West Virginia Folklife seeks applications for 2026-27 apprenticeship program

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Folklife, a project of the West Virginia Humanities Council, is accepting applications for its statewide Folklife Apprenticeship Program.

Since 2017, the West Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program has supported expert traditional artists working with dedicated apprentices on yearlong apprenticeships to teach traditional music, dance, craft, foodways, storytelling and more. The program follows the time-tested model of one-to-one teaching so apprentices may carry on techniques, artistry, stories and traditional knowledge from communities throughout the Mountain State.

Applications are due September 18 for the 2026-27 program. The application, guidelines and instructions are available at wvfolklife.org. Mentors and their proposed apprentices must apply together. A review panel will evaluate applications, and successful applicants will be notified in November.

Teaching artists will receive $3,000 and apprentices will receive $800 for participating in the program. Pairs may request an additional $400 to reimburse expenses related to their apprenticeship.

Folklife apprenticeship pairs design their own work plans. They are expected to participate in a public presentation, recorded interview, virtual meetings as a cohort with other selected pairs and a final public showcase.

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