Art Professor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of aesthetic enlightenment, the attention on art professors has never been more pronounced.

As culture and creativity evolve, the demand for knowledgeable individuals who can cultivate, inspire, and protect our artistic heritage continues to surge.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an art professor?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring academic trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager seeking to outline the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the world of art education,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable art professor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or academic career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Art Professor Duties and Responsibilities

Art Professors are responsible for teaching students about different forms of art, art history, and techniques.

They may also be required to contribute to their field through research and publications.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Preparing and delivering lectures on topics such as painting, drawing, art history, and digital art
• Leading studio demonstrations and providing hands-on instruction to students
• Evaluating and grading students’ class work, assignments, and papers
• Creating an inclusive learning environment that respects diversity and encourages creativity
• Guiding students on the use of different art tools and equipment
• Developing course syllabus, learning outcomes, and assessment tools
• Keeping up-to-date with developments in the field and updating course content as needed
• Participating in faculty and college activities, including curriculum planning and departmental meetings
• Conducting research and publishing findings in academic journals
• Mentoring students and providing guidance for their career paths
• Organizing and managing art exhibitions or showcases for students’ work

 

Art Professor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an engaging and dedicated Art Professor to join our team and instill a love of creativity in students.

The Art Professor’s responsibilities include developing interesting lesson plans and curricula, tracking and improving student progress, and promoting safe, engaging classroom environments.

Our ideal candidate has a deep understanding of art and its history, excellent communication skills, and a passion for teaching.

Ultimately, the role of the Art Professor is to inspire students to develop their technical and critical thinking skills as well as fostering a strong appreciation for the visual arts.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement engaging lesson plans that cover the fundamentals of art and its history.
• Evaluate and grade students’ work, including work performed in design studios.
• Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
• Prepare students for exhibitions and contests.
• Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
• Perform administrative duties such as serving as department head.
• Advise students on academic and vocational curricula, career issues, and on job and internship opportunities.
• Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Art Professor or similar role.
• MFA degree in Fine Arts or a related field.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating artistic ability.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong understanding of art history and different art genres.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to inspire creativity and self-expression in students.
• Commitment to staying current on the latest trends and developments in the art world.

 

Benefits

• 403(b)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Access to campus amenities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Art Professor
• Work Environment: Campus setting. May require working evenings or weekends for exhibitions or events.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Chair or Dean of Arts.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $60,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our college. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a portfolio of your work to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Art Professor Do?

Art Professors typically work in universities, colleges or other higher education institutions where they teach students about various fields of art.

These can include fine arts such as drawing, painting, and sculpture, as well as applied arts like graphic design and digital media.

They prepare and deliver lectures to students, create and grade assignments and exams, and advise students on academic and career goals.

Art Professors often contribute to the academic community by publishing their research or creative work in scholarly journals, books, or exhibitions.

Art Professors also often oversee art studios and ensure they are equipped with the necessary materials and tools.

They may coordinate and curate art exhibitions, often showcasing their students’ work.

In addition to their teaching responsibilities, Art Professors are usually expected to maintain an active role in their field.

This may include creating their own art, participating in exhibitions, attending conferences, and staying current with the latest art trends and techniques.

They may also participate in university committees, mentor students, supervise internships and independent studies, and contribute to the development of the curriculum.

Art Professors are responsible for fostering a creative and inclusive learning environment and helping their students develop their artistic skills and abilities.

 

Art Professor Qualifications and Skills

An Art Professor should possess a unique blend of artistic ability, educational prowess, and practical experience.

Key skills and qualifications for this role include:

• Advanced knowledge and technical skills in various art forms, including painting, sculpture, photography, and digital art.
• Excellent communication skills to articulate artistic concepts and techniques clearly to students with various levels of understanding.
• Strong interpersonal skills to engage with students, faculty, and staff effectively and cordially.
• Ability to inspire creativity and critical thinking in students, and foster an encouraging and stimulating learning environment.
• Experience in curriculum development and the ability to design, implement, and assess effective art programs.
• Strong organizational and planning skills to balance teaching, administrative responsibilities, and personal research work.
• Commitment to staying updated on current developments and trends in the art world to provide relevant and contemporary education to students.
• Patience and adaptability to work with students of different skill levels and learning paces.
• Experience in critique and evaluation of student work, with the ability to provide constructive and encouraging feedback.

 

Art Professor Experience Requirements

Art Professors generally have a strong academic background, often with a Master’s degree or PhD in Fine Arts or a related field, where they have amassed a significant amount of theoretical and practical experience as students.

In addition to their educational credentials, Art Professors typically require several years of experience in the field.

This could be through working as a professional artist, exhibiting work in galleries, or securing commissions for public or private collections.

Art Professors should ideally have teaching experience, often gained through graduate teaching assistantships, adjunct professor roles, or teaching at the high school level.

This gives them a solid foundation in instructional strategies, curriculum development, and classroom management.

Higher education institutions may also prefer Art Professors with a history of research or publications in the field of art, demonstrating their ongoing engagement with and contribution to the art world.

Those with more than 5 years of teaching experience, coupled with a strong portfolio and ongoing professional art practice, may be ready for a senior or tenured Art Professor position.

This may also include responsibilities such as leading a department, mentoring junior faculty, or developing new academic programs.

 

Art Professor Education and Training Requirements

Art Professors typically require a terminal degree in their field, most often a Master of Fine Arts (MFA), or a Doctorate degree depending on the institution’s requirements.

The MFA program provides intensive training in various art disciplines like painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, and other media.

Doctorate degrees typically require a dissertation or major artistic project, in addition to coursework.

They are expected to possess a comprehensive knowledge of art history and contemporary art issues.

Proficiency in various techniques used in creating art – such as drawing, painting, sculpture, or digital media – is crucial.

Art Professors may also need teaching experience, which can be gained through teaching assistantships during graduate school.

Some positions may require a specific area of expertise, such as Renaissance art, Modern art, or digital art.

In addition to their education and training, Art Professors must demonstrate a continued commitment to their personal artistic development, often evidenced through a portfolio of their work or exhibitions.

Although not required, some Art Professors may pursue additional certifications or professional development courses to remain current in their field and improve their teaching skills.

 

Art Professor Salary Expectations

An Art Professor can expect to earn an average salary of $80,180 (USD) per year.

This salary can vary depending on factors such as the level of experience, the educational background, and the geographical location of the institution.

 

Art Professor Job Description FAQs

What qualifications should an Art Professor have?

In most cases, an Art Professor should have a Master’s Degree in Fine Art or a related field, with many institutions preferring candidates with a Doctorate.

They should also have a strong background in academic research and professional experience in their specific art field.

Demonstrated teaching experience at the college level is often preferred.

 

What skills does an Art Professor need?

Art Professors need a deep understanding of art history and various art techniques.

They should have strong communication and presentation skills to convey complex concepts to students.

The ability to critique and guide students towards improving their artistry is also important.

Skills in developing a curriculum and planning lessons are also crucial.

 

What are the typical duties of an Art Professor?

On a daily basis, an Art Professor might deliver lectures, lead seminars, and supervise students’ studio work.

They can also be expected to assess students’ progress, providing both written and verbal feedback.

Art Professors often contribute to the development of the curriculum and participate in faculty meetings.

They may also conduct research and publish their findings in scholarly journals.

 

What qualities make a good Art Professor?

A good Art Professor is passionate about art and has the ability to inspire that same passion in their students.

They should be patient, understanding, and able to provide constructive criticism.

Good Art Professors are also lifelong learners who continue to explore new concepts and techniques to enhance their teaching.

They also need excellent interpersonal skills to establish a positive classroom environment and maintain professional relationships with students and faculty.

 

How does an Art Professor stay current in their field?

Art Professors stay current in their field by actively participating in the art community, attending exhibitions, and keeping up with contemporary art developments.

They also engage in ongoing research, attend academic conferences, and may continue to create their own artwork.

Some may even write or review for art publications to stay updated on new trends and techniques.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve illuminated the canvas of what it means to be an art professor.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about teaching technique.

It’s about shaping the creative future, one brushstroke at a time.

With our handy art professor job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step onto the platform.

But why pause the creativity here?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating picture-perfect job listings or refining your portfolio to masterpiece levels.

Remember:

Every brushstroke contributes to the grand masterpiece.

Let’s create that future. Together.

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