Folklife Apprenticeships support traditional arts education by funding a master artist and apprentice artist to work together for one year.
During the grant period, the master artist passes down her or his knowledge to the apprentice artist.
In August 2022, Maryland Traditions staff hosted an information session on how to apply for the Folklife Apprenticeship, including application strategies. Click here to view the recording.
Folklife Apprenticeships support living cultural traditions and are distinct from registered apprenticeships offered through the Maryland Apprenticeship Training Program (MATP), which supports workforce development. Click here for more information on MATP.
Applicants who are eligible for Folklife Apprenticeships are traditional artists who have resided in Maryland for at least six months.
Master artists should be able to demonstrate vital contributions to a particular living cultural tradition in Maryland.
Apprentice artists should be able to demonstrate some prior experience, a basic level of skill, and a commitment to long-term learning in a particular traditional art.
Applications require complete narrative information, with the option to submit supplemental materials. A completed application consists of the following components:
- Answers to prompts soliciting:
- A description of the cultural history and current community practice of the traditional art in the proposed Folklife Apprenticeship
- Biographical information for both the master artist and apprentice artist
- A work plan including the logistical, financial, and cultural details of the proposed Folklife Apprenticeship
- Optional supplemental materials that demonstrate the suitability of the applicants to complete the proposed Folklife Apprenticeship, including written materials and audiovisual materials
Applications offer the option of uploading an audio or video recording answering the narrative questions. This option is intended to benefit applicants who prefer communicating verbally to submitting written materials. Instructions for uploading application recordings are included in SmartSimple.
See the Grant Guidelines for detailed information
Upon execution of grant agreement, payment will be processed for receipt in 6-8 weeks. Grantees are required to submit a final report at the completion of the funded project. For detailed reporting requirements, please see the Grant Guidelines.
All MSAC grants are paid on the same timeline. To learn more, click here.
Grantees are required to submit a brief report detailing the use of funds at the end of each fiscal year.
See the Grant Guidelines for detailed information.
A complete list of previous grantees can be found in this research guide from the Maryland Traditions Archives. Previous grantees include (roster formatted as [Master artist] & [Apprentice artist]”: [Tradition]):
2022-2023
2021-2022
2020-2021
2019-2020
2018-2019
2017-2018
This Youtube playlist features soundbooks and documentary short films created by contract media producers Edwin Remsberg Photographs (2007-2021) and Wide Angle Youth Media (2021-present), respectively, featuring Folklife Apprenticeship teams over the years:
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