BACKGROUND AND CORE PURPOSE

This position is recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training's as being part of the New Generation Academic Programme (nGAP).

To facilitate the acquisition of knowledge, practice, and entrepreneurship of individuals in the undergraduate and postgraduate field of Visual Arts with a focus on the theory and history of Visual Arts.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• To facilitate the learning processes and train students to engage in current critical discourses in the theory of Visual Arts with specific focus on visual and material culture locally and internationally.

• Perform assessments, curriculum development and administration at undergraduate and postgraduate level in the theory of Visual Arts.

• To contribute to the transformation of curricula in the theory and praxis of Visual Arts and Entrepreneurship as it pertains to the offerings of the Department of Visual Arts, at Nelson Mandela University relative to the National and International standard of practice.

• To contribute to and extend the academic research profile of the department in the department by way of conducting research and/or contributing to creative outputs

• To support postgraduate research in the Visual Arts programme·

• To develop and maintain national engagement practices and community-based liaisons.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge of key theories of Visual Arts and Art History, particularly relevant to local contexts. Experience in and of local entrepreneurship material culture especially that of South African Ceramics.

• Knowledge in critical discourses, art theory and history concerning visual art practices in Visual Art and Design from a local and international perspective, with research specialization in one or more of the following – interdisciplinary studies, fine arts, photography, design, fashion, curatorship and entrepreneurship.

• To demonstrate ability/potential of teaching and learning methodologies at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

• Demonstrable evidence of ongoing research, creative practice and national engagement.

• Demonstrate ability/potential to sourcing of content, formulating of lectures, assessment of essays and projects.

• Computer literacies commensurate with the requirements of all forms of lecture delivery, academic administration and student management.

• Established engagement practices and networks through liaisons with professional, peers and the creative arts industry.

• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team is vitally important.

• Ability to contribute to the curriculum transformation in the Theory of Visual Arts and Art History.

REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for selection for an nGAP post, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Show interest in becoming an academic with permanent placement

• Be 40 years or younger

• Prospective candidates should have a master's degree

Post-specific requirements for Lecturer in Visual Arts and Entrepreneurship (Theory):

• Applicable and relevant qualification equivalent to NQF level 9 (e.g. master’s degree) in Art History, Art Theory, Visual Studies or related field (SAQA evaluation of foreign qualifications must accompany the application)

• Intention to register or be registered for a doctoral degree

• At least 1 year teaching experience

• 2 research output units during the previous 5 years OR 1 research output unit* during the previous 3 years OR rated by NRF as a researcher (academics) – note that the output criteria will be waived if a master's degree was obtained within the last 2 years.

• Participation in departmental, school, college and University committees or task teams and voluntary associations (academics)

*(Accredited output as recognized in the Research Output Policy, 2015 (Government Gazette 38552 of 11 March 2015).

Recommendations:

• A background or experience in curatorship will be an advantage.
• A record of community engagement will be an advantage
• A background in ceramic practice will be an advantage