Professor of Art and Sustainability

What you will be doing

Context

The Knowledge Centerfor Art & Societyresearches and develops new artistic practices in collaboration with a wide range of sectors in society. We conduct practice-oriented research into how artists, designers, musicians, and art educators can contribute to a more humane and sustainable world. We do this by collaborating intensively with other sectors from the perspective of the arts. The Art & Sustainability research group investigates how the transition to a sustainable society can be better shaped by actively involving the arts. The research groups of the Knowledge Center for Art and Society are affiliated with the Academie Minerva and the Prince Claus Conservatory.

The Teaching Assignment: Art & Sustainability Research Group

As a professorof Art & Sustainability(A&S), you will be tasked with exploring how visualartists, designers, and musicians can contribute to the transition toward a sustainable society. You will focus on developing new methods, practices, and innovative perspectives within the arts and design, with a strong emphasis on sustainable transitions. You will do this by engaging in sustainable transdisciplinary collaborations and creating crossovers between the arts and other sectors, at the regional, national, and international levels. You work within the dynamic knowledge domain of the creative industry, where art, design, media, music, and technology intersect and reinforce one another. You have a vision for research methods that incorporate artistic research.

The mission of the A&D research group aligns seamlessly with Hanze University’s social objectives, including the promotion of a livable and sustainable Northern Netherlands and the energy transition toward a circular economy. You will actively contribute to these goals by providing opportunities for artists and designers to explore and strengthen their role within this transition. There are many opportunities to further solidify collaboration with other research groups within Hanze University of Applied Sciences, for example with the Noorderruimte Knowledge Center. Together with the research groups within the Biobased Economy Knowledge Center, you will further explore the theme of biobased materials in relation to the arts. 

As a professor, you will lead the Art & Sustainability research group. You have a clear vision for the research areas and actively promote it. To bring your vision to life, you will inspire and guide the community of faculty researchers. Together, you will work on a multi-year research agenda, with research areas focused on:

• Art & Biobased Materials:research into the relationship between art and sustainability, including the use of biobased materials in design processes for a circular economy. And into how art and design processes contribute to fostering broad awareness of sustainability and climate issues. Materials are approached from a broader ecological and socio-cultural context. Thought takes shape through interaction with materials, rather than by following a predetermined plan: thinking through making. 
• Art & Technology: researchinto the role of old and new technologies in current and future artistic practices from a sustainability perspective. How can artists and designers use artistic practices to make the ecological impact of technological innovation tangible and open to discussion? How can artists and designers critically examine processes of digital transformation and shape more sustainable alternative visions of the future? This is a shared research line with the Image in Context research group.
• Art & Ecology:research into the role of artists and designers in interdisciplinary collaborations focused on sustainable innovation in creative and research processes related to spatial issues and networks (ecology, landscape, and heritage). How do artists and designers view the relationship between living with nature and ecological systems? How can they help us reflect on what it means to care for the world around us? In this context, you will investigate the collaboration between green spaces and art in partnership with the GREEN=ART practicum (Terra MBO). 

You will be responsible for these lines of research. You will secure relevant research projects and organize collaboration with external partners, faculty members, and students. You will hold meetings with potential clients, apply for grants, organize events and networking opportunities, and assemble research teams. You serve as the link to the master’s programs at Academie Minerva and PCC and help integrate research activities into the curricula. In addition, you will supervise PhD candidates and other (faculty) researchers, and you will work to professionalize faculty members in the field of research. You will also contribute to the commercialization of knowledge from various research projects, the quality of the curricula, and the acquisition of external research funding. Your role as a professor is crucial in connecting education, research, and professional practice, with the goal of fostering a sustainable future.

This is where you'll be working

The Art & Society Knowledge Center is a partnership between the Minerva Academy of Visual Arts, Design, and Pop Culture and the Prince Claus Conservatory. Central to the research conducted by this Knowledge Center is the innovation of professional practice among artists and art educators, in relation to the interaction between the artist and their environment. Within the Knowledge Center, we have four research groups: Music in Context, Art Education, Image in Context, and Art & Sustainability. As a professor of A&S, you will be appointed at the Minerva Academy and will report directly to the director. Together with the three other professors, approximately forty researchers, two directors, and a supporting program team, you will form the Art & Society Knowledge Center. 

We value diversity in our teams and strive to provide an inclusive work environment. This is of great importance to us and to fostering a broad perspective on the arts. That is why we invite everyone—especially those who identify with these values—to apply. 

Here’s what we ask of you

• You have aclear vision ofdevelopments related to sustainability, climate, and ecology as they pertain to the arts. 
• You willcollaboratewith students in the education sector and faculty researchers to develop and carry out research projects that are relevant to real-world practice. 
• Asan expert inthe field of art and sustainability, you have the necessary research experience and several publications to your credit.
• You demonstrateleadership andbring anetwork with you that you continue to build, expand, and manage
• You know how to handleconflicting interests andcan hold your own in a complex environment. 
• In yourcommunication, youswitcheasily and effectively between content, procedure, and process. 
• You areenterprising, seize opportunities, and know how to get research and collaborations off the ground
• Youmaintain transdisciplinary connectionswith other fields of research and have a broad network of contacts both within and outside the arts. 

You should also bring

• You have completed a master’s degree and earned a Ph.D. in the field of art and one or more of the following areas: sustainability, ecology, climate, energy transition, biobased materials, and social/spatial design.
• Demonstrable excellence in research skills and experience in managing research professionals. 
• A proven track record in securing research grants and other forms of external project funding.
• Social and communication skills to connect people from different disciplines and collaborate on developing new knowledge and concepts. 
• A relevant network, along with the ability to expand and make the most of it. 
• Excellent command of English and Dutch.

Here's what you get in return

• A part-time position (0.8 FTE). Start date is as soon as possible.
• This is a four-year position, for which we are initially offering a one-year contract.
• Pay scale 15 (min. €6,232 and max. €8,698), in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement for higher professional education. The salary is gross per month for full-time employment.
• A vacation bonus of 8% and a regular year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• Up to 53 days of leave per year, plus you can take advantage of flexible work hours and work-from-home options.
• The opportunity to continuously develop your professional skills through our Hanze PL Academy.

Want to know more?

Would you like to learn more about this position? If you have any questions, please contact Dorothea van der Meulen, Director of Minerva, at 06 51666607 or emaild.f.l.van.der.meulen@pl.hanze.nl. Please note: Do not use this email address to submit your application.

• The deadline is:November 19, 2024
• The first round of interviews will take place onFriday, November 29, 2024, and the second round onMonday, December 2, 2024.
• We ask new employees to apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) upon starting employment. Hanze will reimburse the costs.
• This position is open to both internal and external applicants. Hanze employees will be given priority over external candidates.

Recruitment agencies are asked to refrain from contacting us regarding this job opening.