Emerging Artists Cohort
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 us to new perspectives.
Through facilitated workshops, presentations, individual coaching, and conversations, participating artists will gain a deeper understanding of the professional skills and opportunities that will help them 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, designers, and more. After the three-month program is complete, all participating artists will receive an accelerator grant to help propel them to the next level of their profession.
Who should apply?
Recognizing there are many pathways to professional practice, ACC encourages a wide range of emerging artists exploring different livelihoods to apply and participate in this program.
Livelihoods and practices might include retail, museum exhibitions, production work, cross industry collaborations, and community-based practices. ACC prioritizes a diverse and equitable cohort, with an emphasis on communities that have traditionally lacked access to resources and support.
Additional requirements to participate include:
• 18+ years of age, residing in the United States, ability to accept US bank-drawn checks
• Identify as an artist, maker, designer, craftsperson, and/or small-batch producer who aspires to create a full-time creative practice or business
• Willingness to complete the program in its entirety, including completing pre- and post program surveys and final accelerator grant reports
TIMELINE
Applications Open: April 12, 2023
Applications Close: May 11, 2023
Round 1 Jury Results: May 15–26, 2023
Round 2 Interviews: May 29–June 16, 2023
Final Jury Result Notifications: June 21, 2023
Program Dates: July 6–September 28, 2023
meet OUR 2023 EMERGING ARTISTS COHORT APPLICATION JURORS
MEET OUR PROGRAM FACILITATORS

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PROGRAM SUPPORTERS
The Emerging Artists Cohort is possible thanks to generous support from Fleur S. Bresler, the Windgate Charitable Foundation, and the Harlan Boss Foundation for the Arts.

ABOUT ACC
The American Craft Council is a national nonprofit that believes in the value of things made by hand, the people who create them, and the meaning that creativity brings to everyday life. Marketplace events like American Craft Made are just one way we invest in artists’ livelihoods and help connect them to the people who will buy and cherish their work.