important historical sites within the country. Teaching load: 2 classes in the Fall semester, 2 classes in the Spring semester, plus senior advising. Classes are scheduled Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Semester dates vary due to the Chinese New Year but typically are: Fall Semester -September 1st through January 20th (one-month break for Chinese New Year) and Spring Semester is from around February 20th through June 30th. The ceramics department has a total of 3 Instructors and 2 technicians.
Compensation and Benefits:
Annual Salary is 100,000 Chinese RMB
Private studio space within the ceramics studio
Apartment (2 rooms + bathroom) on campus
Reimbursement for two annual round-trip flights to the United States.
Reimbursement for ‘initial’ relocation flight
Qualifications: MFA with expertise in ceramic art intellectually and technically is required as well as an ability to teach studio practice and theory in contemporary ceramic art, craft and design. A serious interest in cross cultural dialogue including flexibility and enthusiasm for living and working abroad is required. Individual studio practice is open to all approaches – pottery, sculpture, architectural ceramics, etc. However, a curiosity and committed interest in design is necessary.
For more information about the position contact:
Wayne Higby higby@gmail.com
Linda Sikora sikoral@alfred.edu
To apply submit: portfolio (20 images), resume, teaching statement and letter of application to:
Division of Ceramic Art
c/o Linda Sikora
lsikora@alfred.edu
Application Review: Begins March 15, 2017. Position open until filled.
Submitted by Caitlin Brown