The Signet Society Artist in Residence
Mousiken Poiei Kai Ergazou (Create Art and Practice It)
Application Deadline: April 15, 2011
Location: The Signet House, 46 Dunster Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Position:
The Artist in Residence plays a vital role in the cultural, artistic and social life of The Signet Society. Residing at the second floor apartment at the Signet House, 46 Dunster Street, this person will interact with Signet Society alumni, undergraduates, graduate members, faculty, and the Associates’ Board to build community and enthusiasm for the Society while also pursuing his/her own independent artistic and intellectual projects. This position lends itself to ample creative time and proximity to libraries and theaters and is ideal for young writers and artists.
The Artist in Residence is responsible to the Secretary of the Signet Society. Responsibilities fall into three areas:
1. Signet Society Community
- Be in residence and coordinate travel with Society staff to ensure continuous presence in House as needed for events, including weekends during the academic year.
- Attend annual meetings and gatherings; take meals in the House when possible; be available to membership for special circumstances. The normal term of residence is July 1 to June 30.
- Explain the rules and traditions of the Society to new members and guests and contribute to creating a secure and welcoming environment in the House.
- Assume responsibility for security and routine maintenance of the Signet House, in coordination with the Secretary.
2. Academic & Artistic
- Host Artist-in-Residence lunches twice a month, inviting guests from the Harvard or local community in coordination with members’ needs and interests.
- Organize at least one talk or evening event at the House during the academic year.
- Engage with artistic and/or literary pursuits and share in the academic and literary activities of the College with students and Signet associates and faculty.
- Interact with Society members, including undergraduates, to share the Artist’s projects and pursuits and be available for guidance and input when sought out by members.
3. Institution Building & Fundraising
- Contribute to planning and executing at least one fundraising event per academic year, in conjunction with the Alumni Board and Associates. This may include producing an alumni newsletter, or an event such as a dinner with featured guest.
- Assist with maintenance and content of Signet website
- Maintain an Artist in Residence blog on the Signet website, posting brief updates with the cooperation of the community (at minimum) monthly during the academic year.
- Define and execute other creative strategic initiatives that may include setting up a fundraising apparatus, contributing to web and communication infrastructure, etc.
Compensation:
The Artist in Residence will receive a heavily discounted rental rate for the apartment, centrally located in Harvard Square, and be eligible to partake of weekday lunches at the Society, when available, at no cost. A stipend will be paid monthly in return for a 10 hour/week commitment to minimal supervisory responsibilities and successful completion of initiatives as outlined above.
Preferences:
The Artist should already be familiar with the Signet Society and the multiple roles of a dining and artistic society nestled within the greater Harvard ecosystem. S/he will either be familiar with or eagerly capable of discovering campus literary and artistic organizations and opportunities. Someone with Internet communications and social networking skills preferred.
Term of residence will not exceed three years, with the position re-opening for applications annually.
To apply, please send cover letter and resume by email to sigsoc@fas.harvard.edu, using “Artist in Residence” as the subject. Applications received by April 15 will receive priority.