Tennessee Master Craft Artist / Apprentice Program

"We are honored to work with the Tennessee Arts Commission to encourage and foster concentrated learning experiences for the purpose of continuing the vibrancy of Tennessee's rich craft tradition," says TACA Executive Director Elaine Wood. "This project partnership accomplishes our mission to encourage, develop and promote craft and craftspeople and we are delighted to offer this innovative program to our members."

Tennessee Master Craft Artist/Apprentice Program is funded by the Tennessee Arts Commission and administered in cooperation with the Tennessee Association of Craft Artists.

Mission
The Tennessee Master Craft Artists/Apprenticeship Program is a cooperative partnership created to encourage and invest in the continuation, advancement and creation of Tennessee craft by recognizing the role of the master craft artist/apprentice relationship as a way to preserve the state's cultural heritage. The program will contract master craft artists to offer a period of concentrated learning to apprentices who demonstrate a commitment to further develop their abilities as specialized craft practitioners.

Objectives
Providing Tennessee craft artists with relevant and alternative educational experiences
Promoting and facilitating fine craft as a viable career path for Tennessee craft artists
Fostering deliberate mentoring
Facilitating professional development of emerging Tennessee craft artists
Increasing pool of Tennessee craft artists
Providing Tennessee craft artists with alternative means of professional funding
Who Can Be Funded
Members of the master craft artists/apprentice team must be residents of Tennessee and must provide a copy of proof of residency with submitted applications. Priority will be given to apprenticeships that take place outside of institutional settings.

Number of Awards
Three (3) master craft artist/apprentice pairs will be chosen to participate in the program, with funding available for intensive, one-on-one training to qualified apprentices by recognized master craft artists.

Award Amounts
Approved applications will receive a total of $4,000 to be divided as follows: the master craft artist is awarded a stipend of $2,200 and the apprentice is awarded a stipend of $1,800.

Project Duration
Project partnership runs from December 01, 2010 through June 15, 2011 and should include a minimum of 80-120 hours of instruction.

Application Deadline
Application deadline is October 30, 2010. All applications must be postmarked by October 30 to be considered. No hand-delivered, electronic or faxed copies of applications and/or support documents will be accepted.

How to Apply
Tennessee Master Craft Artist/Apprentice Program guidelines and applications are available by clicking here or by e-mailing  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .