Artist Request for Proposals: Guest Artists, Makers + Performers

Artist Request for Proposals                     

Guest Artists, Makers + Performers

About the Project 

The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine (CMTM) seeks artists, makers and performers to bring a special experience to CMTM’s community celebrations. We seek creative individuals to share their voices and craft with a multi-generational audience. Emerging Artists are encouraged to apply.

At CMTM, we strive to embody our core values of belonging, play, community, curiosity, and trust throughout our programming. We hope to find artists who can work collaboratively with our guests to bring these values to life. We celebrate the list of values above throughout the year and have chosen to highlight the dates below for expanded celebration.

Program Overview

Artists, makers and performers are invited to create an immersive experience for CMTM visitors that may include individual art creation, collaborative making, and interactive presentations. CMTM values process over product and welcomes opportunities to highlight local artists as they deepen their relationship with the CMTM community.

Artists and makers typically activate CMTM’s open-ended, process-based art studio, MakerSpace, located on the second floor, in a flexible, drop-in format. MakerSpace welcomes children of all ages and their caregivers. Sessions generally run in two-hour blocks, not including set up & breakdown. Guest Artists & Makers should plan on creating a collaborative experience, with an additional takehome component.

Performers typically activate CMTM’s Maddy’s Theatre, located on the first floor. The theatre welcomes children of all ages and their caregivers. Performances are often ½ hour to 45 minutes in duration, not including set up & breakdown. 

Guest Artists, Makers and Performers will be paired with CMTM team members to support program setup, instruction, and flow.

Participants of all ages may come and go throughout the performances and during MakerSpace sessions, engaging at their own pace. Sign-ups for participation are not required. When the artist is not present, regular programming will continue in MakerSpace, allowing guests to create their own work independently. Free-choice art supplies provided by CMTM will be available for makers of all ages at all times.

Thematic Opportunities

CMTM seeks artists, makers and performers to help provide programming inspired by heritage months and community celebrations important to our community and visitors. Applicants are encouraged to indicate which theme(s) their proposed project aligns with. We are accepting themes not listed below if they celebrate a community or cultural celebration: please indicate that you are proposing a theme on the Artist/Maker/Performer form. Potential opportunities include:

  • Pride 

  • Juneteenth

  • Indigenous Peoples’ Day 

  • Hispanic Heritage Month and/or Día de los Muertos 

  • Native American Heritage Month 

  • Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend (2026)

  • LOVE Week in Mid February

  • Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 

Compensation

Guest Artists, Makers and Performers will receive a flat fee of $250 per session. CMTM will provide supplies within a designated budget, with further details to be discussed upon artist selection. Artists are welcome to submit proposals for multiple celebrations. Some events may extend over more than one day, so artists may be invited to lead multiple sessions based on program needs and available budget. As part of this fee, we ask that all confirmed presenters anticipate a half hour meeting with CMTM programming staff at least 2 weeks prior to their CMTM session, to go over project details; this can be in person or by Zoom.

Submission Guidelines

To apply, please complete the Artist/Maker/Performer Interest Form and submit the following materials:

  • A visual, audio or video example of the proposed project

  • A CV, Resume and/or Cover Letter

Deadline information can be found on the Artist/Maker/Performer Interest Form.

For questions, please contact hiring@kitetails.org

CMTM is an equal opportunity employer. 

We value diversity amongst our team and leadership, and we strongly encourage people of all traditionally marginalized identities to apply. CMTM provides equal employment opportunities. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws.

Request for ProposalsHannah DalyRequest for Proposals