2025 Craft Apprenticeship Participants (Left to Right): Jody Johnstone (Mentor), Krystal Yavicoli (Apprentice), Linda Perrin (Mentor), Erin Bobo (Apprentice)
Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program
Started in 1990, with National Endowment for the Art’s funding, the Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program provides opportunities for experienced traditional artists to teach new generations.
Passed down from one generation to the next, traditional arts are learned informally, usually through observation and example rather than through formal academic instruction. Preference is given to selecting apprentices who are members of the same ethnic, religious, occupational, tribal or familial group as the master artist.
Based on their experience and commitment to their particular art form, master artists select an apprentice to teach, one on one, for an extended period of time, usually a year. Up to $3,000 is available for the master artists’ teaching fees, supplies and travel costs.
Applications are reviewed using the following criteria:
- Artistic quality of master’s work according to the standards of the traditional community
- Role of master artist and art form in community
- Significance of tradition
- Skill and commitment of apprentice
- Feasibility of work plan
- Potential impact of apprenticeship on continued vitality of traditional art
The Maine Arts Commission's Traditional Arts Apprenticeships are administered in partnership with Cultural Resources. To Apply please visit https://www.cultural-resources.org/what-we-do. For assistance contact Kathleen Mundell at moc.oohay@1002secruoserlarutluc or 207-236-6741.Maine Craft Apprenticeship Program
The Maine and New Hampshire Craft Apprenticeship Program (CAP) is presented through a partnership of the Maine Arts Commission, Maine Craft Association, and the League of NH Craftsmen. CAP supports growth and resiliency in the craft sector by offering new skills, tools and management habits that help with the changing desires of craft consumers. It is seven-month customized education for artists who not only have a deep commitment to better their work but are also willing to develop a significant relationship with a Mentor Artist.
This is not a "traditional" apprenticeship where inventory is produced for the Mentor but instead focuses on accomplishing the apprentice's desired professional goals. Pairs apply jointly with agreed goals, a plan for achievement, and a proposed budget for the Apprentice’s stipend. Grant awards are $3,000 for the Mentor Artist for their time and expertise and Apprentices get $1,000 for supplies and tools specific to this apprenticeship. No matching funds are required
How to Apply: Overview
Mentor Artists and Apprentices apply together in one application. Review the application questions & support materials in the guidelines, then prepare your text and uploads. The application will be accepted though the Maine Arts Commission’s Grant Management System, new users will need to create an account. Once you have an account, find the Craft Apprentice Program in the grants list and follow the prompts.
Eligibility
Eligibility requires participants to be at least eighteen years of age, current New Hampshire or Maine residents, and apprentices must demonstrate foundational skills in the medium they wish to pursue. The program supports craft artists working in craft media, which does not include photography, painting or drawing. Please contact us if you are unsure if your media qualifies.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by a panel of Maine and New Hampshire professionals for a first round elimination. The panel also interviews the finalist pairs with awards given to two or more joint applicants, dependent on funding.
Honorarium
Both Mentor Artist and Apprentice receive honorariums based on a recommended one hundred hours of one-on-one training ($3000 to the master, $1500 to the apprentice). The honorarium for the Mentor Artist covers their time and transference of knowledge/expertise, while the Apprentice’s funds are for supplies/equipment.
