In conjunction with the upcoming March 30, 2012 deadline for the FY12 Ethnic and Folk Arts Master Apprentice Program, the Illinois Arts Council has scheduled a workshop for potential applicants.

The web-based workshop (webinar), which will provide an overview of the Master Apprentice Program and the application process, is scheduled for Wednesday, March 21, 2012 beginning at 10:00am CDT. Applicants who live in the Chicago area may choose to attend this workshop in person.

The workshop will provide potential applicants with the following information.

• a review of the program guidelines
• tips for creating good documentation
• tips for organizing a work plan
• tips for writing a strong narrative
• a question and answer period

To register for the webinar click here: REGISTER (Advanced registration is required.)

In-Person Workshop

• When: Wednesday, March 21, 2012, 10:00 am CDT
• Where: Chicago

Illinois Arts Council (Conference Room)

James R. Thompson Center

100 West Randolph Street

Suite 10-500

Space is limited, please, RSVP to attend. Follow this link for information regarding security measures at the James R. Thompson Center.

The Illinois Arts Council and the Ethnic & Folk Arts Master Apprentice Program recognize the vital role of the master artist/apprentice relationship in the preservation of the state's cultural heritage. The IAC's Ethnic & Folk Arts Master Apprentice Program helps communities preserve their own culture by providing an opportunity for master traditional artists to pass on their skills to a qualified apprentice in a time-honored method. Past awards have supported traditional or ethnic art forms as diverse as East Indian dance, split wood baskets, Chinese drum and bell music, fish net making, Ukrainian pysanky, and Illinois fiddle traditions.

Guidelines and application materials can be downloaded from the Illinois Arts Council website: www.arts.illinois.gov/MAP. Application materials will not be mailed.