2024 Emerging Artists Cohort

American Craft Council's Emerging Artists Cohort is a three-month virtual intensive program that cultivates the next steps for independent craft artists to advance their professional practices. The program will support 11 innovative artists early in their careers who expand craft boundaries and challenge new perspectives.

Through facilitated workshops, presentations, coaching, and conversations, participating artists will gain a deeper understanding of professional skills and opportunities to thrive in their craft careers. Participating artists will connect with established industry leaders including gallerists, curators, marketplace artists, exhibiting artists, social practice artists, and designers. The program runs July 9 - September 26, 2024, with up to 4 hours of meeting time per week plus homework. Participants receive one-on-one coaching opportunities, career-building educational resources and mentorship from industry leaders, a one-year ACC membership with American Craft magazine subscription, and access to the ACC Library & Archives' digital resources. After the intensive, cohorts join previous year cohorts in virtual monthly support calls and an ongoing peer community support platform using Slack.

Ten unrestricted cash grants of $10,000 each will be awarded to participating artists to be used toward a project developed during the intensive. Eligibility requires: 18+ years of age, US residency, ability to accept US bank-drawn checks, identification as an artist/maker/designer/craftsperson/small-batch producer aspiring to create a full-time creative practice or business, and willingness to complete the program in its entirety including pre- and post-program surveys and final accelerator grant reports. ACC is interested in handmade craft reflecting excellence and unique vision with demonstrated interest in material and process. Commercially manufactured work, painting, and photographs will not be considered. Traditional printmaking practices are welcome. All work must be produced in the United States. Applications require five high-resolution images (JPEG/JPG, 1,200+ pixels on longest side, under 5 MB, sRGB color profile) of work made within the last three years, plus essay responses. Entry fee: $10. Application deadline: March 15, 2024, 11:59 p.m. MDT. Jury dates: March 23 - April 15, 2024. Final notifications: June 7, 2024.