Eligibility

Folk artists who have reached a master level of expertise and apprentices who have prior skill and knowledge who are willing to commit to extensive training are welcomed to apply.  

Master artists should come from the cultural background presented in this year's theme.  Apprentices should have a working knowledge in the art form they choose to study, but do not have to come from the ethnic background, but should be culturally sensitive and have an appreciation of it.  

Prospective master artists and apprentices must apply as partners.  Family member pairs are accepted.  If interested and with out a master or apprentice, please contact the Arizona Commission on the Arts or the Southwest Center for guidance.

This category is for individual artists.  Organizations are not eligible to apply.

At the time an application is submitted and the award is announced, applicants must be:

• 18 years of age or older
• A resident of Arizona, which means that applicants should have at least two of the following to demonstrate that they are an Arizona resident:
  • Arizona Driver’s License
  • State-issued Social Security Card
  • Arizona Vote Registration Card
  • File an Arizona Tax Return as a Resident

If a successful applicant is not able to provide documentation of residency, the grant money will be revoked.

What can be funded?

Traditional arts or folk arts encompasses the living traditions of specific ethnic or cultural communities, or from within a community of specialized practitioners such as art forms that have evolved from a culture or a particular style.  Examples include but are not limited to keepers of traditional songs, music, dance, storytelling, crafts, traditional architecture, ritual practices such as making and maintaining altars and religious processionals.

All forms of folk arts with extensive roots and documentation in the community will be considered.

Supplies needed for the apprenticeship will be determined by the artists and grant funds may be used to reimburse the cost of supplies.

What cannot be funded?

• Contemporary arts without a connection to cultural symbols and traditions
• Scholarly research and documentation projects are not the intent of these grants, even if they include some component of participation and observation.  Writers, journalists and folklorists who work with folk artists can contact Dr. Maribel Alvarez, Folklorist at the Southwest Center to discuss funding opportunities.
• Curriculum development, book publications, exhibits of historical objects
• General operating expenses, hospitality or food costs
• Travel outside the state of Arizona

This project may span over the course of twelve months.  Once the project has ended, the master artist and the apprentice will have collaborated on a work to be exhibited at a reception following the close of the program.

Recipients will be required to file a report upon completion of the project.  The final report must include a detailed actual budget documenting the recipient’s use of the funds.

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