This program supports artists working in craft media, which does not include photography, painting or drawing.

 An applicant is eligible to apply if they meet the following criteria:

• Mentor Artist and Apprentice have both resided full-time in Maine or New Hampshire for at least one year immediately prior to the application deadline.
• Mentor Artist and Apprentice will both reside full-time in Maine or New Hampshire throughout the apprenticeship.
• Mentor Artist and Apprentice demonstrate competency in an eligible craft art form.
• Mentor Artist and Apprentice are at least 18 years of age or older by the application deadline.

Grant applications are reviewed on a competitive basis using the following criteria:

1. Significance of the goals discussed. (40%)
2. Level of artistic design and technical abilities of the mentor. (30%)
3. Skill and commitment of the apprentice. (25%)
4. Clarity of the application. (5%)

These are the application questions to be completed in the GMS. All character counts include spaces.

FOR THE MENTOR ARTIST

• Describe your studio practice including where you sell or exhibit your work. (Max: 500 characters)
• To the best of your ability, assess the Apprentice’s potential and commitment. (Max: 500 characters)
• How do you know one another? (Max: 500 characters)

FOR THE APPRENTICE

• Tell us how long you've been working in this craft and if you've had any previous instruction. (Max: 500 characters)
• Where are you currently making and how much time are you able to dedicate to it? (Max: 500 characters)
• What do you hope to accomplish with this apprenticeship experience? (Max: 500 characters)
• Why do you want to work with this Mentor? (Max: 500 characters)
• How will you continue working with this craft in the future? (Max: 500 characters)

FOR BOTH MENTOR ARTIST AND APPRENTICE

• Where will the teaching take place and what will your schedule look like? (Max: 500 characters)
• Are there any distance, mobility, communication, technology, space, or schedule barriers of concern? How will you manage or how may we assist in helping with this? (Max: 300 characters)

APPRENTICESHIP PLAN GOALS

CAP requires one-on-one training for 100 hours over seven months. List three goals that will advance the Apprentice's practice that can be taught in the 100 hours required.  

• GOAL 1: Please give a brief description of the goal and provide estimated hours to accomplish it. (Max: 500 characters)
• GOAL 2: Please give a brief description of the goal and provide estimated hours to accomplish it. (Max: 500 characters)
• GOAL 3: Please give a brief description of the goal and provide estimated hours to accomplish it. (Max: 500 characters)

APPRENTICE BUDGET

The Apprentice will receive $1,500 which must be spent during the apprenticeship and must directly relate to the goals and/or future studio practice. Items may include materials, equipment, books, tools, studio specific furnishings, etc. In addition to traditional craft tools, supplies & materials, Apprentice stipends may be used to purchase field-relevant computer software that will aid in the learning process. Stipends may not be used for purchasing computer hardware. All purchased items become the property of the Apprentice. Funds may not be used for rent or ongoing existing overhead costs. Note: The Mentor Artist's funding is to compensate for their time and expertise, (do not submit a budget for these services).

• Provide a list of 1-10 items with their cost equaling $1,500.(Max: 500 characters)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Any additional information you would like to share. (Max: 1,000 characters)

All applications and materials must be submitted using the online Grant Management System (GMS). If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to carefully review these details and call us with questions prior to beginning an application. It’s important to give yourself plenty of time to write a strong application, so be sure to start the process early!

• Complete answers to all the applications questions listed above (REQUIRED)        

• Five JPG images of the work of the Mentor Artist. (REQUIRED)
• Five JPG images of the work of the Apprentice. (REQUIRED)
• A brief bio of each. (OPTIONAL)

Applications are reviewed by a panel of Maine and New Hampshire professionals for a first- round elimination using scored criteria. The panel then interviews the finalist pairs together to decide on the 2025 program participants.

1/15/2025 - Finalist’s interviews on Zoom.

1/16/2025 Finalist’s interviews, day #2 (if needed).

1/17/2025 Finalist's contacted with results in preparation for public announcement.

1/31/2025 CAP 2025 participants are publicly announced.

3/1/2025 Apprenticeships begin.

9/30/2025 Apprenticeships end.

10/3/2025 CAP Alumni Gathering @ Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts

10/3/2025 Exhibition Opening Reception: Mentors + Apprentices: Work from Maine + New Hampshire’s 2025 Craft Apprentice Program /// Capstone exhibition.

10/3/2025 – TBD: Exhibition Dates: Mentors + Apprentices: Work from Maine + New Hampshire’s 2025 Craft Apprentice Program /// Capstone exhibition at Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts.

11/--/25 - TBD Exhibition moves to NH.

NOTE: The program requires the pair to submit interim and final reports. 

For specific questions about the Maine Craft Apprenticeship

Whitney Gill, Executive Director of the Maine Crafts Association

Email: gro.stfarceniam@yentihw
Phone: 207-205-0791

Julie Horn, Assistant Director of the Maine Arts Commission

Email: vog.eniam@nroh.eiluJ
Phone: 207-287-2790

For specific questions about the New Hampshire Craft Apprenticeship

Miriam Carter, Executive Director of the League of NH Craftsmen

Email: gro.stfarchn@retracm
Phone: 603-224-3375 x119