Programs (TAAP) and Special Projects

The Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program is an annual program that awards monetary stipends to master traditional artists to teach specific cultural traditions to one or more apprentices within their cultural communities. The apprenticeships take place for a duration of eight months and applications are accepted once a year. All traditional artists are eligible to apply. Apprentices must be Oregon residents. Master artists and apprentices apply together to the program. Call (503) 306-5290 for more information.

Founded in 1989, the TAAP has awarded an average of 10 apprenticeships each year to over 100 master artists and 130 apprentices. A listing of all apprenticeships since the beginning of the program can be viewed by clicking on the link below.

Comprehensive List of TAAP Recipients
TAAP Application Form
TAAP Application Form Guidelines

Arts for New Immigrants Program, established at the International Refugee Center of Oregon (IRCO), is a collaboration between the Oregon Folklife Program and IRCO. Its mission is to identify refugee and immigrant artists, assess their arts-related needs, and link them with the resources necessary to continue their artwork in the Portland area. For more information, call IRCO at (503) 234-1541 www.irco.org.

The Neighborhood Arts Program began as a unique collaboration between the Regional Arts and Culture Council (RACC), the Oregon Folklife Program (OFP) and the Multnomah County Department of Community and Family Services. Most of the services were channeled through existing community partners administered by the county such as the Asian Family Center, Eastwind Center, and Portland Impact. Over the years, the Neighborhood Arts Program has increased the number of community partners presenting artist residencies, workshops, performances and exhibitions throughout the county. To learn more about the Neighborhood Arts Program go to www.racc.org.

Oregon Tribes Project is a multi-year collaboration with the state's nine federally recognized tribes. During 2006, tribal representatives used tape recorders, still cameras, and digital video to document aspects of their cultures and traditional arts. These materials are being preserved in individual tribal archives and will be used to create a traveling exhibit in 2008. The project is funding in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Oregon Heritage Commission, and the Oregon Arts Commission. For more information on the project, contact the Director of Public Services Marsha Matthews marsha.matthews@ohs.org.