2019 CRAFT APPRENTICE PROGRAM APPLICATION DEADLINE: 12/7/2018
The Maine Crafts Association, in partnership with the Maine Arts Commission, offers a statewide apprentice program for contemporary craft practitioners.
2019 applications are due December 7th, five master-apprentice pairs will be selected to participate in the 2019 program cycle, additionally, the application questions and file upload requirements have been reduced from previous cycles: It is a great year to apply, or re-apply!
Program Overview
The Maine Craft Apprentice Program (MaineCAP) provides an educational opportunity for apprentices who demonstrate a commitment to further their abilities as specialized craft practitioners; they accomplish this through a significant relationship with a master artist.
The program lasts for seven months, March through September. Applicants apply jointly, providing clear, agreed upon goals, a basic plan for how goals will be achieved, and a proposed budget for the apprentice’s honorarium. Both must also submit resumes and images of current work.
Program Objectives
Providing makers with relevant and alternative educational experiences.
Promoting and facilitating craft as a viable career path.
Fostering deliberate mentoring.
Facilitating professional development of emerging makers.
Increasing pool of craft makers in the state.
Providing makers with alternative means of professional funding.
Develop and promote peer learning in the Maine craft community.
Training Site
A majority of the training happens at the master’s studio. Occasionally they visit other studios or events of relevance to their goals. Although we provide a distinct structure for implementation, MaineCAP also allows for adaptations as the pair sees fit to maximize the experience for each. MaineCAP requires that the pair submit interim and final reports.
The Exhibition
To close the program, all artists participate in an exhibition at a highly attended venue as part of the Maine Craft Weekend in early October.
Alumni Network
To promote sustainability, the MCA/MAC will invite current participants and alumni to convene annually to discuss outcomes of MaineCAP, as well as to develop networking and foster further mentoring.
Artist Stipends
$3,000.00 Master
$1000 Apprentice
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility requires participants to be at least eighteen years of age, current Maine residents, and apprentices must demonstrate foundational skills in the medium they wish to pursue. The program supports craft artists working in craft media, which does not include photography, painting or drawing. Please contact us if you are unsure if your media qualifies.
Application Materials: Files to Upload
Please prepare the following to upload to the application site:
- Ten images with image descriptions (Five each)
- Two Resumes (one each)
- Four additional optional uploads (Letters of Rec, Artist Statement, Bio, Extra images, articles, etc)
Apprentice Budget
The Apprentice will receive $1000 which must be spent during the seven-month apprenticeship to support their future studio practice. Items may include materials, equipment, books, tools, studio specific furnishings, etc. All purchased items become the property of the Apprentice. Funds may not be used for travel expenses, rent or ongoing existing overhead costs. Note: The Master’s funding is to compensate for their time and expertise, (do not submit a budget for these services). Below, please provide an itemized list of 1-10 items with their cost equaling $1000. (500 characters max)
Review Criteria
Quality of MASTER’S work (30%)
Potential of APPRENTICE work (20%)
Application Narrative (40%)
Overall application quality (10%)
Review Process
Applications are reviewed by a panel of professionals for a first round elimination. Finalist pairs are then interviewed by that panel with awards given to five joint applicants.
Significant dates for the program are:
2018
12/7 Application deadline
12/11 – 12/31 Jurors review all applications
2019
1/2 -Notifications sent to all applicants Finalists contacted to schedule interviews for January 16th
1/16 – Finalists interviewed in person by jurors
1/17 – Snow date for interviews
1/25 – 2019 CAP participants are announced
3/1 – Apprenticeships begin
9/30 – Apprenticeships end
Assistance
Additionally, the MCA will meet in person or by phone with applicants to discuss their application and offer advice.