Mentoring Program for Folklife and Traditional Arts

Funder: New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), Folk Arts Program

Geographic Scope: New York State

A technical assistance program providing funding for consultancies, folk artist mentoring, professional development exchanges, and professional development activities. This is NOT a public workshop or program funding mechanism—it funds direct technical assistance between applicants and mentors.

Program Components:

• Consultancies with folklore professionals
• Folk Artist Mentoring programs
• Professional Development Exchanges
• Professional Development activities

Eligibility:

• Folk artists and folklife professionals
• Organizations working in folk arts and traditional culture
• New York State residents/organizations

What is NOT Funded:

• Public workshops or programs
• Materials or supplies
• Mentor "doing the work" (only technical assistance)

Award Details:

• Consulting fee to mentor: up to $10,000
• Public transportation (specified)
• Auto mileage reimbursement at $0.655/mile
• Lodging costs for meetings
• Turnaround time: 6 weeks normal; expedited available for quick response requests

Contact Information:

• New York Folklore: 129 Jay Street, Schenectady, NY 12305
• P: 518.346.7008 | E: info@nyfolklore.org

Application Process

1. Required Information:
   • Applicant name, title/occupation, organization, email, phone, address
   • Mentor name, title/occupation, organization, email, phone
   • Mentor CV or resume (file upload, max 50 MB)
2. Application Questions:
   • Which program component are you applying for? (Consultancies, Folk Artist Mentoring, Professional Development Exchanges, or Professional Development)
   • When do you expect to meet with the mentor?
   • Detailed description of proposed consultancy/exchange
   • Explain why you need the mentor's assistance or professional development exchange
   • What do you hope to learn?
   • How will the project help with your folklife and traditional arts programs?
   • Details of how consultancy/exchange will be carried out (meeting frequency, use of each meeting, detailed work plan with timeline)
   • Who will benefit directly from this program?
   • Will there be long-term benefits?
   • Have you received a grant from NYSCA for this project? (Yes/No)
3. Budget Breakdown:
   • Consulting fee (to be paid directly to mentor): $1-$10,000
   • Public transportation (specific costs)
   • Auto mileage: specify number of miles @ $0.655/mile
   • Lodging: specify number of nights and rate per night
   • Grand total
4. Quick Response Option:
   • Select if expedited response needed (faster than 6 weeks)
   • Must explain reason for quick response request
5. Submission: Online application form available at nyfolklore.org/services/mentoring/application-form/