Art and public service collide in an innovative opportunity for city employees to expand their minds and take a creative approach to problem-solving.
NORFOLK, VA – Art and public service collide in an innovative opportunity for city employees to expand their minds and take a creative approach to problem-solving. The city will hire an artist as part of a new Artist-in-Residence program to join our team of dedicated public servants.
“Norfolk's Artist in Residence program will help further our goal of being be the most creative community in our region. Our selected artist will help to infuse creativity and artistic perspectives into city government and inspire our dedicated public servants to approach problems with new, creative mindsets," says City Manager Douglas Smith.
The artist will serve a 10-12-month term through calendar year 2019. A wide range of artistic methods, media, and outcomes are possible, including art installations, performances, publications, video, or storytelling.
The artist will work alongside City employees to reimagine aspects of civic life, stimulate outside-the-box thinking, weave artistic spirit into city government, and help write the next chapter of Norfolk’s history through significant artistic contributions. The artist will also serve as an advisor on planning for major projects, ensuring that art is considered and integrated into the project.
Candidates must have a minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience in arts and culture and a professional and/or academic background in any of the following areas: public art, fine arts, mixed media, theater, music, urban design, architecture, sociology, anthropology, urban studies, community development or other arts-related disciplines.
The average work week is 40 hours based on project needs. The artist will have a desk in City Hall. The pay is $35,000 salary plus accommodation of a 2-bedroom, 2 bath waterside cottage on the Norfolk Botanical Garden’s grounds, which can be used both as a residence and studio space. A companion, spouse, partner and children are allowed for the duration of the residency.
Apply online on or before December 1, 2018