The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) is looking for people to help review grant applications. Panelists play an important role in our grant process. They read applications, share their perspectives, and score each one. These scores help determine which applicants receive funding.
Who Can Apply?
People who live in the DC metropolitan area are welcome to apply. You do not have to live in DC to serve.
We are looking for individuals with experience in the arts or humanities, such as:
- Artists
- Arts administrators
- Arts educators
- Gallery staff
- Curators
- Arts writers or critics
CAH values diversity in all forms, including age, race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, artistic discipline, and where you live.
Time Commitment
Panelists usually:
- Review 25 to 30 applications
- Spend 20 to 30 hours reviewing materials over 3 to 4 weeks
- Join a virtual panel meeting held by video conference
Panelists serve on one panel per year, for up to three years in a row.
Honorarium
Panelists receive a $250 gift card for their service.
What Panelists Do
Panelists are expected to:
- Read all assigned applications and work samples
- Use their own knowledge and experience to evaluate each application
- Be aware of personal biases and work to reduce them
- Follow CAH's funding policies, grant guidelines, and scoring criteria
Panelists are not expected to be fully objective. We understand that everyone brings their own background and point of view. CAH provides guidance to help panelists recognize and minimize bias during the review process.
How Your Information Is Used
CAH keeps a database of potential panelists to help us select diverse and qualified reviewers. Your information is used only for internal purposes and is not shared with outside organizations. Being in the database does not guarantee that you will be selected.
Ready to Apply?
Complete the application form here: Apply to Serve as a Panelist.
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Top banner: From left; Hubert Jackson, Family Emerging, 2014, Acrylic and mixed media on panel, 34 1/2 x 48 1/2 in., Art Bank Collection. | Zachary Oxman, Symphony in DC Major, 2015, Stainless steel, aluminum, automotive paint, 16 × 4 ft., Public Art Collection. | Jason Cerda at Labor Day Weekend Music Festival, 2018, Imagine Photography.