Applications Now Open for 2021-2022 Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program
Living Traditions Eliza West Living Traditions Eliza West

Applications Now Open for 2021-2022 Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program

The Vermont Folklife Center is pleased to announce the 29th year of the Vermont Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program (VTAAP). With funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Center initiated the program in 1992 to support the continued vitality of Vermont's living cultural heritage. In partnership with the Vermont Arts Council, VTAAP provides stipends of up to $2,000 to master artist and apprentice pairs to cover time, materials, and travel expenses. 2021 applications from master artist and apprentice pairs will be accepted through September 3rd.

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Traditional Arts Spotlight: Pete Sutherland and Emmett Stowell - "The Old Boom Chuck"
Living Traditions Mary Wesley Living Traditions Mary Wesley

Traditional Arts Spotlight: Pete Sutherland and Emmett Stowell - "The Old Boom Chuck"

Master artist Pete Sutherland is working with his 10-year-old apprentice Emmett Stowell to bestow the art of what Pete calls the “old boom chuck,” aka New England contra dance piano accompaniment. This Traditional Arts Spotlight features text and audio excerpts from two virtual “site visits” with Pete and Emmett recorded via Zoom last spring and this winter. A site visit offers a chance for artists and apprentices to reflect on and make a record of their work together as well as a chance to build and maintain a relationship with VFC staff (this has felt particularly important during the pandemic).

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Traditional Arts Spotlight: Migmar Tsering, Teaching Music During Covid
Living Traditions Mary Wesley Living Traditions Mary Wesley

Traditional Arts Spotlight: Migmar Tsering, Teaching Music During Covid

We asked master artist and musician Migmar Tsering to tell us how he was staying connected to his students during the pandemic. Migmar has lived in Vermont since 2011. He was born in Tibet and was brought up in India. In Vermont he is active as a singer, songwriter, musician, composer, and traditional Tibetan dance instructor. In this post, Migmar describes his Covid era challenges and adaptations in his music class.

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