Folk Arts Apprenticeship Program

The Folk Arts Apprenticeship Program provides support to master traditional artists to pass on their knowledge to dedicated apprentices one-on-one. Apprenticeships are a face-to-face, hands-on learning opportunity for a master artist and apprentice to work together over the course of several months to a year.

Over the years, the apprenticeship program has supported more than 270 teams practicing traditions as diverse as accordion restoration, Irish music, Western boot making, African drumming, colcha embroidery, flamenco dance, Zuni lullabies, wagon building, and Navajo weaving. Many traditions across the state could qualify, ranging from mariachi music to cowboy poetry, adobe building to hip-hop dance, cooking to custom car bodywork, and much more!

To see if your art form is considered a folk or traditional art, please contact the Folk Arts Coordinator, Amy Mills at Amy.Mills@dca.nm.gov | 505-490-1872 for a chat.

Folk Arts Apprenticeships are funded through New Mexico Arts’ Partnership Agreement with the National Endowment for the Arts and have specific guidelines and application process.

Should I apply for a folk arts apprenticeship?

Master artists are skilled practitioners of a traditional art form or heritage practice. They are considered a strong representative of the tradition by their community. Apprentices should already have some skill and be very interested in continuing the art form. A master artist and apprentice will apply together.

The goal of the program is to assist cultural communities in retaining and passing on their own heritage. Priority will be given to master artists and apprentices who are members of the same cultural group in which their art form developed, who learned the art form within the community, and who produce their art specifically for members of their cultural group. Cultural communities can include family, regional, tribal, ethnic, occupational, religious, and social groups.

Special consideration will be given to first-time applications, endangered art forms, and rural or underserved populations. New Mexico Arts will work to ensure a balanced distribution of apprenticeships among traditions, communities, and geographic areas.

Feel free to reach out to the Folk Arts Coordinator to discuss if you are a good fit for the program.

What can the apprenticeship fund?

• Artist fee for the Master Artist
• Supplies, materials, and travel necessary for the successful completion of the apprenticeship

How long is an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships usually run from 2 to 11 months. All funded apprenticeships activities must take place between July 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027. Apprenticeships are eligible to begin on July 1, 2026.

What kind of funds are available for an apprenticeship?

Applicants may apply for a short-term or long-term apprenticeship. A short-term apprenticeship includes a $1,500 fee for the master artist and up to $1,500 for mileage and supplies. A long-term apprenticeship includes a $3,000 artist fee for the master artist and up to $3,000 for mileage and supplies.

How do I learn more and start an application?

FY27 Guidelines & Application (PDF)
FY27 Application only (PDF)
FY27 Application only (Word)
FY27 Budget Form

When are apprenticeship applications due?

Friday, January 16, 2026, by 5:00pm MT