Selection Process

A panel of folklorists, arts professionals and other individuals with relevant experience will review all applications according to the review criteria. Please be aware that panelists include people from inside and outside Arizona, some of who may be unfamiliar with the state's organizations, artists and/or communities. The panel's recommendations are forwarded to the Arizona Commission on the Arts governing members for final decisions.

The Commission conducts an open panel review process for this program. This means that applicants and other interested citizens may, and are encouraged to, attend the panel meeting, listen to panelists' deliberations, and briefly respond to direct questions from the panel. The Commission will send notification of panel dates to applicants after the application deadline.  Applicants will be notified after this process.

Where applicable, at least one panel member will have the ability to review materials in Spanish.

Your application will be reviewed using the following performance expectations:

• Cultural Significance - Cultural and historic significance of the folk art form
• Excellence of the Master - Artistic excellence in the tradition & Recognition as a master of the tradition
• Excellence of the Apprentice - Enhanced artistic skill
• Apprenticeship Working Plan - Plan for the proposed apprenticeship