TRAap will support multiple apprentices if required by the art form or tradition. This request must be clearly explained in the application. TRAAP strongly encourages applications from masters of traditional art forms practiced by only a few in their community, and requires applicants share the same cultural heritage

• A master artist has learned skills informally and has received peer recognition for achieving the highest level of artistry according to community standards. Master artists are encouraged to apply for all grants and awards offered by the Commission.
• An apprentice needs to have some background in the proposed art form, to demonstrate a willingness to learn from a recognized master, and a commitment to practicing the art form after the apprenticeship has been completed.

GRANT AMOUNT
The maximum award is $3,000.

LENGTH OF APPRENTICESHIP
The length of the apprenticeships must range from four to ten months, depending on the art form and the proposed work plan. Master and apprentice create a detailed work plan that includes a schedule and work site. Carefully consider the availability of seasonal materials and the length of time it will take to prepare them. This may affect what can be accomplished during the apprenticeship.

ELIGIBILTY
Priority is given to art forms with few practitioners.
In-family apprenticeships are encouraged.

• Applicants must meet the general eligibility criteria for individuals on page 14.
• Art forms must represent shared cultural traditions of both applicants.
• Masters must be recognized by their communities and peers for the excellence of their work and longevity of their practice.
• Apprentices must be familiar with the art form to be studied or experienced in a related art form.
• Applicants younger than 18 years of age may apply as apprentices when their artistic traditions are typically passed down to persons under 18.
• Multiple apprenticeships are allowed when the art form or tradition normally involves a group. One person is designated as the apprentice, and the names of all other persons in the group are listed separately.
• Masters may live in other states or foreign provinces because some of Idaho’s ethnic and cultural groups extend into those areas. Apprentices must live in Idaho.

HOW TO APPLY
Application should be in 12-point font or neatly handwritten. Since copies will be duplicated, please do not use staples. Fill out the checklist on page 30, include the application, narrative, all required materials, and comply with the postmark deadline.

NARRATIVE QUESTIONS
Submit a clear and concise narrative that directly responds to the questions below. Number, repeat the questions, and answer in order. Refer to the evaluation criteria as you write your narrative and select your support materials.

Master

1. Describe the art form, occupational skill, or tradition you practice and want to teach. Who taught you? Where and when did you learn it? Are there other practitioners in your community?
2. Tell something about this tradition or art form in your community. Is it a part of everyday life? Is it reserved for ceremonies, rituals, or other special occasions?
3. Explain how the community views your art. Do you have a particular style, a unique sound, or a special technique?
4. Explain why is it important for you to teach this apprentice?
5. Explain why you chose your apprentice. Do you share the same cultural community? How long have you known each other? Are you related?
6. Have you taught other people? Who are they? Are they still practicing this art form or tradition?

Apprentice

1. Describe your cultural background. Who or what influenced you to take up this art form?
2. Where and at what age did you begin working on this art form? Describe the role it plays in your life and in the life of your community or group.
3. Describe any prior experience you have in this art form. Are you a beginner? Do you have experience in another related art form? If so, which one?
4. Describe the master’s relationship to you or to your community. Why did you choose this person for your master? Have you worked together before? If so, explain.
5. Explain what you want to accomplish during this apprenticeship.
6. Explain your plans to continue working on this art form after the apprenticeship ends. Will you pass on to others what you have learned?

BUDGET
On the budget form, clearly itemize project expenses and revenue that are directly related to the cost of the project described in the narrative. A successful application will include a budget that demonstrates realistic and appropriate planning for expenses and revenue. (See Budget Tips on page 45)

ATTACHMENTS (required)

• LETTERS OF SUPPORT- Two or three letters of support from community members that describe your artistic contributions to the art form and how it relates to the cultural heritage of your community.
• MASTER’S SHORT BIOGRAPHY - (this attachment is optional)
• WORK SAMPLES -Both master and apprentice must submit work samples. The review panel cannot assess the artistic quality of your application without work samples.See Preparing Work Samples on page 11, for specific requirements and page 13 for a Work Sample form. Work samples, such as DVDs, CDs, images, or manuscripts should represent current work (within the past five years). Because work samples are the only way applicants can show their work to a panel, artistic quality cannot be overemphasized. Inferior or missing work samples reflect poorly on the application as a whole. Panelists have a limited time to evaluate them so it is important that the strongest examples are presented first. An application that does not include work samples is considered incomplete and will not be considered for panel review. No more than 5.

Different art forms require different types of samples:

• For craft, include photographs, digital images, and publications (identify and list on a separate sheet).
• For dance, music, song, and storytelling, include: DVD or CDs (cue DVD or indicate CD tracks you wish the panel to review).

Do NOT refer panelists to links, web sites, or to materials not included in your application packet. 

EVALUATION CRITERIA
Quality (50 points)

• The Master is recognized as such by peers and by community standards.
• The apprentice will benefit from working with the master at this time.
• The apprentice is committed to advancing his or her skills and to carrying on the tradition.

Community (25 points)

• The Master and apprentice share the same cultural background.
• The art form is significant to their community.
• Few artists practice and can teach this art form in their specific community.

Feasibility (25 points)

• The goals for the apprenticeship are clear and the budget is appropriate.
• The Work plan includes demonstrations and/or performances in community events.
• The work plan provides appropriate adequate time for interaction to achieve meaningful results.

POSTMARK DEADLINE
(See inside front cover for deadline date.)

Courtesy review deadlines are three weeks before the postmark deadline.

FINAL REPORTS
Final reports must be submitted upon completion of the project or by July 31, 2014 to receive final payment (more about Final Reports).