Photo credit: Alison Zapata. Alison (left) finished a cartonería sculpture with her mentor, Chucho Lopez (right), during her apprenticeship in Oaxaca, Mexico.”
Rivers of Steel Announces Folk Arts Grant Opportunity
Call for applications for the 2025 – 2026 Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeship grants through the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts
Homestead, PA (March 18, 2025)—Rivers of Steel is excited to announce the official call for applications for the 2025 – 2026 Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeship grants through the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.
Open to folk and traditional artists from across the state of Pennsylvania, these grants provide funding over a one-year period to a partnership between a master artist and a qualified apprentice. The grants will enable them to work together for in-depth learning that encompasses the acquisition of techniques and artistry as well as the context of the culture. Apprenticeships are offered annually in both performing and craft traditions. Interested artists can read more about the grant guidelines and download an application here. All applications must be submitted to Dana Payne at danpayne@pa.gov by April 14, 2025.
As the Folk and Traditional Arts Partner Organization representing PA Region 14, Rivers of Steel is happy to work with artists residing in Allegheny, Beaver, Greene, or Washington counties who are interested in submitting an application for this program. If you are interested in receiving Rivers of Steel’s help with your application, please contact Jon Engel, Heritage Arts Coordinator at jengel@riversofsteel.com by March 28, 2025. Artists living in counties outside of this region can find their representing organization here.
Rivers of Steel has been a PA Folk Arts partner for two decades, helping to celebrate and conserve this region’s diverse cultural heritage. This system of local and regional organizations convened under the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts forms a mutually supportive network specializing in folk and traditional arts. Current partnership organizations, including Rivers of Steel, collectively serve 40 counties by promoting the creation and documentation of folk art; engaging the public in understanding the quality, breadth, and diversity of folk and traditional arts across the state; conducting critical discovery fieldwork in under-represented communities; and providing technical assistance for folk and traditional artists through workshops and
gatherings.
About Rivers of Steel
Founded on the principles of heritage development, community partnership, and a reverence for the region’s natural and shared resources, Rivers of Steel strengthens the economic and cultural fabric of western Pennsylvania by fostering dynamic initiatives and transformative experiences.
Rivers of Steel showcases the artistry and innovation of our region’s industrial and cultural heritage through its historical and 21st-century attractions―offering unique experiences via tours, workshops, exhibitions, festivals, and more. Behind the scenes, Rivers of Steel supports economic revitalization—working at the grassroots level to deepen community partnerships, promote heritage tourism, and preserve local recreational and cultural resources for future generations.
Contact Jon Engel, Heritage Arts Coordinator by emailing jengel@riversofsteel.com
Rivers of Steel | The Bost Building, 623 East Eighth Ave, Homestead PA 15120
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