MSAC relies on a diverse array of experts from across the State of Maryland to do the important work of evaluating applications and nominations. We invite participation through program-specific public calls for panelists, editors, jurors, and judges and we select evaluators with a focus on experience in equity and justice, diversity of experiences, diversity of location, and expertise in varying artistic disciplines.
In the coming months, we have four different paid opportunities to evaluate and provide valuable feedback on applications and/or nominations.
Heritage Award Panelists
By reviewing and scoring nominations, Heritage Award panelists recognize long-term achievement in traditional arts, or community-based living cultural traditions handed down by example or word of mouth. Awards annually recognize one recipient in each of three categories: Person/People, Place, and Tradition.
Seeking:
- Maryland residents with a familiarity with MSAC’s Heritage Awards program, traditional arts, and/or folklife.
County Arts Development Panelists
By reviewing and providing feedback on applications, County Arts Development (CAD) panelists support the work and long-term planning of county arts agencies throughout Maryland to ensure service to their diverse communities.
Seeking:
- Maryland residents with experience with arts service organizations, strategic planning, local arts agency management, multidisciplinary arts, and/or arts programming.
Poetry Out Loud Judges
By reviewing and scoring poetry recitation videos, judges determine the regional and state finalists for the Maryland State Poetry Out Loud competition. Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program that encourages the study of great poetry. Learn more at poetryoutloud.org.
Seeking:
- Maryland residents who are theater artists, educators, writers, actors, librarians, slam poets, arts journalists, professors and general poetry lovers.
Poetry Out Loud Coaches
By facilitating recitation practice sessions and materials, coaches assist high school students in preparing poems from the POL Anthology for the Maryland State Poetry Out Loud competition. Coaches will offer competitors guidance on physical presence, voice and articulation, dramatic appropriateness, evidence of understanding, and overall performance. Learn more at poetryoutloud.org.
Seeking:
- Maryland residents with experience performing poetry, especially recitations, and working with performers of all levels on analysis, memorization, and presentation.
General Information
What to Expect:
- Serving between six and 16 weeks, depending on role, with assignments spread throughout the service period.
- Attending a required virtual orientation and training.
- Receiving compensation of a minimum of $350, assuming the completion of all scheduled assignments.
How to Apply:
- Submit your application via MSAC’s online grants management system, SmartSimple.
- Click Apply Here! to log in or create a free account in SmartSimple; be sure to log in as an individual, rather than an organization, as organization-based accounts do not have access to panelist applications. If you do not have an individual account, you may create one for free by registering as an “Independent Artist.”
- Click on “Funding Opportunities”
- Under "Public Call," click “Apply Now.”
- From the dropdown menu labeled "I am applying as a," select "Panelist Call," and click "Save Draft" to populate the application.
- Select your desired Program from the drop down menu, and fill in the remainder of the form.
- Click “Submit.”
Deadline: 11:59 p.m. EST, October 22nd, 2021.
Questions? Contact the appropriate staff member for assistance.