Traditional Arts Frequently Asked Questions

What are traditional arts?


	Master artist Tom Côté and carving.

Traditional Arts are practices passed on within communities defined by ethnicity, tribe, family, occupation or common history. The practice of traditional arts reflects a community’s shared cultural heritage; the traditional arts emanate from the community’s experience. They are usually learned in an informal way, through performance or example rather than formal academic training.

Traditional Arts Apprenticeship

What is a master artist?

A master artist is acknowledged and recognized by his or her community for his or her expertise in a particular traditional art form. Masters have acquired a unique knowledge and skill in the practice of traditional arts.

What is an apprentice?

An apprentice must have some basic knowledge and skill in the art form and demonstrate a serious commitment to working with the master artist.

How long do apprenticeships last?

Usually eight to twelve months.

What is the award amount?


	Apprentices Jessica Stackhouse and Traci Weatherhead, work in Tom Côté's woodcarving shop, Limestone.

Master artists are awarded up to $3,000 to cover teaching costs. When available, additional funding of $250 is available to cover costs of travel and supplies for the apprentice.

Can I apprentice with a master artist living outside of Maine?

In general, the program is limited to master artists living in Maine. In a few unique occasions in which a suitable master is not available within Maine, for a tradition or a community that exists in Maine, the review panel may consider matching an apprentice residing in Maine with a master living outside the state.

Traditional Arts Fellowship

How many Traditional Arts Fellowships are awarded each year?

The Traditional Arts Fellowship program is highly competitive. One award is made each year to a traditional arts master who is an exemplar of excellence in his or her traditional art form.

Are there restrictions on how Traditional Arts Fellowship Awards can be used?

No, the awards are unrestricted. They are intended to both honor the recipient and assist them in exploring and developing their art.

Sustaining Traditional Arts in the Community

Can Sustaining Traditional Arts in the Community awards be used to bring in traditional artists from outside the community?

No. The goal of the program is to sustain the existing traditional arts and artists in the community.

Can schools participate in the Sustaining Traditional Arts in the Community program?

Yes, schools are encouraged to participate.

If I were to receive a Traditional Arts Apprenticeship or Traditional Arts Fellowship award, would it be considered taxable income?

Yes. The state will issue a 1099 form and the Internal Revenue Code provides that the full amount is taxable to the recipient. For further information on tax issues for artists please contact the Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project at 207/774-4348 or 800/442-4293.

For more information on the Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program you can review the program guidelines or contact Keith Ludden, Community and Traditional Arts Associate at keith.ludden@maine.gov or 207/287-2713.