2026/2027 - France-Merrick Fellow

Maryland Institute College of Art • Baltimore, MD

4d • $3,000 - $3,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The France-Merrick Fellowship is a distinguished opportunity for student leadership in community engagement and socially engaged art at MICA. Fellows serve as ambassadors for MICA’s commitment to art's transformative power within the Baltimore community. They cultivate partnerships between MICA students and local organizations, lead dialogue, facilitate collaborative projects, and foster connections between campus and community. Fellows also mentor Community Site Leaders (CSLs) and advise on strengthening MICA’s role in advancing socially engaged art and supporting artists dedicated to civic impact. They exemplify leadership through action, using MICA’s resources and their artistic practice to empower creativity, collaboration, and community change.

Requirements

• The France-Merrick Fellowship is open to both undergraduate and graduate students at MICA.
• Candidates are selected based on their demonstrated commitment to community-based art, leadership experience, and potential to serve as catalysts for socially conscious creative work.
• Undergraduate Applicants Must have served as a Community Site Leader (CSL) for a minimum of two semesters at MICA prior to applying for the fellowship.
• Graduate Applicants Must have served as a Community Site Leader (CSL) for a minimum of two semesters, OR: Demonstrate through their professional résumé one of the following: At least one year of experience in art education, community engagement or organizing, or public art; or at least two years of consistent community service.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage effectively with supervisors, peers, and community members.
• Awareness of and sensitivity to the diverse needs and perspectives of Baltimore’s communities and partnering organizations.
• A demonstrated interest in community engagement and a desire to Strengthen connections between MICA and the broader Baltimore community.
• Joint Student Leader Training: Late August
• Community Art + Service (CAS) Orientation: September 12, 2026
• Consistent weekly presence at the assigned community site throughout the semester (5-8 hours per week).
• Completion of background check and fingerprinting if required by the site (mandatory for youth-focused organizations).
• Student employees may not exceed 20 hours per week across all on-campus positions.

Responsibilities

• Support Community Partnerships: Collaborate with CAS & Mission staff to strengthen and sustain partnerships between MICA and Baltimore-based community organizations.
• Commitment and Hours: Serve for a full academic year (two semesters), completing approximately 120 hours per semester (averaging 6–8 hours per week).
• Training Requirements: Attend all France-Merrick Fellow training sessions in full, held each August and January.
• Program Representation: Assist the Office of Mission & Community Learning with program visibility and outreach, including participation in open houses, information sessions, and recruitment events.
• Regular Supervision and Communication: Attend bi-weekly meetings with the Associate Director of Community Arts & Service to discuss progress, address challenges and receive ongoing guidance. Communicate any site-related issues promptly - within one business day for urgent matters or within one week for routine concerns.
• Cohort Engagement: Actively participate in monthly France-Merrick Fellow cohort meetings, contributing to collective reflection, peer learning, and program development.
• Preparation and Planning: Dedicate at least three hours per week to planning lessons, activities, or project development. These sessions will be self-directed but held in designated campus spaces such as the Office of Mission & Community Learning. Occasionally, this preparation time may be directed toward special CAS projects as assigned.
• Mentorship: Serve as a mentor to assigned Community Site Leaders (CSLs) through both in-person meetings and electronic communication, offering guidance, encouragement, and professional insight.
• Program and Event Support: Assist in the implementation of the annual Community Art + Service Exhibition and Festival, helping to showcase student and community collaborative projects.
• Documentation and Reporting: Submit a comprehensive written report at the conclusion of the academic year, outlining project outcomes, accomplishments, challenges, and proposed next steps.
• Advocacy and Representation: Be available to meet with funders, MICA’s Office of Advancement, and other institutional representatives to present and discuss ongoing community initiatives when requested.
• Fiscal Responsibility: Monitor and track all budget allocations and expenditures, including funds for supplies, materials, and professional development activities, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Benefits

• $1,500 per semester stipend. ($3,000 Total)
• Access to funding up to $1,000 for materials and supplies budget.
• Access to a $300 budget for Professional Development Opportunities such as workshops and/or conferences.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed