Application Materials

Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their application with Program Manager Maggie Holtzberg before applying. It is important for the master and the apprentice to meet and talk through plans for the apprenticeship. Among the points to be clarified are where, when, how often, and how long each training session will be. Goals for learning specific techniques or processes also should be determined.

You will need Adobe's FREE Acrobat Reader 4.0 or higher to access the PDFs below. While you can type into the PDF forms, you will not be able to save them once they have been filled out.

The following materials constitute a complete application:

1. Application Form (PDF) — with original signatures

2. Application Narratives
The narratives must be double-spaced and typed, in a font no smaller than 12 point, formatted with 1" margins. Each narrative can be up to 2 pages in length.

MASTER ARTIST NARRATIVE [up to 2 double-spaced pages]

1. Describe the traditional craft, music, art, dance, or occupational skill you wish to teach, including the particular style, unique sound, or special technique for which you are known.

2. Describe how you learned your art and from whom you learned it.

3. Approximately how long have you practiced this art form?

4. How widely practiced is your art? What other people are working in this art form?

5. How long have you known the apprentice with whom you are applying? Why did you agree to work with this person?

APPRENTICE NARRATIVE [up to 2 double-spaced pages]

1. How did you become interested in the art form/tradition you are studying?

2. Describe the skill-level you already have attained in this art form/tradition and describe how you learned it.

3. How long have you known the master artist with whom you are applying?

4. Why do you want to become an apprentice under this master artist? What particular skills, styles, or techniques do you expect to learn?

5. Describe your plans to continue making/performing this art after the apprenticeship is completed. Where do you see yourself fitting in, in the continuum of this tradition?

3. Work Plan — to be completed by master artist
The narratives and workplan must be double-spaced and typed, in a font no smaller than 12 point, formatted with 1" margins. Up to 2 pages in length.

1. How frequently will master and apprentice meet for instruction?
2. How long will each session last?
3. Where and when will meetings occur?
4. Describe your method for transferring your knowledge and skill.
5. What are the goals of this apprenticeship? What do the two of you hope to accomplish? Please be specific.
6. Describe the public event that will demonstrate what has been learned.

4. Budget Form (PDF)
Apprenticeships of up to $6,000 are available. It is expected that the primary cost will be for payment to the master artist. Applicants may also designate a portion of grant funds for supplies, tools, materials, travel, or other costs necessary to complete the apprenticeship. Items such as specialized tools, materials (such as fabric for a quilter or wood for a carver), musical instruments, costumes, and/or audiotapes are examples of eligible expenses. Travel costs for master and apprentice, including travel to obtain supplies or attend related events, may also be requested.

5. Letter of Support for Master Artist
Please submit one letter of support for the master artist. Letters of support should be from community members who are knowledgeable about the traditional art form.

6. Letter of Support for Apprentice
Please submit one letter of support for the apprentice. Letters of support should be from community members who are knowledgeable about the traditional art form.

7. Work Sample Index (PDF)

8. Master Artist and Apprentice Work Samples
Work samples should demonstrate artistic quality and technical ability. Both the master artist and the apprentice must submit samples of their own work (DVDs, videocassettes, audio CDs, digital CDs, color slides, or photographs). This enables the selection panel to evaluate the artistic quality for both applicants.

Panelists may review some or all of submitted material. Work samples that do not adhere to the guidelines may not be reviewed. If you have questions about any submission requirements, contact Program Manager Maggie Holtzberg.

Work Sample Instructions

Folk Craft
Submit five to ten images of your work — 33mm color slides or digital images are preferred. If possible, include an image that shows the place in which your work is created. Label slides and complete the Slide Inventory Form. In addition, up to three pieces of actual work may be submitted for review.

Music/Verbal Arts
Submit two copies of one sound recording (CD, DVD, or videocassette). Provide a list identifying performers, instruments, and the material being presented. Be sure to describe the typical audience and venue for this music/verbal art form on the Work Sample Index sheet. Indicate track number(s) or cue tape to preferred starting point.

Dance/Ethnic Theatre
Submit two copies of one video (DVD or videocassette) that best demonstrates the quality of your work. Label the video with title and length of work; provide a list with a description of your dance form or theatre, performers, and typical venue on the Work Sample Index sheet. Indicate track number(s) or cue tape to preferred starting point.

Submission Instructions
Submit two copies of all application materials to the MCC, including the Application Form with original signatures. Applicants should also keep a copy for their own records. Applicants must comply with guidelines and incomplete applications may be declared ineligible.

Applications must be postmarked or hand-delivered by 5:00 p.m. on December 8, 2006 to:

Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program
Massachusetts Cultural Council
10 St. James Avenue, 3rd Floor
Boston, MA 02116-3803