Applications for the 2020 

Grants for Apprenticeships open on October 1st. 

Five teams of mentors and apprentices will receive $10,000 per team to support a year-long studio pottery apprenticeship.

In this year of momentous events, Studio Potter strongly reaffirms its commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusiveness. The Grants for Apprenticeships Program is committed to supporting the development of BIPOC artists and increasing their presence in studio pottery. Applicants from all races, genders, identities, ethnicities, and religions are encouraged to apply. 

GRANT PROGRAM MISSION

Established in 2019 and funded by an anonymous donor, Studio Potter’s Grants for Apprenticeships Program supports emerging artists who want to become full-time studio potters and mentor-potters who wish to take on apprentices. This grant program honors the mission of Studio Potter and the legacy of its founder, Gerry Williams, by fostering individual careers in studio pottery, contributing to the life and future of ceramics, ensuring the continuity of a centuries-old tradition in non-academic education.

STUDIO APPRENTICESHIP DEFINED

Studio-based apprenticeship is a form of person-to-person training that places work above theory and emphasizes intimacy and immersion. In Western Cultures, people commonly associate the history of apprenticeship with craft and trade practices in Europe during the Middle Ages, but traditions of lineage-learning have endured for centuries around the world. Apprenticeship continues today as a means of passing down knowledge from generation to generation and as a way for aspiring artisans to build professional communities and prepare for careers as studio artists.

WHY APPRENTICESHIPS?

Pedagogy in craft disciplines has changed dramatically in the last century because of technological advances and the rise of a modern education industry. In this context, apprenticeship offers an alternative to academic educational structures through one-on-one relationships in an established studio. An apprentice learns by participating in the daily lives of their mentor, learning their skills, and being exposed to their values. Apprenticeships contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage and the professional advancement of studio potters.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications will be accepted via SlideRoom. Click here to go to the SlideRoom application.

NEW FOR 2020: Studio Potter offers reviews of applications

Reviews of draft applications are available to those interested. Submit your application in SliderRoom by Oct. 10th to receive feedback by Oct. 20th. We will un-submit your application by Oct. 20th, to allow you to make revisions and submit a final application for the Nov. 1st deadline. 

Questions? 

Email apprenticeships@studiopotter.org