Folk & Traditional Arts Mentoring Project Grants

The Folk & Traditional Arts Mentoring Project Grant, administered by the Wyoming Arts Council, supports the preservation and transmission of Wyoming’s folk and traditional art forms through direct, in-person mentorships. Designed to reinforce cultural heritage, the program connects master artists with apprentices from the same cultural tradition to ensure continuity of skills that reflect the aesthetics and practices of shared communities. These skills range widely, including saddlemaking, cowboy poetry, beading and quill work, quilting, rawhide braiding, pow wow singing and dancing, and various ethnic music and dance traditions practiced across the state. Originating in 2005 with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, this grant supports projects that span at least six months, occurring within the fiscal period from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. Master artists and their selected apprentices must apply together, providing a detailed project outline and work samples. A total of up to five mentorships are funded annually, with each project receiving $5,000 — broken down into $4,000 as an honorarium for the master artist and $1,000 allocated for supplies and travel. Any additional costs must be covered by the award recipients. Eligible applicants include Wyoming-based master artists and apprentices who belong to the same cultural group. Apprentices must have resided in Wyoming for at least two years prior to application and should demonstrate a foundational understanding of the traditional art form along with a long-term commitment to its continuation. In-family mentorships are allowed. This grant explicitly excludes contemporary studio art, historical reenactments, academic research, degree-related work, and short-term workshops or conferences. The application opens on February 9, 2026, and closes on April 6, 2026. There is no pre-application or letter of intent required. All applications are reviewed by a panel of folklorists, artists, and cultural specialists, with special consideration given to endangered traditions, new applicants, and artists from rural or underserved communities. Final funding decisions are made by the Wyoming Arts Council board based on panel recommendations. Selected projects will be announced in June, and funded work must commence between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027. The grant is administered through the Wyoming Arts Council, with funding provided by the National Endowment for the Arts via the Folk Arts Partnership grant. The application is hosted on the Foundant system, where both new and returning applicants can submit and manage their materials. Assistance and accommodations are available for applicants with limited internet or computer access. For questions or further guidance, applicants are encouraged to contact Josh Chrysler, Folklorist and Health & Wellness Specialist at the Wyoming Arts Council, either by phone at 307-256-2010 or email at [email protected]. The Council’s office is located at 2301 Central Avenue, Barrett Building, Second Floor, Cheyenne, WY 82002.

Consider focusing on endangered art forms or applying as a new applicant or rural community member to receive priority.