by Emily Hartlerode

The University of Oregon’s Oregon Folklife Network is accepting applications until Monday, October 2, 2023 for the Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program (TAAP) for projects in 2024. The program offers traditional artists and culture keepers a $3,500 stipend to teach their cultural practices to apprentices from their same communities, Tribes, sacred or occupational groups. The stipend supports master artists to share their knowledge, skills and expertise with apprentices of great promise, empowering them to carry on and strengthen Oregon’s living cultural traditions. Apprenticeship teams agree to a video interview, and make a public presentation, which can be hosted at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History at University of Oregon.

Oregon’s 2023 TAAP awards supported Kalapuya basketweaver, Stephanie Craig (Grand Ronde); South Indian vina and voice performer/teacher, Sreevidhya Chandramouli (Portland); Guinean master drummer/dancer, Alseny Yansane (Eugene), Mexican charro, Antonio Huerta (Springfield); and Hawaiian Hula dancer/teacher, Andrea Luchese (Ashland).

Oregon Folklife Network seeks a slate of artists in 2024 representing artists, demographics, and regions under-represented in the prior ten years of funding. All Oregonians practicing cultural traditions emerging from their heritage or Tribes are encouraged to apply. This program does not fund historic reenactments or cultural appropriation.

To learn more about application procedures and eligibility or to recommend a TAAP applicant, view our guidelines online, email ofn@uoregon.edu, or call 541-346-3820. Oregon Folklife Network staff members are available to provide application advice, and will provide feedback on draft applications up to one weeks prior to the deadline.

Completed applications are due no later than 5 pm on Monday, October 2 at the Oregon Folklife Network, 242 Knight Library, 6204 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-6204. NOTE: This is NOT a postmark deadline.