One of the hallmarks of the Tisch School of the Arts is its faculty of working professional artists – in fact, they one of the reasons the very best and brightest students want to come here. We currently face significant challenges in attracting and retaining the very best faculty members. The cost of living is always a central factor in the life of an artist, and in New York City that cost can be prohibitive. Many people we would like to recruit choose to accept positions elsewhere, where salaries are higher or, at the very least, will stretch farther. In addition, the commitment to students at Tisch is considerable, leaving these individuals little time to develop their own work. Artists should not have to abandon their own artistic endeavors in order to teach. In short, we cannot have distinguished and cutting-edge artists as teachers unless we make it possible for them to continue working on their art.
We seek to raise $20 million for faculty support, which will be used in support of 8 new endowed chairs. $5 million would sustain a "Leave Fund," thus making it possible for faculty members to engage in activities that would enrich their development as artists and scholars through sabbaticals, research, and special projects. The Leave Fund could also support junior faculty members and adjuncts, as well as distinguished visitors.
