DCASE Grant Panelist Application 2024

Thank you for your interest in serving as a DCASE grant reviewer. We rely on external panelists – experts in their fields – to review grant applications and make recommendations to the staff. You may visit the Cultural Grants website to see who has previously served.

The mission of the Cultural Grants Program is to play an active role in the development of Chicago’s arts and culture community by funding artists and arts organizations that have the potential to meaningfully contribute to the City’s cultural vitality. We invest in artists because we believe the arts are an essential part of life.

Panelists commit to a review process consisting of a training webinar, reviewing on average 35 applications through an online platform, and participating in a half- to full-day virtual panel discussion. Some grant programs, such as the Neighborhood Access Program, also includes interviewing applicants, and/or more than one round of reviewing submitted proposals.

We seek panelists who have a significant history of creating and presenting art and culture in Chicago and/or significant experience serving Chicago's communities. They must have expertise in their chosen fields. Past panelists have been managing or artistic directors, arts educators, individual artists, and even librarians. The Cultural Grants team is committed to ensuring that the majority of the panelists self-identify as BIPOC or ALAANA.

There is compensation for panel service.