The Idaho Commission on the Arts offers the Traditional Arts Apprenticeships grant as an annual funding opportunity to support the preservation and continuation of cultural artistic traditions. The commission serves as Idaho's state arts agency, fostering the vitality of the arts through various grants and programs aimed at artists, educators, and communities throughout the state.
This grant is designed to fund a learning partnership between a recognized mentor artist and one or more apprentices. Its primary purpose is to ensure the continuation of artistic practices that reflect the shared cultural heritage of Idaho’s diverse communities. Mentor artists guide apprentices who already have some background in the art form and who are committed to continuing the practice following the apprenticeship period.
Up to three thousand dollars is awarded to the mentor artist for expenses related to the apprenticeship. The apprenticeship must include a public presentation or demonstration and may not exceed ten months in duration. There are no matching requirements, and awards are distributed directly to the mentor artist.
Eligible applicants include practicing artists who are United States citizens, legal residents, or refugees aged eighteen or older. Apprentices must reside in Idaho and may be younger than eighteen. Mentor artists must also have completed and submitted any required final reports for previous grants received from the commission.
Applications for the 2026 cycle are due by January 31, 2026. Although the exact opening date for applications is not specified, interested applicants should plan to begin preparation well in advance of the deadline. The program operates on an annual cycle, so it is advisable to check back in December 2025 for the upcoming cycle’s application window.
Inquiries about the Traditional Arts Apprenticeships grant may be directed to the Idaho Commission on the Arts by phone at (208) 334-2119. Additional information about the grant guidelines and application process can be found on the commission’s website.
