CALT Emerging Traditional Artists Program - Mid Atlantic Arts
Appalachian traditional artists in early stages of practice apply for $5,000 grants to support a learning opportunity, with participation in cohort-based professional development.
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Get matched →- Deadline
- annual cycle, check dates
- Entry fee
- Free
- Award
- $5,000
- Location
- Appalachian counties of Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia
- Exhibition window
- Sep 1, 2026 → Jun 30, 2027
- Applicants notified
- Jul 10, 2026
About
Overview
The Central Appalachia Living Traditions (CALT) Emerging Traditional Artists Program provides Appalachian traditional artists with resources to take their practice to the next level. Awarded artists receive $5,000 for expenses related to their learning opportunity and participate in personalized, cohort-based professional development, including virtual workshops, connecting with peers, and an in-person convening in Spring 2027.
Eligibility
- Traditional artist, practitioner, or keeper of traditional knowledge
- In the early stages of your traditional arts journey
- 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
- 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
- May not apply for ETAP in the same year as a CALT Experiences grant
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
Key Dates
- Tuesday, February 10, 2026: Online application available
- Thursday, February 19, 1:00pm ET: CALT Emerging Traditional Artists Program: The Basics Webinar
- Wednesdays, February 4–April 29, 2026, 1:00pm–2:00pm ET: Open Office Hours
- Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 11:59pm ET: Application deadline
- Friday, July 10, 2026: Decision notification
- September 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027: Award period
Award
$5,000 with few restrictions for expenses related to the learning opportunity. No match requirement.
- Award
- $5,000
- Entry fee
- Free to enter
- Entries per artist
- Up to 1
- Theme
- The program supports Appalachian traditional artists learning opportunities, including travel to meet practitioners, enroll in classes or apprenticeships, research traditions, purchase equipment, or develop online presence.
- Eligibility
- Traditional artist in early stages of practice, located in Appalachian counties of Ohio, Virginia, or West Virginia, at least 18 years old, US citizen/national/permanent resident, in good standing with Mid Atlantic Arts.
- Audience
- Appalachian traditional artists in early stages of practice, 18+
Every listing links to the organizer's official page. Always confirm deadlines, fees, and entry rules there before you apply.