Call for Arts & History Review Panelists
Ends on
The Boise City Department of Arts & History seeks Boise residents from diverse communities to apply to be review panelists for our upcoming grants, public art projects, and artist residency opportunities.
Review panelists play a critical role in the selection process as representatives of the community of Boise. They work both independently and collaboratively alongside Arts & History Commissioners, A&H program staff, and other panelists to evaluate applications, ensuring a fair and thoughtful review and recommendation process for opportunities offered by the City of Boise.
Arts & History values a wide range of lived experiences and perspectives, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Panelists may include educators, business owners, parents, students, neighborhood leaders, cultural workers, and community members who are interested in supporting Boise’s creative and civic life.
We encourage individuals who are curious, thoughtful, and eager to contribute to a fair and inclusive public process to apply. Prior experience in arts, history, or cultural work is not required.
Applicants selected for the panelist pool may be contacted to serve as reviewers at various points between June 2026 and June 2028.
Inclusion in the pool does not guarantee a reviewer role, as invitations are extended based on project needs, availability, and relevant experience.
Programs For Panel Service
· Grants: The purpose of the Grant Program is to fund meaningful creative projects and programs for Boise residents rooted in arts, history, and culture. The grant program has predictable annual cycle with applications accepted once per year. Review panelists commit 25–35-hours over 6-8 weeks to complete reviewer training, evaluate applications, and participate in a group recommendation meeting.
· Public Art: The purpose of the Public Art Program is to provide meaningful experiences and opportunities with and for various communities through accessible public art and programming that fosters and reflects the evolving identity of Boise. Projects vary widely in scope, scale, budget, and timeline. Panelist time commitments may vary as well and could range from 2-3 meetings to a more involved, multi-phase review process. Invited panelists will be provided with clear participation expectations in advance of each opportunity.
· Artist Residency: The purpose of Artist Residencies is to support artists in developing and sharing new work that engages Boise residents in meaningful, place-based experiences. Residencies provide artists with dedicated time, resources, and community connection. The artist residency programs have a predictable annual cycle with applications accepted once per year. Review panelists typically commit 25-35 hours over 6-8 weeks to complete reviewer training, evaluate applications, and participate in a group recommendation meeting.
Eligibility
• Residents of Boise, Idaho.
• 18 years of age or older.
• Legally able to work in the United States
We are looking for individuals that are:
• From diverse backgrounds – gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic status, and disability, reflecting Boise’s overall demographics.
• Curious, thoughtful, and eager to contribute to Boise’s creative and civic life.
• Committed to reviewing, assessing, and discussing the strengths and weaknesses of applications based on review criteria.
• Able to take part in virtual and in-person training and group meetings.
• Aligned with the City of Boise’s mission to bring people together and build positive relationships that ultimately help create A City for Everyone.
• Supportive of the Department of Arts & History’s mission to cultivate a distinct sense of place which reflects Boise’s rich past, diverse communities, and unique natural setting.
Timeline
· Application Open: March 31 – April 26, 2026
· Application Review: April 27 – May 15, 2026
· Notification: May 2026
· Potential Service Period: June 2026 – June 2028
Compensation
In recognition of their service, individuals who complete panel service will receive a one-time stipend ranging from $200–$350, depending on the time commitment and complexity of the projects under review. Please note that panelists are not eligible to apply for funding from the opportunity they are reviewing.
Panelists are and shall at all times be considered an independent party and are in no way an employee of the City of Boise. Panelists are not entitled to worker’s compensation benefits, unemployment compensation, or any other benefits or protections that accrue from an employment relationship.
Language and Accessibility
In our commitment to engaging everyone, the City of Boise is actively removing barriers to participation, including for our residents with disabilities and those who prefer a language other than English. If you need an accommodation to access City of Boise’s services, programs, or activities, please contact us at artsandhistory@cityofboise.org or 208-972-8500 (TTY 800-377-3529).
En nuestro compromiso por lograr la participación de todos, la Ciudad de Boise está eliminando activamente las barreras a la participación, incluso para nuestros residentes con discapacidades y aquellos que prefieren un idioma distinto del inglés. Si necesita una adaptación para acceder a los servicios, programas o actividades de la Ciudad de Boise, póngase en contacto con nosotros en artsandhistory@cityofboise.org o en el 208-972-8500 (TTY 800-377-3529).