The state Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA) is now accepting applications for the 2008-2009 Folk Arts Apprenticeship teams.

An eligible apprenticeship team consists of an accomplished and recognized folk or traditional teaching artist and an experienced apprentice. All folk and traditional arts from every cultural community in Hawai'i will be considered. Funding per apprenticeship ranges from $2,800 to $5,000.

Folk arts apprenticeships support the transmission of knowledge, skills, aesthetics, values, meanings and protocols from accomplished and recognized traditional artists to dedicated apprentices during a period of in-depth, hands-on, one-to-one instruction.

Prospective teaching artists and apprentices must identify one another and apply together, as a team. Applicants must be legal residents of the state of Hawai'i. Apprentices must be at least 16 years old. Funding is not available for apprenticeships conducted outside of Hawai'i or to cover out-of-state travel expenses.

The postmark application deadline is April 18.

For information on the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts Folk Arts Apprenticeship Program or to download Apprenticeship Guidelines and Application Forms, visit the SFCA Web site, www.hawaii.gov/sfca or call 586-0306.