2027 Craft Apprentice Program
2027 Craft Apprentice Program supports mentors and apprentices in Maine and New Hampshire through one-on-one craft training that advances creative practice, professional growth, and sustainable craft careers.
Funder: Maine Arts Commission
Due Dates: December 4, 2026, at midnight (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $5,000 mentor honorarium and $3,000 apprentice honorarium for seven months
Summary: Supports mentor-apprentice craft partnerships in Maine and New Hampshire through 100 hours of individualized training.
Key Information: Apply as an identified mentor-apprentice pair; regular in-person training is required, with no more than 10% remote instruction.
Description
The Craft Apprentice Program (CAP) is offered by the Maine Crafts Association, Maine Arts Commission, and League of New Hampshire Craftsmen. It supports 100 hours of one-on-one training over seven months for apprentices committed to acquiring new skills, tools, and management habits while advancing their craft practice. Most training takes place in the mentor’s studio, with occasional visits to other studios, workshops, exhibitions, and relevant sites.
CAP promotes craft as a viable career, deliberate mentoring, professional development for emerging makers, and peer learning. Each partnership can shape its apprenticeship around the apprentice’s professional and creative goals. The program aims to strengthen creative entrepreneurship and a sustainable craft sector in Maine and New Hampshire. A capstone exhibition showcases new work, while an annual alumni gathering supports continued connections and professional exchange.
