Professor of Painting

Academy of Fine Arts

The Academy of Fine Arts at the University of the Arts Helsinki is seeking a

Professor of Painting

for a permanent position starting 1 August 2026.

At the Academy of Fine Arts, the teaching combines theories of art with the practical making of art to support each student’s development. The curriculum emphasises individual teaching, enabling students to receive long-term, personalised guidance and to work independently. The Academy maintains a vibrant relationship with the field of contemporary art, as its teachers actively work as artists alongside their teaching duties, and the Academy's exhibition programme consists of content generated within its teaching and research.

A central element of the studies is the student’s own artistic practice and its assessment. A significant component of teaching consists of discussion focusing on the relationship between form and content, the contextual nature of artworks, and their communal significance. Through such discussions, students learn to understand connections between different art forms as well as their traditions and histories.

Job Description

The aim of teaching in painting is to examine the significance of painting in the present moment as part of current discourses in contemporary art and culture. Painting is developed in relation to its own tradition, current forms of expression and theoretical frameworks of contemporary art, as well as diverse cultural contexts.

The key task of the Professor of Painting is to teach painting in relation to its contemporary directions and historical continuum as part of the BA and MA programmes in Fine Arts, within the painting study area. The position involves providing theoretical instruction and guidance based on artistic practice, as well as engaging in one’s own artistic work. Through their own artistic and/or research activities, the professor contributes to the development of their field both nationally and internationally.

The duties include responsibility for advancing education and research in the field, participating in societal engagement, contributing to networks in painting and international collaboration, as well as planning and managing various projects.

The Professor of Painting contributes to defining the pedagogical direction of painting within the Fine Arts degree programme, collaborates with other academic and service staff, and represents their field and peer community in the administrative bodies of the Academy and the University.

Competence Requirements and Selection Criteria

Applicants for professorships at the University of the Arts Helsinki must hold a doctoral degree or possess equivalent artistic merits. Applicants must have a substantial exhibition history in the field of painting, diverse teaching skills and pedagogical competence, the ability to provide teaching based on insightful artistic practice and/or research, and experience in developing art education.

In addition, applicants must have experience in developing and leading artistic and/or research activities, obtaining funding, domestic and international collaboration, and societal engagement.

Teaching skills will be assessed based on the submitted documentation and, for selected candidates, through a teaching demonstration and an interview. Teaching demonstrations will be held on 28 and 29 April 2026 at the University of the Arts in Helsinki.

Language Skills

The University of the Arts Helsinki’s language policy embraces joyful multilingualism. The teaching languages of the University are Finnish, Swedish, and English. For the professorship in painting, excellent proficiency in Finnish and good proficiency in English are required. Language skills are assessed in relation to the work duties.

Salary and Working Hours

The professor’s annual working hours follow the collective agreement: 1,612 hours per year. The salary is based on level 8 of the job requirement chart for teaching and research staff in the university salary system. An additional salary component based on personal performance is also paid. The position requires working in Helsinki and residing in Finland for the duration of the employment.

How to Apply

Apply for the position no later than 22 March 2026 at 23:59 (UTC +2) via the University of the Arts Helsinki’s electronic recruitment system.

Attach the following documents in Finnish or English as PDF files:

• Curriculum vitae
• Free-form motivation letter (max. two pages)
• Teaching portfolio
• Artistic portfolio showing the applicant’s key artistic and research activities as well as their view on the current state and development of painting (maximum 20 pages).

Additional Information

Further information about the position is available from Vice Dean for Education Petteri Nisunen and about the recruitment process from HR Specialist Minna Immonen. Email addresses follow the format: firstname.lastname@uniarts.fi