ACC's Emerging Artists Cohort

American Craft Council's Emerging Artists Cohort is a virtual three-month program that cultivates next steps for independent craft artists to advance their professional practice. The program will support 11 innovative artists early in their careers who expand craft boundaries and challenge new perspectives. Through facilitated workshops, presentations, individual coaching, and conversations, participating artists will gain a deeper understanding of professional skills and opportunities to diversify income streams and thrive in their chosen career path. Participating artists will connect with established industry leaders from a variety of craft sectors including gallerists, curators, marketplace artists, exhibiting artists, social practice artists, and designers.

Eligibility requirements include: 18+ years of age, residing in the United States, ability to accept US bank-drawn checks, and identifying as an artist, maker, designer, craftsperson, and/or small-batch producer who aspires to create a full-time creative practice or business. Applicants must be willing to complete the program in its entirety, including pre- and post-program surveys and final accelerator grant reports. ACC is interested in artists who produce 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 such as letterpress, intaglio, lithography, screen printing, and relief printing are welcome. All work must be produced in the United States.

Cohort participants receive a 12-week intensive with workshops, panel discussions, coaching sessions, and peer-to-peer support. Benefits include one-on-one coaching from industry experts, career-building educational resources, an unrestricted Business Accelerator Grant of $10,000, monthly support calls after the intensive, access to a community support platform, one-year ACC membership with American Craft magazine subscription, and access to the ACC Library & Archives' digital resources. Application deadline: May 11, 2023. Entry fee: $10. Applicants must submit five high-resolution images (JPEG/JPG, 1,200 pixels minimum on longest side, under 5 MB, sRGB color profile) of work made within the last three years. Program dates: July 6 - September 28, 2023.