[Maryland State Arts Council](https://www.msac.org)

August 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)

Supports a year-long partnership; specific award amounts vary by year—refer to program guidelines for current figures.

Funds a year-long collaboration between a mentor and apprentice to sustain Maryland’s traditional arts and cultural practices.

--- ## Description The Folklife Apprenticeship grant, offered by the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) through its Maryland Traditions program, supports the transmission of traditional arts by funding a year-long partnership between a mentor artist and an apprentice artist. The program aims to sustain and strengthen community-based living cultural traditions across Maryland by providing resources for artists to work closely together, sharing skills, knowledge, and practices that have been handed down through generations. The apprenticeship is distinct from workforce development apprenticeships and is specifically focused on traditional arts education. --- ## Due Dates - August 2026 (anticipated/projected full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - The grant supports a one-year partnership between a mentor and apprentice. - Award amounts are set annually and may vary; consult the most recent program guidelines or contact MSAC for current figures. - Payment is processed upon grant agreement and typically received within 6–8 weeks. --- ## Eligibility - **Mentor Artists:** - Must be a resident of the United States or a U.S. territory. - Must demonstrate vital contributions to a living cultural tradition in Maryland. - Out-of-state mentors are eligible only if the skillset is unavailable in Maryland. - **Apprentice Artists:** - Must be a resident of Maryland. - Must show prior experience, basic skill, and commitment to long-term learning in a traditional art. - Must demonstrate the desired mentor skillset is unavailable in Maryland if proposing an out-of-state mentor. - If under 18, must provide parent/guardian contact and permission. - Both mentor and apprentice must submit biographical information and a clear work plan. - Refer to the [program guidelines](https://www.msac.org/programs/maryland-traditions/folklife-apprenticeship) for detailed eligibility requirements. --- ## Application Process - Complete an online application including: - Narrative responses (cultural history, current practice, bios, work plan). - Optional supplemental materials (written or audiovisual). - Option to submit responses via audio or video. - Applications are submitted through MSAC’s SmartSimple portal. - Awardees must sign a grant agreement and submit a final report at the project’s end. - For application tips, view the [How to Apply webinar](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uy9DFbPTBEw). --- ## Additional Information - Grantees are required to submit a brief report detailing the use of funds at the end of each fiscal year. - The grant is part of Maryland Traditions’ broader initiative to document, support, and present traditional arts statewide. - Lists of previous grantees and scoring rubrics are available on the program site. --- ## External Links - [Folklife Apprenticeship Program Page](https://www.msac.org/programs/maryland-traditions/folklife-apprenticeship) - [Maryland Traditions](https://www.msac.org/programs/maryland-traditions) - [FY 2027 Scoring Rubric (PDF)](https://www.msac.org/sites/default/files/2026-02/FY%202027%20Folklife%20Apprenticeship%20Application%20Scoring%20Rubric.pdf) - [List of Previous Grantees](https://lib.guides.umbc.edu/marylandfolklife) - [How to Apply Webinar (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uy9DFbPTBEw) - [MSAC Payment Processes](https://msac.org/resources/payment-processes) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | More Info | |----------------|--------------------|-------------------------------------|-----------------|------------------------------------------------| | Ryan Koons | State Folklorist | [ryan.koons@maryland.gov](mailto:ryan.koons@maryland.gov) | (410) 767-6568 | [Bio](https://www.msac.org/people/ryan-koons) | | MSAC General | Grants/Support | [msac.commerce@maryland.gov](mailto:msac.commerce@maryland.gov) | (410) 767-6555 | [Contact Page](https://www.msac.org/contact) |

Folklife Apprenticeship

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