An organization promotes and strengthens the traditional arts in California through its programs and scholarships that it offers to all communities in the state.
There California Traditional Arts Alliance (ACTA) offers programs such as apprenticeships and fellowships that help teach and promote the arts in the state.
apprenticeship program
The Apprenticeship Program is a $5,000 scholarship to a recognized artist in a traditional art form who commits to teaching another their artistic prowess.
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“We know that traditional arts are passed down from generation to generation by one person teaching another,” said ACTA representative Betty Marin. “We promote this art through this program.”
Mentors can participate more than once, as is the case with Cesar Castro, who learned to play the jarana in the first session. In the second, I show how the instrument is constructed.
The teaching is individual and extends from six months to one year. Castro emphasizes that the apprentice must be someone who wishes to gain knowledge of a specific traditional art.
“It has to be a person who is going to build on that knowledge,” Castro says.
The period for receiving applications for the apprenticeship program ends on May 3. The grants will support activities carried out between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024.
For the application and more information about the apprenticeship program, Click here.
An Afro-Latino artist shares his love and passion for his culture with the Los Angeles community.
Living Cultures Scholarship
The Living Cultures Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to tribal artists, organizations, and nations in California to strengthen and support traditional arts in California.
Grants for individual artists are $5,000 and $12,000 for organizations and tribal nations.
“These (traditional) arts are always linked to the community. It’s not about an artist working in isolation but in the community,” Marin said.
This character, created by José Guadalupe Posada, is a character that has been part of the Day of the Dead tradition since the 20th century.
Other organizations and community groups that work with fiscal sponsors are also included.
“You decide, as an organization, what you need to promote your cultural practice,” Marin said.
The application period for the Cultures Vivantes scholarships begins on May 5 and ends on July 3, 2023. For application and more information on the Cultures Vivantes scholarship, Click here.