Apply to be a panelist and find yourself in the center of the action at MSAC!

Accepting applications for FY24 Creativity Grant and Presenting and Touring programs

MSAC relies on a diverse array of constituents with varied backgrounds from across the state of Maryland to do the important work of evaluating applications as panelists. MSAC selects its panelists with a focus on diversity of experiences, diversity of location, and expertise in varying artistic disciplines.

Creativity Grant Panelists

Creativity Grant panelists not only have the opportunity to review and score applications from both independent artists and small arts organizations from throughout the state of Maryland, but also can be a part of making an impact across many communities! Applications include proposals for project-based work and general operating support for organizations. 

What to Expect as a Panelist

• Application reviews are completed on a panelist’s own time online during the middle of each month, beginning in July 2023.
• Panelists typically review 35-45 applications per month, which requires approximately 12-14 hours to complete over a 2-week period (total varies from month to month).
• A total of 12-15 panelists are needed to serve for 11 monthly reviews during FY24 (July 2023 - May 2024).
• Ten of the total panelists will review applications each month; this schedule will rotate based on disciplines and needs represented in the applications (you will not review applications every month!). 
• A required virtual panelist orientation will take place on Friday, June 23 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
• Panelists receive compensation of $50 for the training, along with a sliding scale for monthly reviews, depending on the number of applications reviewed (25 or less apps = $200; 26-35 apps = $300; 36-45 apps = $375; 46+ apps = $450).

What We’re Looking For

• Independent artists, arts administrators, fundraisers, arts enthusiasts, arts educators, and students who want to be involved in the grantmaking process.
• Individuals who represent artistic expertise in the disciplines that the Creativity Grant supports: Music, Visual Arts, Media Arts, Theater, Dance, Literary Arts, Arts in Education, Folk/Traditional Arts, Arts Services, and Multi-Disciplinary Arts. 
• Individuals to represent expertise as an arts administrator or fundraiser who have experience with daily operations of nonprofit organizations and general operating funds.

Presenting and Touring Panelists

Presenting and Touring Panelists have the unique opportunity to review applications for both the Maryland Touring Roster and for the Maryland Touring Grant. Evaluation of Touring Roster applications includes the review of performers that wish to join the Roster; Touring Grant reviews evaluate applications from presenters who wish to bring Touring Roster members to their venues. This is an exciting experience to ensure collaboration continues through this program!

What to Expect as a Panelist

• Application reviews are completed on a panelist’s own time online during the middle of each month, beginning July 2023.
• Panelists typically review approximately 10-20 applications per review (including both Roster and Touring Grant), which requires approximately 4-6 hours to complete over a 2-week period. 
• A total of 10 panelists are needed to serve for 11 monthly reviews during FY24 (July 2023 - May 2024).
• Five of the ten panelists will review applications each month; this schedule will rotate based on disciplines and needs represented in the applications. You should expect to review 5-6 times throughout the year, and not every month.
• A required virtual panelist orientation will take place on Monday, June 26th from 12 p.m to 2 p.m.
• Panelists receive compensation of $50 for the training, along with a sliding scale for monthly reviews, depending on the number of applications reviewed (25 or less apps = $200; 26-35 apps = $300; 36-45 apps = $375; 46+ apps = $450).

What We’re Looking For

• Independent performing artists (especially those with Touring experience), arts administrators (especially of presenting organizations/venues, both for- and non-profit), and individuals with tour management experience who want to be involved in the grantmaking process. 
• Individuals with knowledge or background in the performing arts (music, dance, theater, storytelling, etc.). 

How do I apply to be a panelist? 

Submit your application via MSAC’s online grants management system, SmartSimple. 

(You must be registered as an Independent Artist to apply.)

• Click the Apply Now button below to log in or create a free account in SmartSimple.
• Under Funding Opportunities, select "Public Call."
• Select "Panelist" from the drop down options and click "Save Draft" to populate the application.
• Select “Creativity Grant” or “Presenting & Touring” as the Grant Program.

Apply Now!

Applications for both programs due on Monday, May 15 at 11:59 p.m.

Questions? Contact Program Directors Emily Sollenberger ([email protected]) or Laura Weiss ([email protected]) for assistance.

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