Dear Colleagues,

The Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, and its volunteer advisory board, the Cultural Affairs Council, invite members of the community to volunteer to serve as a grant panelist. Nominations are now open.

How the Panel Process Works

Applications for cultural funding for nonprofit arts organizations are reviewed by volunteer peer panels in open and transparent public meetings. Panelists are critical in helping maintain a fair and equitable process. By bringing their expertise and diverse perspective to the panel review process, panelists assist in the continuous development of Miami-Dade County’s artistic and cultural community.

Ensuring Equity and Diverse Representation

Centering equity in the grantmaking process, the Department makes every effort to balance the composition of our panels in the broadest sense including, but not limited to, professional background; artistic discipline; organizational role and job function; geography; gender, gender identity, age, race/ethnicity and ability; as well as different aesthetic, institutional and cultural perspectives.

The Department is committed to convening panels that are representative of our diverse Miami-Dade County community. Panelists exercise integrity and fairness and adhere to strict conflict of interest requirements. Grant recommendations are approved by the Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.

How to Submit a Nomination

Individuals interested in volunteering their time to review applications for cultural grants funding from Miami-Dade County, through the Cultural Affairs Council and administered by the Department of Cultural Affairs are invited to submit a nomination form here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I nominate myself? Yes, self-nominations are accepted.

Who serves on these panels? Panels are comprised of artists, arts-related professionals, educators, community members, business leaders and others with current or prior active involvement in the arts. Many panelists are arts professionals who are qualified by their activities, training, skills, and/or experience in one or more art forms; however, we equally welcome arts enthusiasts, advocates, and supporters to submit a panelist nomination. Panels are chaired by a member of the Cultural Affairs Council.

My organization applies for grants funding from the Department. Can I serve as a panelist? Individuals may not serve on grants panels that review applications from the individual’s affiliate organization. However, individuals that submit a nomination, may be considered for other grants panels that do not review applications from organizations affiliated with that individual.

Each year the Department of Cultural Affairs relies on the services of many outstanding volunteer panelists, who review and evaluate grant applications, share their knowledge and expertise, and make funding recommendations. We are grateful for their exceptional service!

Become a volunteer panelist: Click here for more information and to fill out the Grant Panelist Nomination Form online.

Sincerely,

Michael Spring

Director, Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs