Call for Panelists - Requirements

Two Panel Types

There are two annual panel opportunities. The first is for Program Stream, a program that provides general operating support to arts organizations with a history of state arts funding through the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. The second is for Project Stream, a program that makes competitive grants to individual artists and organizations that conduct arts projects.

Qualifications

The Cultural Alliance works to have panelists that are representative of the counties and constituents served by our applicant organizations. Therefore, to be eligible, a panelist must reside in one of the counties of southeastern Pennsylvania (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, or Philadelphia) and must be an adult 18 years of age or older.

We also work to have panelists from various professional segments of our community. Previous panelists have been arts workers, consultants, attorneys, community leaders, legislative staffers, educators, and philanthropists. The ideal panelist will have financial or organizational management experience. Previous nonprofit and/or panel experience is not required but is a plus.

Panelists needn't have a specific arts education or affiliation, just an affinity. This process is about making sure that residents of each community have access to the arts. It is not about adjudicating artists on their individual contributions to specific art forms. Thus, having an appreciation for, rather than a scholarly or pedagogical background in the arts is all that is warranted.

Panelist Responsibilities

Participating on a Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts Advisory Panel is an act of skills-based volunteerism in which a panelist's professional knowledge will be required to evaluate and edify the individuals and organizations that are seeking public funds. Three main tasks make up a panelist's responsibilities. They are:

• Attending a panel orientation - It is mandatory for each panelist to attend one panel orientation. Panel orientations run for approximately 90 minutes and multiple times are offered for your convenience.
• Reading grant applications and rating each application according to criteria established by the PCA - This step is done outside of the panel meeting and requires the most time. You will have approximately two weeks to read and score somewhere between 25 – 35 applications.
• Discussing the applicants' merits with your fellow panelists - you will spend a full workday or two (we ask that you plan for two days although the second day frequently ends early) discussing applications and coming to consensus on the scores for those applications.

Panel Orientation

The panel orientation is where panelists learn how to execute their responsibilities. The majority of the panel process takes place outside of the panel review meeting. Prior to coming to the panel meeting, panelists are expected to have read and scored applications. Review criteria and their weighting will be explained at the orientation so that at-home time with the panel materials will be clear and effective.

Meals and Travel

Both Program and Project Stream panel meetings are held in Center City Philadelphia. Breakfast and lunch will be included as well as reimbursement for travel expenses. Refreshments are served at the panel orientations as well. Panelists are not compensated for their service.

Nomination Instructions

We invite you to nominate yourself or another person to serve on a Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts Advisory Panel.

Self Nomination

Complete an online nomination form by clicking one of the links listed below. Note: The shipping address you list in the form will be used to mail panel materials only in the case that they arrive after the panel orientation date.

To be considered for a 2009 Program Stream panel, please submit a form by April 10, 2009.
To be considered for a 2009 Project Stream panel, please submit a form by June 19, 2009.

Nominate-A-Friend

Complete an online nomination form that includes your friend's name, email address, and a summary explaining why you think they'd be a great panelist. Please include your full name and contact information just in case your candidate cannot be reached.

To have your friend be considered for a 2009 Program Stream panel, please nominate them by April 10, 2009.
To have your friend be considered for a 2009 Project Stream panel, please nominate them by June 19, 2009.