History
In 2003, what was then the Community Arts Partnership (CAP), was awarded an endowment by the France-Merrick Foundation for students pursuing community art to propose a year-long project with Baltimore communities. This endowment has allowed students that receive this fellowship to emerge as leaders in both the MICA community, as well as the Baltimore community through their commitment to service and innovation. France-Merrick Fellows are expected to be leaders that connect MICA students to the community in both the work they do, as well as the dialogues that they are able to start with this unique position.
Requirements
The France-Merrick Fellowship is a prestigious position at MICA, and some of the requirements of the position include, but are not limited to:
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Propose a year-long project they wish to complete in conjunction with a partner site that is approved by MICA
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Commit to a full calendar year experience
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Assist with the mentorship/overseeing of the CSLs
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Assist with CSE sponsored service opportunities
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Have community art or service experience for one year (or two semesters)
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Good academic & judicial standing
Timeline
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Applications are accepted in the spring, and interviews will happen in April
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Those selected will be notified prior to the end of the spring semester
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FMFs are encouraged to explore sites in Baltimore prior to the beginning of the fall semester
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FMFs attend extensive training in August to obtain tools to execute their position to the best of their ability
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Reviews occur throughout each semester to check in on the completion of project requirements
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FMFs attend a retreat in the spring semester to further connect, process, and gain tools for their project
A 2023/2024 France-Merrick Project
Over the past year, France-Merrick Fellow - Austin Chia, and Community Site Leader - Anaitza Brown, embarked on organizing a fashion show with 5 seniors from the Bolton North Senior Living apartment complex. They consulted with the older adult participants and created outfits that reflected their personalities, interests, and stories.
Austin on his 2024 France-Merrick Project: "Throughout the process, I brought visitors to the complex to work with the seniors and brought the seniors to the MICA campus to work with the students. I also invited Yan Fang a composer studying at Peabody Conservatory of Music to visit the seniors and work with them to create the music for the fashion show. The process of preparing for the fashion show has fostered stronger ties amongst the people living in Bolton North."
Austin on being France-Merrick Fellow: "I would strongly recommend that students take up the role of an FMF as it is a great way for them to practice working with people outside of MICA and to give back to the city of Baltimore. Most importantly, they would receive training, materials and financial support throughout the journey to ensure that their collaboration with other communities outside of MICA is successful and meaningful."
Professional Growth as an FMF
During the 2023/2024 academic year, Fellow Mina Sarfaraz worked in the Bolton North neighborhood of Baltimore with Mt. Royal Elementary Middle's Higher Achievement Program.
"After spending my last semester as a CSL at Higher Achievement, I knew that I wanted to continue working there for my Fellowship year. I was able to continue working with the same students that I had developed relationships with, and connected with each student on their individual interests to identify their goals and work towards completing them.
I feel that I grew professionally as this was my first time being responsible for developing and executing lesson plans and learning objectives for students. My confidence grew in leading a classroom and I felt much more comfortable getting the attention of scholars and giving instructions by the end of the year. I learned how to talk to students in an encouraging and positive way, while giving them constructive feedback on their work. I think that the France-Merrick fellowship is an excellent program for students looking to gain more experience in working with organizations outside of MICA while giving back to the community with the skills they have. I feel that this experience changed my perspective on what I might want to do in the future. I never thought that I would want to be a teacher but I now know that it could be an option for me."