Adjunct Position: Public Art, Adjunct Instructor

Description

Adjunct Instructor: Public Art

Master of Arts Management | Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College of Public Policy & Management seeks an adjunct instructor to teach Public Art , a graduate-level elective in the Master of Arts Management (MAM) program. Offered jointly by Heinz College and the College of Fine Arts, the MAM program prepares students to lead arts and cultural organizations.

We encourage applications from professionals who bring substantial experience in public art, a strong understanding of the field, and an interest in preparing the next generation of arts administrators.

About the Course

Public Art examines how public art is defined, how artists are engaged, and how projects are planned, funded, produced, and maintained in the United States. Through historical context, contemporary examples, and practical exercises, students develop an understanding of public art practice and the responsibilities of public art administrators.

Course topics include:

• The history, purposes, and evaluation of public art

• Public art controversies, public monuments, and current issues in the United States

• Temporary works and permanently installed artworks

• Community engagement and the roles of artists, administrators, and other stakeholders

• Artist selection, including requests for qualifications (RFQs) and requests for proposals (RFPs)

• Public art planning and funding mechanisms

• Collection management, maintenance, and conservation

• Educational programming and public engagement

The course primarily serves MAM students and is also open to graduate students across Carnegie Mellon University. No prerequisites are required.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Describe modern public art history, controversies, issues, and practices in the United States, using key concepts and terminology.

• Explain the role of the public art administrator, including responsibilities related to planning, funding, and the care of permanently installed works.

• Distinguish between RFQs and RFPs and explain how to design and implement an artist selection process.

Course Format and Teaching Responsibilities

This is a seven-week, half-semester course offered during the Spring 2027 semester. Scheduling options may include two 80-minute afternoon sessions per week or one 170-minute evening session per week, including breaks. The final schedule will be determined in consultation with the instructor.

The instructor will develop and teach a course that includes relevant readings, engaging class discussions, practical examples or exercises, and assessments that evaluate students’ mastery of course concepts. Readings may include books, research papers, case studies, and news articles.

Consistent with the applied focus of Heinz College’s graduate programs, the instructor is encouraged to integrate data-informed decision-making, strategic thinking, and leadership skills into the course.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• A master’s degree in a relevant field, or a bachelor’s degree with at least seven years of direct professional experience in public art

• Substantial practical knowledge of public art administration and experience working with varied communities

• The ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and facilitate engaging, culturally responsive discussions and applied learning activities

• Experience educating, mentoring, or delivering educational presentations to students or professional audiences

Preferred Qualification

• Recent teaching experience in higher education, particularly at the graduate level

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Carnegie Mellon University is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or related condition, family status, marital status, parental status, religion, ancestry, veteran status, or genetic information. Furthermore, Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate and is required not to discriminate in violation of federal, state, or local laws or executive orders.