About
The North Carolina Folklife Apprenticeship Program supports one-on-one, community-based learning in the folk and traditional arts of North Carolina’s Appalachian region. This program provides funding to mentor artists and their apprentices to support the deep transmission of cultural knowledge, ensuring the continuation of time-honored skills, practices, and lifeways across generations.
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!
Applications are now open for the FY 2026–27 In These Mountains NC Folklife Apprenticeship Program. Review the FY 2026–27 Grant Guidelines and submit your application online by July 17, 2026.
This initiative is part of In These Mountains, a program of South Arts, which promotes the cultural vitality of Appalachian communities in North Carolina, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
Why This Matters
Folklife is passed from one person to another through practice, relationship, and shared experience. The NC Folklife Apprenticeship Program sustains this essential mode of learning, particularly in communities where traditional arts face the risk of being lost or forgotten. Through these apprenticeships, we support not only the mastery of skills but the ongoing cultural vitality of North Carolina’s Appalachian region.
What We Support
Apprenticeships focus on folk and traditional arts rooted in a specific cultural, religious, regional, ethnic, or occupational community. These may include (but are not limited to):
- Traditional music, dance, or storytelling
- Craft, material culture, or foodways
- Occupational and agricultural practices
- Ritual, festival, or community-based performance traditions
In this program, a mentor artist who is recognized in their community as a skilled tradition bearer works closely with an apprentice over a 12-month period to pass on skills and knowledge that may not otherwise be documented or taught in formal settings.
Who is Eligible?
This program is open to mentor and apprentice pairs who:
- Live in one of North Carolina’s Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) counties
(View eligible counties) - Are 18 years of age or older
- Share a common community or cultural connection relevant to the tradition being passed on
- Can demonstrate commitment to ongoing learning, practice, and community engagement
Mentor artists receive $7,000, and apprentices receive $3,000 to support their work together. These funds may help cover the cost of time, travel, and materials.
How It Works
Apprenticeship teams must:
- Develop a work plan that outlines skills to be taught, frequency of meetings, and documentation methods
- Meet regularly over a 12-month grant period
- Complete a community presentation or public sharing event at the conclusion of the apprenticeship
- Track their progress through photo, audio, video, or written records
- Submit support materials (including work samples) as part of the application
Learn More & Apply
Download the FY2026-27 Guidelines & Application (PDF)
Application Deadline: July 17, 2026 (by 11:59PM)
Award Notifications: August 2026
Questions? Contact apprenticeship@ncfolk.org or call (336) 223-5956
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NC Folklife Apprenticeship Program?
It’s a 12-month program that supports one-on-one learning between a skilled traditional artist (mentor) and an emerging artist (apprentice). The goal is to preserve and carry forward traditional practices that are rooted in community, culture, and place.
Who can apply?
Mentor and apprentice pairs may apply together if:
- Both individuals are 18 years or older
- Both live in one of North Carolina’s Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) counties
- The mentor is a recognized tradition bearer in their community
- The apprentice has prior exposure to the art form and a clear commitment to learning it more deeply
View the list of eligible NC counties here.
What is the funding amount?
- Mentor artists receive $7,000
- Apprentices receive $3,000
These funds may help cover the cost of time, materials, and travel. Alternate distributions may be considered upon request, and teams may include up to two or three apprentices if the tradition supports group learning.
When does the apprenticeship take place?
The grant period runs from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. While the application deadline is July 17, 2026, and award notifications will be made in August 2026, any mentorship activity that takes place on or after July 1 will be counted retroactively toward fulfilling the grant requirements. Apprenticeship pairs are encouraged to begin working together during this window if appropriate, and should document any early activity accordingly.
What types of traditions are eligible?
Eligible art forms include traditional music, dance, storytelling, crafts, foodways, occupational practices, and other expressive traditions that are rooted in specific communities or cultural groups. Contemporary studio art or revivals taught by artists from outside the originating community are not eligible.
What do applicants need to submit?
- A joint application with mentor and apprentice information
- A detailed work plan
- Work samples from both artists (photos, videos, audio, etc.)
- A description of the proposed community presentation
- Proof of North Carolina residency
Can someone help me complete the application if I’m not comfortable using computers, writing long responses, or submitting online forms?
Yes. We welcome assistance from family members, advocates, translators, community partners, or other trusted collaborators who can help mentor and apprentice applicants prepare and submit their application materials. However, the mentor and apprentice applicants must review and approve the final application contents before submission. If a collaborator is submitting the online application on behalf of the mentor and/or apprentice, the collaborator will be asked to identify themselves in the application and upload a signed Application Review & Signature Form confirming that the mentor and apprentice have reviewed and approved the submission. If you need help navigating the application process, please contact NC Folklife Institute staff – we’re happy to help.
What is the public presentation requirement?
At the end of the apprenticeship, each pair must share their work in a public setting—such as a performance, exhibit, demonstration, or community event. This is a way to celebrate the tradition and raise awareness within the community.
How are applications evaluated?
Applications are reviewed by a panel of folklorists, cultural leaders, and traditional artists. Reviewers consider:
- The mentor’s standing in their community
- The apprentice’s commitment to the tradition
- The cultural significance and specificity of the tradition
- The urgency or uniqueness of the opportunity
- The strength of the mentor-apprentice relationship and learning goals
How do I apply?
The 2026 (FY27) NC Folklife Apprenticeship is accepting applications through July 17, 2026. Review the grant guidelines and submit your application via Jotform.
📧 Email: apprenticeship@ncfolk.org
📞 Phone: (336) 223-5956