2026/2027 - France-Merrick Fellow

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Fellowship Overview:

The France-Merrick Fellowship represents one of MICA’s most distinguished opportunities for student leadership in community engagement and socially

engaged art. France-Merrick Fellows (FMFs) serve as ambassadors of MICA’s commitment to the transformative power of art within the Baltimore community. Through their work, FMFs cultivate meaningful partnerships between MICA students and local organizations, leading thoughtful dialogue, facilitating collaborative projects, and fostering sustainable connections between campus and community.

As mentors to Community Site Leaders (CSLs), FMFs provide guidance, inspiration, and insight. They also advise the Community Art & Service Program and the Office of Mission Community Learning on strengthening MICA’s role in advancing socially engaged art and supporting artists who are dedicated to civic impact. France-Merrick Fellows exemplify leadership through action, leveraging MICA’s resources and their own artistic practice to empower creativity, collaboration, and community change.

Key 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.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria:

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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 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.

Conditions of Employment:

• France Merrick Fellows are expected to attend mandatory training as outlined below:

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.

Estimated Compensation:

• $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.

Maryland Institute College of Art is committed to its policy of providing equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or veteran status (disabled, Vietnam-era, or otherwise). Furthermore, the College does not tolerate any form of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment or sexual violence. This policy applies to all programs, facilities, and activities provided by Maryland Institute College of Art, including but not limited to admission, educational programs, and employment.

Applicants must apply online for each job in which they are interested. You will not be considered for any job for which you have not specifically applied. We do not accept applications via email, U.S. mail, or fax. Successful candidates for any staff or faculty positions will be subject to a pre-employment background check.

MICA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact Human Resources at 410-225-2363.