The California Arts Council has opened its call for applicants to serve on peer-review panels for its 2026 grant season. The state art agency is seeking arts and cultural practitioners from diverse communities statewide to volunteer for a critical role in the grant application process as grant review panelists. Panelist applications submissions are due by April 27, 2026. Selected panelists will evaluate grant application submissions, ensuring an equitable, honest, and thorough review and ranking process.

Prospective candidates must be California residents age 18 or older with experience in a wide range of artistic, cultural, and social fields, including but not limited to:

• Artists and cultural practitioners of all disciplines

• Arts learning for youth

• Cultural placekeeping/creative placemaking

• Cultural development

• Youth advocacy

• Arts programming of, for, and by people with disabilities

• Social service, justice, community building

• Adult, juvenile detention/court

• Nonprofit management

• Arts programming for veteran populations

As an appreciation for volunteer panelists, individuals who complete their panel service will receive a $300 honorarium to subsidize their attendance at a minimum of two and up to three virtual meetings and rank submission activities.

Previous applicants from past grant seasons must reapply to be considered for the current season’s panel pool.

CLICK HERE for more information and to apply.