The Traditional Arts Apprenticeship helps communities sustain their cultural heritage by providing an opportunity formentor traditional artists to pass on their skills to a qualified apprentice or apprentices. Based on experience and commitment to their art form, mentor artists select an apprentice to teach for an extended period of time, one on one, usually for a year. Up to $3,000 is available for the mentor  artists’ teaching fees, supplies and travel costs. Preference is given to selecting apprentices who are members of the same ethnic, religious, occupational, tribal or familial group as the mentor artist. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on the day of the deadline.

Grant awards may be used for fees for the mentor teacher, supplies and/or equipment, travel expenses (for mentor apprentice), books and educational materials. If you have participated in the Apprenticeship Program for three consecutive years, you must take a year off before reapplying.

Have general questions about the Grant/Application Process? Access the Grants FAQ