The Ethnic and Folk Arts Master/Apprentice Program (MAP) is designed to support a mentoring relationship between master artist and apprentice that concludes with a free public presentation of achievements made by the apprentice during the apprenticeship period. Illinois is home to an abundance of traditional art forms whether they are indigenous to a particular community or region, or reflect the traditions of recent immigrant communities. The practices, customs, stories, and skills that are passed from one generation to the next influence how we live, what we value, and our personal and collective identities. MAP helps communities preserve their own culture by providing an opportunity for master traditional artists to pass on their skills to a qualified apprentice in a time-honored method. The Ethnic and Folk Arts Master/Apprentice Program (MAP) affirms the role of the master artist and apprentice relationship in the preservation of the state’s exceptionally rich cultural heritage.
Program Goal: A goal of MAP is to support one-to-one learning and relationship building between the master artist and the apprentice. At the end of the apprenticeship period, the apprentice must demonstrate the skills learned in a publicly available presentation compliant with Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) health and safety guidelines. Virtual presentations (e.g., hosted via YouTube, Vimeo, etc.) are acceptable.
For eligible uses of funding, see https://arts.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/content/program-forms/FY24%20MAP%20Guidelines.pdf#page=6.
