Program Information
The intent of this program is to recognize those mentor artists who maintain their traditions with excellence and according to the needs and aesthetics of their communities and to encourage and facilitate the learning and transmission of valued traditions to others in their communities. The program also helps develop close working relationships that continue beyond the scope of the work period.
An apprenticeship is a designated period of one-on-one training during which a student (the apprentice) learns a tradition through practical, hands-on experience under the guidance of a respected, accomplished traditional artist or cultural practitioner (the mentor).
Michigan's cultural traditions are a treasured resource to be nurtured for future generations. The Michigan Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program encourages cultural preservation, pride, and respect of these traditions through stipends of $4,000 made to mentor artists to teach their skills, techniques, and knowledge to others in their communities. Apprentices receive a $1,000 stipend for their time and commitment to participation in the program. Note: apprentices must be at least 14 years of age to receive payment, in compliance with state of Michigan labor regulations.
A panel of invited specialists reviews the applications annually. They look for strong evidence of excellence and skill in the art form or tradition (including recognition of the artist from within their community), a description of the tradition and the community in which it is situated, evidence of the commitment of the mentor artist and apprentice to the apprenticeship, appropriateness of the plan of work, and what the prospective apprentice's motivations and intentions are in undertaking this joint effort.
Review panel meetings are open to the public. Announcements of the awardees are made in February. All apprenticeships must be completed by September 15 of the year in which they were awarded.
Once apprenticeships begin, MTAP staff will visit with each team to document their work together. This documentation lives in the Michigan Traditional Arts Research Collections at the MSU Museum. At the close of the apprenticeship, participants will submit an evaluation of their time together and provide program feedback.
The Michigan Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program is administered by the Michigan Traditional Arts Program. It was established with the support of the National Endowment for the Arts.
What types of traditions and teams are supported?
Apprenticeships may incorporate a wide range of ethnic, cultural, regional, and occupational traditions. Past apprenticeships include vernacular music, dance, foodways, storytelling, craft or material culture, and historic building trades. Click "view awardees" below for a complete list of the traditional arts supported.
Both the mentor artist and apprentice should be residents of Michigan.
Apprentices should have some experience in the tradition; they should not be complete beginners. Mentor artists should be among the finest practitioners of the tradition within their community, with experience teaching others.
Although cross-cultural apprenticeships are possible, review panels generally give preference to funding apprenticeships where both the mentor and the student are from the same cultural group or community as it indicates more familiarity with the traditional art form or cultural practice.
How can I apply?
Applicants may apply for and receive up to two awards in a three-year period. First-time applications may be weighted higher depending on the number and quality of applications. Repeat applicants are welcome, though this may be taken into consideration in an especially competitive year.
Applicants must complete an MTAAP form including the portion to be filled out by the mentor artist and a separate portion to be filled out by the apprentice. The application package must also include samples of the mentor and apprentice's work; depending on the type of tradition, this might be photographs, objects, and/or audio tapes of performances. Applicants are encouraged to contact the MTAAP Coordinator to discuss the application prior to submitting it.
Please download and review our Application Guide prior to applying. Applications, including supporting materials must be submitted by the first Monday in January each year. Submit your completed application packet to MTAP associate director Micah Ling at lingmica@msu.edu, or to MITraditionalArts@msu.edu. If you are submitting a printed copy, please contact Micah Ling for the mailing address.
