Erie Arts & Culture seeks grant review panelists to help create panels to review applications submitted to the organization for funding consideration throughout the year, including grants for individual artists as well as those for arts organizations. Panels are integral to the grantmaking process, providing a critical review, comments, and scores of all applications to a particular grant program.

We work hard to balance the composition of these panels by artistic discipline, race/ethnicity, ability, arts experience, and gender expression. Panels are composed of individuals who represent a broad range of artistic and cultural viewpoints and geographic and ethnic diversity. We welcome you to apply to share your expertise and talent as a grant panelist.

As a panelist, you will have the opportunity to develop connections with peers who share your passion for art and culture while supporting your community. Panelists are a vital force in the decision-making process, get an up-close look at the grantmaking process and learn about the many ways artists and art organizations make a difference across the community.

Panelist Responsibilities

• Attend an orientation meeting to get familiar with the grant program, review process, scoring criteria, and Submittable platform.
• Read and rate each grant application according to the review criteria. Reading the grant applications must be done in advance of the panel meeting on your own time. You should expect to spend several hours reading, reviewing, and scoring the applications.
• Attend the panel session. The panel meeting is typically 1-2 hours and is a one-time commitment where you will discuss the applications and make a funding recommendation with your fellow panelists.

Erie Arts and Culture recognizes the community's increased need for unrestricted grant funds. This summer, we are merging two grant programs for artists, the McCain Fellowship and the McCain Grant to Advance Artist Opportunities, into one unrestricted grant program.  

The McCain Artist Grant is an unrestricted award that supports Erie County artists across career levels and creative disciplines. "Unrestricted" means that grantees can use the funds as they see fit: this application does not have a project narrative. Grant awards will be $5,000 and $1,000. Applications open July 1 and close August 31st. Award notifications will be made on November 30th.

In Erie County, creative excellence takes many forms. Erie Arts and Culture encourages applications from folk and traditional artists, community-based artists, and self-taught artists, in addition to fine artists and those with academic arts backgrounds. 

Applications that demonstrate momentum, artistic originality, and meaningful engagement with audiences and communities will be prioritized. 

Applicants must be legal residents of Erie County, Pennsylvania and at least 18 years old. 

Apply with your CV, Artist Biography, Artist Statement, and up to 5 work samples, and answer brief narrative questions.

Questions? Contact Casey Corritore, Capacity Building Lead, at casey@erieartsandculture.org | 814-452-3427 x 108.