Oregon Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program Applications Accepted Through Oct 1, 2026 - 08/11/26

EUGENE, Ore. – (August 12, 2026) – Oregon Folklife Network is accepting applications until Tuesday, October 1, 2026 for the Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program (TAAP) for projects in 2027. 

The program offers folk and traditional artists (also known as culture keepers) a $3,500* stipend to teach their art form to apprentices from their same communities, Tribes, sacred or occupational groups. The stipend supports mentor artists in sharing their knowledge, skills and expertise with apprentices of great promise, empowering them to carry on and strengthen Oregon’s living cultural traditions.

Oregon Folklife Network encourages applications from Oregonians practicing cultural traditions emerging from their heritage or Tribes. This program does not fund historic reenactments or cultural appropriation.

To learn more about application procedures and eligibility or to recommend a TAAP applicant, view our guidelines online, email ofn@uoregon.edu, or call 541-346-3820. Oregon Folklife Network staff members are available to provide application advice and will provide feedback on draft applications up to two weeks prior to the deadline.

The Oregon Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Oregon Arts Commission.

*$3,500 is typically funded to each mentor/apprentice team, the exact amount has yet to be confirmed.

Completed applications are due no later than 5 pm on Thursday, October 1^st.

About Oregon Folklife Network

Oregon Folklife Network (OFN) is administered by the Museum of Natural and Cultural History at the University of Oregon and is the state’s designated Folk and Traditional Arts Program. OFN is supported in part by grants from the Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Cultural Trust, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Roundhouse Foundation. OFN works to increase public investment in cultural traditions and those who practice them.

About the Museum of Natural and Cultural History  

The Museum of Natural and Cultural History enhances knowledge of Earth’s environments and cultures, inspiring stewardship of our collective past, present, and future. With collections representing millions of years and each of the planet's continents, it's a place for digging into science, celebrating culture, and joining together to create a just and sustainable world. The museum is located on the University of Oregon campus near Hayward Field. Oregon Trail and other EBT cardholders receive admission discounts. Visit mnch.uoregon.edu or call 541-346-3024 for current hours and other admission information.

Source:

Kait Glasswell, Oregon Folklife Network, kaitg@uoregon.edu, 541-346-2375

Media Contact:

Kait Glasswell, Oregon Folklife Network, kaitg@uoregon.edu, 541-346-2375

Links:

Oregon Folklife Network: https://mnch.uoregon.edu/oregon-folklife-network

TAAP Program: https://mnch.uoregon.edu/traditional-arts-apprenticeship-program

Museum of Natural and Cultural History: https://mnch.uoregon.edu/ 

###