Theory & Context tutor

The department

Graphic Design Arnhem (GDA) is a leading international bachelor’s programme in graphic design. The department is world‑renowned for its emphasis on typography, editorial design, and critical design research. In recent years, the department has educated graphic designers whose work stands out for being socially engaged as well as formally innovative. Students draw on a range of mediums from print to moving image, interactive tools, performance and installation.

Within the department there is a strong emphasis on learning to thrive in collaborative and unconventional contexts. The GDA tutor team is ambitious, critical and at the forefront of creative practices.

We are looking for an experienced educator with strong didactic skills, innovative ideas on classroom culture and how to stimulate exchange among students. The Theory & Context tutor will guide students in the first year of study, providing an understanding of design histories and discourse to help situate contemporary practices within a larger context.

The role requires someone who can teach analytical skills such as reading, researching, debate, critical thinking and writing. In addition, we see that theory is not separate from what a student makes and should be informed by their creative practice. Therefore, we are looking for an educator with a strong understanding of – and affinity with – practices of design and methods of making.

• Teaching two groups of 20 first year students on a weekly basis, across two semesters.
• Presence at extra‑curricular commitments such as departmental activities, meetings, assessments and professionalisation.
• Design and implement curriculum content in the form of assignments and assessments, ensuring relevance to current graphic design practices and discourse, in collaboration with the GDA tutor team.
• Co‑develop the Theory & Context learning line, with the other theory tutors and Head of the Department, in relation to the academy‑wide Art and Design lecture programme and the GDA curriculum.

• An evolving creative practice in the fields of design, writing or research.
• A keen awareness of the challenges encountered by students in the classroom today including the influence of technological developments such as AI and social media, environmental, social and political conflicts.
• A sensitive and empathic approach to learners with different backgrounds, experiences and identities.
• A strong understanding of contemporary design practice and the means to position it historically.
• A Master in Graphic Design, Art History, Media Theory, Philosophy, Cultural Studies, or a related field.
• 3+ years of teaching experience within a Bachelor of Art and design.
• BKE/BDB qualification (or an equivalent graduate teaching qualification)

You will be given a one‑year fixed‑term contract for 0,24 FTE. Provided your performance is satisfactory, the intention is to convert your contract to a permanent one. The gross monthly salary is a minimum of €4 632,17 and a maximum of €6 677,44 (Position Tutor B, scale 11) based on a 36‑hour working week. In addition to an informal and open working atmosphere, we offer attractive employment conditions.

The work takes place mainly at the location in Arnhem and the position is English‑speaking. You live in the Netherlands and have an EU status or are meeting the criteria for a work‑permit employment.

ArtEZ values a diverse and inclusive organisation. Working in diverse teams makes us more effective, innovative and the work more enjoyable.