Panel Opportunities
Arts Midwest welcomes individuals from across the United States who are interested in joining our panels for Shakespeare in American Communities, GIG Fund, NEA Big Read and The Midwest Award for Artists with Disabilities.
What do panelists do?
Panelists for Arts Midwest programs play a central role in reviewing applications for funding and informing Arts Midwest on its grantmaking processes. We rely on individuals representing a broad range of artistic and cultural viewpoints to evaluate the artistic excellence and artistic merit of proposals.
Most panelists are arts professionals who are qualified by their activities, training, skills, and/or experience in one or more art forms. Every panel also includes a layperson – someone knowledgeable about the arts but not engaged in the arts as a professional either full- or part-time.
You can apply for a panel by filling out this form. Learn about the panel opportunities we have available below.
Frequently Asked Questions
- If you’re curious about applying to one of our grants, being a panelist can provide insight into building a strong application in the future.
- You will have a voice in directing Arts Midwest funding in the Midwest and nationally.
- You can bear witness to all the creative ideas organizations put forward in their project proposals, which might inspire you in your own creative ventures.
- You can make a little extra money; all our panelists are compensated for their time.
Arts Midwest is committed to panels composed of individuals who are diverse across lines of identity, including race, gender, age, sexual orientation, geography, (dis)ability, and occupation.
- Individuals must be over 18 years of age and have a Social Security number.
- For the GIG Fund, panelists must reside in Arts Midwest’s nine-state region (ND, SD, MN, IA, WI, MI, IL, IN, OH) or the Native nations that share this geography.
- Panelists cannot be active Arts Midwest grantees.
If selected to join the panel, panelists attend a brief orientation then receive digital application materials for individual review. Panelists gather virtually to discuss applications a few weeks later via Zoom. Panelists submit scores to Arts Midwest via our online portal.
Panelists will need a tablet or computer with an internet connection that is capable of reviewing files, participating in online meetings, and visiting websites.
Total time for participation can be as much as 24 hours or as little as 10 hours, depending on the program and volume of applications. This range includes an estimate of time required for orientation, individual review, online deliberation, and scores submission.
Panel opportunities take place twice a year, in the Spring (February to early April) and again in the Fall.
Panelists receive between $300-$500 per fiscal year. We issue these honoraria once scoring is completed.
Current panel opportunities
GIG Fund
We are seeking individuals who have experience hiring or contracting with performing or visual artists. Panelists should be knowledgeable about managing budgets for community events, building effective partnerships, developing strong programming, and marketing. Individuals from organizations intending to apply for the GIG Fund program are not eligible to serve as panelists.
NEA Big Read
We are seeking individuals who have experience administering community-wide programming, such as festivals and multi-partner events. Panelists should be knowledgeable about managing budgets for community events, building effective partnerships, developing strong programming, and marketing. Individuals from organizations intending to apply for the NEA Big Read program are not eligible to serve as panelists.
Shakespeare in American Communities: Schools
We are seeking individuals who serve as artistic, managing, and education staff members of nonprofit theater companies to serve as panelists. Panelists should have a background or interest in the works of Shakespeare, knowledge of partnering with schools, and comfort reviewing financials. Individuals from theater companies intending to apply to the Shakespeare in American Communities: Schools program are not eligible.
Shakespeare in American Communities: Juvenile Justice
We are seeking individuals with knowledge of arts programming within the justice system to serve as panelists. Panelists with knowledge of theater, Shakespeare, and youth programming are preferred. Individuals from theater companies intending to apply to the Shakespeare in American Communities: Juvenile Justice program are not eligible.
Shakespeare in American Communities: Apprenticeships
We are seeking individuals with knowledge of community-based, cross-sector theater activities. Panelists with experience of using theater to address community issues, apprenticeship/internship programs, and youth-mentoring are preferred. Individuals from theater companies intending to apply to the Shakespeare in American Communities: Apprenticeships program are not eligible.
Ready to be a panelist?
Submit your information through our sign up form to start the process.
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