NMA offers a Folk Arts Apprenticeship Program that aims to sustain folk and traditional arts practiced in New Mexico by supporting master artists to pass on their knowledge to dedicated apprentices through a one-on-one learning opportunity.
Source: New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs
Images: Courtesy
New Mexico Arts (NMA) Folk Arts Program supports and sustains the rich and creative traditional art forms practiced in New Mexico.
What: NMA offers a Folk Arts Apprenticeship Program that aims to sustain folk and traditional arts practiced in New Mexico by supporting master artists to pass on their knowledge to dedicated apprentices through a one-on-one learning opportunity. Apprenticeships are a face-to-face, hands-on learning opportunity for a master and apprentice to work together for up to a year. Master artist and apprentice duos should apply together and must both answer questions and provide samples. NMA does not match masters with apprentices.
Photos by Jes Márquez. The New Mexico Arts Folk Arts Apprenticeship Program has facilitated the flourishing of a vast array of folk arts and traditions from around the state since 1989. Recently, Encounter Culture Podcast hosted special guests Deana McGuffin and Jes Márquez, a folk-art apprentice duo, to talk about their passion for boot making and the essential support they received from New Mexico Arts. Find and follow the podcast on any podcast app or visit the website at https://podcast.nmculture.org/
Who: New Mexico Arts
When: Submission deadline is Friday, January 16, 2026, at 5:00 pm MT
Where: Program guidelines and application materials are available online at https://nmarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/FAAP-FY27-Guidelines-Final-fillable.pdf. Application materials must be postmarked, emailed, or hand delivered by the deadline.
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Why: The goal of the Folk Arts Apprenticeship Program is to assist cultural communities in retaining and passing on their own heritage. Special consideration is given to first-time applications, endangered art forms, and rural or underserved populations. NMA works to ensure a balanced distribution of apprenticeships among traditions, communities, and geographic areas throughout the state.
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