Call for IAA Panelists
By reviewing and scoring applications, IAA panelists help MSAC recognize the achievement of Maryland artists, awarding $2,000, $10,000, and $15,000 awards. This year’s Awards will be focused on the Literary Arts. This is a great opportunity to discover and learn more about the exciting artwork that is being made by artists from throughout the state!
What to Expect:
- Panelists will attend a required online panelist orientation that will take place at the end of August. Panelists will also have one mid-way “check in” meeting at the end of October.
- Panelists complete Round 1 of application reviews and scoring online on their own time during the Fall. Each panelist should expect to review approximately 50 applications during this Round 1 review period (early September - late October).
- Following the Round 1 reviews, panelists will review applications that move on to Round 2. Panelists should expect to review approximately 25 applications on their own time for Round 2 (November).
- Panelists will attend an assigned Regional Panel Meeting, where they will discuss each of the Round 2 applications. These Regional Panel Meetings will occur on November 30, December 2, and December 6 and last 6-8 hours. Each panelist will attend only one assigned Regional Panel Meeting.
- Select panelists will also have the opportunity to serve as a State Panelist, which includes reviewing all $10,000 Regional Awardees in consideration for the $15,000 State Award.
- Panelists receive compensation of $400. Those selected as State panelists will receive additional compensation.
What We’re Looking For:
- 40-50 panelists (the total number of panelists is based on the number of applications).
- Maryland residents with a background in the Literary Arts. This may include independent literary artists, publishers and editors, teachers and educators, teaching artists, arts administrators, literary enthusiasts, and students interested in serving Maryland’s art sector while gaining experience and insight into MSAC’s panel review process.
- A wide geographic representation of the state of Maryland. We are especially looking for individuals from the Western, Southern, and Eastern Shore regions
Questions? Contact Program Directors Emily Sollenberger (emily.sollenberger@maryland.gov) or Laura Weiss (laura.weiss@maryland.gov) for assistance.
I’m interested in serving as a panelist, but I also want to apply for an Award - can I do both?
YES! It is possible to do both. If you are an applicant and also a panelist, you would be assigned to a regional panel that is not reviewing your application to avoid any conflict of interest.
PAAM Grant Panelists
By reviewing and scoring applications, public art panelists bring expertise to supporting artists and organizations applying for grants for the planning and creation of new public artwork as well as the conservation of existing works. Serving as a public art panelist is a great opportunity to learn about public art granting processes.
What to Expect:
- Panelists will attend a required online panelist orientation that will take place in July. Panelists will also have one check-in meeting at the end of November. Panelists will receive $50 for the training, and $50 for the check-in.
- Approximately 5 of a total of 10 panelists review small-scale public art project grant applications online each month, the schedule of panelists rotates. It is anticipated the review time will require 2-4 hours and must be completed over a 2-week period (total applications will vary month to month). Panelists will receive $200 per monthly review.
- All 10 panelists will also participate in fall and spring reviews of large-scale public art project grants and conservation grant applications. Panelists will be given 4 weeks to complete Round 1 review online before the Round 2 panel review meetings, scheduled September 24, 2021 and March 18, 2022, and run approximately 3-4 hours. Panelists will receive $300 for the fall, and $300 for the spring reviews & meetings.
What We’re Looking For:
- 5-10 Panelists for FY22.
- Artists, architects, landscape architects, designers, arts administrators, and art conservators with a background in Visual Art and Public Art.
- A wide geographic representation of the state of Maryland. Must be a Maryland resident.
Questions? Contact Program Director Liesel Fenner (liesel.fenner@maryland.gov) for assistance.
I’m interested in serving as a panelist, but I also want to apply for a Grant - can I do both?
YES! It is possible to do both. If you are an applicant and also a panelist, you recuse yourself from reviewing your application to avoid any conflict of interest.
How do I apply to be a panelist?
- Submit your application via MSAC’s online grants management system, SmartSimple.
- Click the here to log in or create a free account in SmartSimple (you will need to be registered as an Independent Artist to apply).
- Under Funding Opportunities, select "Public Call."
- Select "Panelist" from the drop down options and click "Save Draft" to populate the application.
- Select “Independent Artist Awards” OR "Public Art Across Maryland" as the Grant Program.
- Complete the application, and click “Submit.”
Application Deadline: June 25, 2021 at 5 p.m.
The Maryland State Arts Council is committed to making sure all Marylanders can access its programs and services. For grant application assistance, please contact the appropriate Program Director. Guests with further accessibility questions or who require accommodations may fill out the Accommodations Request Form or contact the Accessibility Coordinator at (410) 627-6202 or precious.blake@maryland.gov.