Folk and Traditional Arts are defined as those artistic traditions characteristic of specific ethnic, religious, linguistic, occupational, or regional groups.
   These arts are shaped and shared within families, neighborhoods, and communities. They are passed down from one generation to another and learned
   through on-going participation in community-based activities, and through observation, practice or apprenticeships with elders and masters rather than
   through classes, books or other means of institutional instruction.

   Apprenticeships are grants from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) which support the learning of folk and traditional arts. These grants are    
   administered for the PCA by FolkArtPA at Jump Street in Harrisburg, PA.

   Each grant award provides funding to a partnership between a master artist and a qualified apprentice, enabling them to work together in a year-long
   learning experience to allow for in-depth learning that encompasses the context of the culture and the development of a mentoring relationship as well as
   the acquisition of techniques and artistry.

   Apprenticeships are offered annually in BOTH performing or craft traditions. The program awards of up to $4,000. Artists who receive the award are also
   profiled on the statewide Folk Art Infrastructure website (www.folkartpa.org).