Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program
The Arkansas Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program funds teams of mentor artists and apprentices who are committed to sustaining their artistic traditions and cultural heritage. Teams are required to develop a work plan for the upcoming project year, meet with each other regularly over the course of the year, and finally, share their experience with their communities at the culmination of the project.
- Priority is given to mentors and apprentices who share the same cultural community.
- Priority is also given to living art forms with few remaining practitioners.
The Arkansas Folk Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program seeks new applicants each year to better represent the spectrum of cultural communities across the state.
2025-2026 Application Intent to Apply due August 31, 2025
The 2025-2026 application will be due in two parts:
- Step 1: Intent to Apply – Due August 31, 2025
- Step 2: Application Narrative and Work Samples: Portal Open September 8-26, 2025
It is highly recommend you contact AFTA to determine project eligibility and scope prior to submitting this form. If you haven’t yet contacted AFTA, reach out to program coordinator Lauren Willette at 479-575-4664 or willette@uark.edu.
INFO FOR 2025-2026 APPLICANTS
New for 2025-2026:
The 2025-2026 application will be submitted in two parts online:
- Step 1: Intent to Apply – Due August 31, 2025
- Step 2: Application Narrative and Work Samples: InfoReady Grant Portal Open September 8-26, 2025.
Applicants may not submit an application for step 2 without first completing step 1 by August 31, 2025. AFTA staff will use the step 1 form to determine project eligibility. AFTA will reach out to eligible applicants with instructions for submitting part 2.
It is highly recommended that applicants reach out to AFTA prior to submitting the part 1 form to discuss eligibility. If you haven’t yet contacted AFTA, reach out to program coordinator Lauren Willette at 479-575-4664 or willette@uark.edu. It is also recommended that applicants have their narrative and work samples assembled prior to the part 1 deadline.
How do I submit my application?
Complete step 1, Intent to Apply, by visiting: https://uark.libwizard.com/f/apprenticeshipintent25
Get Started on Your Application Now:
- Check out the full program guidelines and see all application questions here: 2025-2026 Apprenticeship Application Guidelines and Sample Forms
- Panelist Rubric and Score Sheet (for your reference)
Questions? Contact Lauren Willette at 479-575-4664.
Email: willette@uark.edu
INFO FOR 2023-2024 AWARDEES
Mentor and apprentice(s) must complete the following forms to accept the award:
- Mentor Artist:
- Apprenticeship Program Participation Agreement – Mentor Artist
- Arkansas Folk and Traditional Arts Program Release and Waiver (must be hand-signed and mailed or emailed).
- Payment Questionnaire
- Apprentice(s):
- Arkansas Folk and Traditional Arts Program Release and Waiver (must be hand-signed and mailed or emailed).
- Apprenticeship Program Participation Agreement – Apprentice
Award Payment Process:
- Info on Payment Process: https://folklife.uark.edu/payment/
- AFTA makes awards to individuals, not to artists’ businesses. Please fill out form using your personal social security number and information.
- University of Arkansas vendor/supplier process: https://businessservices.uark.edu/vendors/
INFO FOR PANELISTS
Forms and Resources
- Panelist Handbook (emailed to panelists)
- Rubric and Score Sheet (Fillable PDF)
- Honorarium Process:
- Info on Payment Process: https://folklife.uark.edu/payment/
- University of Arkansas vendor/supplier process: https://businessservices.uark.edu/vendors/
Questions?
Contact Lauren Willette
Phone: (479) 575-4664
Email: willette@uark.edu
The Arkansas Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program is supported, in part, by state partnership funds from the Arkansas Arts Council and National Endowment for the Arts. To find out more about the Arkansas Arts Council, visit: https://www.arkansasheritage.com/arkansas-art-council/
Many thanks to the Missouri Folk Arts Program’s Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program, from which this program and application have been adapted.
