CALT Emerging Traditional Artists Program
Introduction
ETAP funds are intended to support an important learning opportunity for each awarded artist. Awarded artists will receive $5,000, with few restrictions, for expenses related to their learning opportunity. They will also participate in personalized, cohort-based professional development, including virtual workshops, connecting with peers, and an in-person convening in Spring 2027.
ARTIST LEARNING OPPORTUNITY EXAMPLES:
- Travel to meet other practitioners/potential mentors
- Travel to an invited opportunity to learn, present, exhibit, or perform
- Enroll in an in-person or virtual class, workshop, or apprenticeship
- Research related to your traditional art form
- Purchase supplies and equipment needed for new work
- Rent practice or recording space
- Purchase software/services to build an online presence or enhance marketing
- Engage professional services such as an accountant, attorney, manager, producer, or marketing service
Grant support range: $5,000
There is no match requirement for this program.
Eligibility and Schedule
Eligibility
To apply for the Emerging Traditional Artists Program (ETAP), you must be:
- A traditional artist, practitioner, or keeper of traditional knowledge.
- In the early stages of your traditional arts journey and ready to take your practice to the next level.
- For example, you may have completed an apprenticeship with a mentor artist and now want to pursue ongoing learning to deepen your knowledge and skills.
- Located in a county designated by the Appalachian Regional Commission in Ohio, Virginia, or West Virginia.
- At least 18 years old by the application deadline of April 30, 2026.
- There is no maximum age to apply for the Emerging Traditional Artists Program.
- A United States citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident.
- In good standing with Mid Atlantic Arts, with no overdue or outstanding required reports and/or grant documents.
You may not apply for ETAP in the same year as a CALT Experiences grant.
Schedule
- Tuesday, February 10, 2026: Online application available
- Thursday, February 19, 1:00pm ET: CALT Emerging Traditional Artists Program: The Basics Webinar | Register
- Wednesdays, from Feb. 4-Apr. 29, 2026, 1:00pm-2:00pm ET: Open Office Hours | Join
- Thursday April 30, 2026 at 11:59pm ET: Application deadline
- Friday, July 10, 2026: Decision notification
- September 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027: Award period
Guidelines and Application
See guidelines at the links below.
Si desea ver esta guia de aplicación en español, por favor envíe un correo electrónico a edassler@midatlanticarts.org tan pronto como le sea posible para hacer una solicitud.
Guidelines
Panelists
For this program, Mid Atlantic Arts works with a panel of independent reviewers to recommend applications for funding. To be considered as a panelist for this and other programs, complete our Panelist Interest Form. You only need to complete the form once to be considered for multiple programs. Click here to access the Panelist Interest Form.