Statewide Apprenticeship Program Accepting Applications Through Aug. 31

Arkansas Folk and Traditional Arts is now accepting applications to the 2026-2027 cohort of the statewide Arkansas Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program. An “intent to apply” form must be submitted by Monday, Aug. 31. 

The apprenticeship program funds teams of mentor artists and apprentices who are committed to sustaining artistic traditions and cultural heritage. Teams are required to develop a work plan for the upcoming project year, meet with each other regularly over the course of the year, and finally, share their experience with their communities at the culmination of the project. By providing funds of up to $3,000, the program honors and supports mentor artists who pass their skills and knowledge on to apprentices over an extended period of time. 

Lauren Willette, program coordinator, says, “This program is a way we can honor the amazing traditions happening in all parts of our state and bring attention to the talented folks who are keeping our traditions alive.”

Full program information, guidelines and application instructions are available through the department’s website.

About Arkansas Folk and Traditional Arts: Arkansas Folk and Traditional Arts (AFTA) is a department of the University of Arkansas Libraries Special Collections Division serving the land-grant mission of the university. AFTA is dedicated to documenting, presenting, and sustaining Arkansas’ living traditional arts and folklife. 

About the University Libraries: Located in the heart of campus, the David W. Mullins Library is the university’s main research library. Branch libraries include the Chemistry and Biochemistry Library, the Fine Arts Library, the Physics Library, and the Robert A. and Vivian Young Law Library. The Libraries provide access to more than 3.1 million volumes and more than 180,000 journals and offer research assistance, study spaces, computer labs with printing and scanning, interlibrary loan and delivery services, and cultural exhibits and events. The Libraries’ Special Collections division acquires, preserves, and provides access to materials on Arkansas and the region, its customs and people, and its cultural, physical, and political climate. Visit the Libraries’ website at libraries.uark.edu to learn more about services and collections.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research News.