Emerging Traditional Artists Program

About this program

South Arts’ Emerging Traditional Artists Program provides $5,000 awards to emerging folk and traditional artists for learning, networking, training, and promotional opportunities that support the continuation of traditional arts in their communities. Awardees also receive professional development workshops and peer mentorship, with funding available across Appalachian, Delta Regional Authority, and Native communities. Applicants must be individual artists aged 18 or older who are in the early stages of their practice, demonstrate skill and commitment to a traditional art form, and be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or otherwise authorized for permanent work. Applicants must have lived for at least two years in an eligible ARC or DRA county or be a member of a state- or federally recognized Native American tribe; applications, including life-story responses and work samples, are due September 30, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. ET.