Pairs of applicants may be of the same family. The purpose of this program is to encourage and support the transmission of cultural knowledge. We recognize that oftentimes this happens within family contexts, and that reasons related to distance, access to resources, or other barriers may inhibit traditional education within a family setting.
Intercultural applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis, using application answers and support materials as guides. Strong support will be required from the Master Artist’s ethnic or other cultural community for the Apprentice (e.g., in a support letter), along with indication from the Master Artist regarding why the Apprentice is appropriate to carry on their community’s tradition.
For the purposes of this program, “community” may refer to groups of individuals who share an ethnicity or nationality, religion, geographic location, occupational heritage, skillset, or other common bond. Individuals may be born into a community (e.g., into a Tribal Nation) or choose to become part of a community (e.g., blacksmiths). Individuals may identify with or participate in the activities of a variety of communities. It will be important for applicants to identify the community or communities their chosen tradition reflects or represents.
“Cultural background,” like community, may mean different things to different people. Here we use the term to refer to shared identity and/or cultural practices associated with a community. Cultural background may refer to ethnicity, but it may be expressed through practices not associated with ethnicity, such as being part of the LGBTQ+ community.