New England Master Apprenticeship Grant
The Master Apprenticeship supports mentoring relationships between master artists and apprentices. These grants of up to $5,000 will pair an experienced master artist with an apprentice for up to one year, establishing a learning experience that helps to ensure the continued vitality of Native artists in New England.
Eligibility
Native American artist applicants must:
- Be Native American, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian.
- Reside in one of the six New England states.
- Be a master artist or an apprentice in the proposed project.
(A master artist exemplifies artistic quality and craftsmanship in his/her medium, with ten or more documented years of experience making and teaching his/her art. An apprentice is an experienced artist currently working in a medium, looking to enhance his/her skills, and works by pairing and mentoring with a more experienced "master" artist.) - Contact NEFA staff prior to applying.
- Complete the project within one year of receiving funding.
- Be able to fulfill the grantee requirements if funded.
Funding Criteria
This application process is competitive. Awards will be based on submission of a thorough application according to the following priorities:
- Both the master and apprentice demonstrate artistic skill, accomplishment, and experience in the proposed art form, medium, or media, shown through the submitted artist statement, resume, and work samples.
- Skill and commitment of the apprentice. (Does the apprentice have the skill to benefit from working with the master? Is the apprentice dedicated to continuing and disseminating the art form?)
- Appropriateness of match between master and apprentice. (Are the individuals well-matched for successful transference of the art form?)
- The proposed project addresses an identified need or benefit for the artist(s).
- Potential impact of the apprenticeship on the continued vitality of the tradition, art form, or contemporary work.
- Feasibility of work plan. (Does the plan provide sufficient and well thought-out interaction to achieve meaningful results?)
- The project aligns with the overall purpose of NEFA's Native Arts program - to support Native artists creating traditional and contemporary art.
- Commitment to preserving and encouraging art and artmaking in New England communities.
Deadlines
Deadlines are the first Monday in October and third Monday in March. Upcoming deadlines and project periods are:
- October 1, 2012: For project period November 1, 2012 - October 31, 2013.
- March 18, 2013: For project period May 1, 2013 - April 30, 2014.
Grant REQUESTs & Instructions
How to Apply
- Contact NEFA staff.
- Complete the Native Arts New England application requirements with the following changes:
- Project Narrative: The application should describe the proposed apprenticeship and identify both the master and the apprentice artists.
- Supporting Materials: Submit supporting materials for both the master and the apprentice.
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Requirements & Reports for Grant Recipients
Requirements
All Native Arts New England grantees are required to submit an evaluation within one month from the end of their project.
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Contact
Dawn Spears (Narragansett/Choctaw) | Program Manager, Native Arts
dspears@nefa.org | 617.951.0010 x525
Summer Confuorto (Gros Ventre/Mi’kmaq) | Program Associate
sconfuorto@nefa.org | 617.951.0010 x533
