Early Career Artist Program
Transformative support.
American Craft Council’s Early Career Artist Program professionalizes your passion, offering program participants exclusive access to $100,000 in grants, steeply discounted booth fees to showcase your work at premier craft fairs nationwide, and more—all on top of the full benefits of ACC membership.
Eligibility and deadlines.
Any current ACC member, who is 18 years or over, and who fits ACC’s definition of an Early Career Artist can apply. Active ACC membership at any level is a requirement for participation.
There are no deadlines to apply for participation in the Early Career Artist Program. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis from any current ACC member who meets the program criteria.
“Figuring out how my voice, values, and goals come together to form my brand has been a powerful journey.”
— ACC Early Career Artist
Program benefits.
Free & simple application
Any current ACC member who is 18 years of age or older can apply to be part of the Early Career Artist Program as long as they self-identify with how ACC defines an early career artist.
Exclusive communications & information
Participants receive bi-monthly updates featuring special content, interviews with other early career artists, special opportunities, and more.
Access to $100,000+ in grant opportunities
Early Career Artist Program participants have opportunities throughout the year to apply for more than $100,000 total in grants from the Maxwell Hanrahan Foundation, administered by ACC.
Access to ACC Craft Fair booth subsidies
Program participants can apply for discounted emerging artist booths at American Craft Made Baltimore and other craft fairs throughout the year.
Professional development workshops
Access to occasional professional development workshops for Early Career Artist Program participants and year-round access to recordings of past workshops.
Discount advertising at ACC craft fairs
Participants receive a 50% discount on an enhanced listing in the fair guides of ACC craft fairs if juried into the show and participating in subsidized booths.
Peer mentorship opportunities
Early Career Artist Program participants can participate in ACC’s peer mentorship program at American Craft Made Baltimore and beyond.
ACC Member benefits
Participation in the Early Career Artist Program builds on the benefits of an active ACC membership. Explore those benefits today.
“It can be very overwhelming and discouraging to feel behind the curve on different business strategies, and the workshops helped me realize there are many pathways for making an art practice work for you.”
— ACC Early Career Artist
Frequently asked questions.
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For ACC purposes, Early Career Artists:
- Are in the early stages of their creative development, with approximately 2-10 years of experience in taking their work to market
- Have a focused direction and goals for their business and creative practice while still developing their artistic “voice”
- Show evidence of professional achievement but haven’t yet established a solid reputation as a craftsperson or business within their field, the media, funding circles, or the public at large
- Aspire to have the sale of their work be a primary source of income or a significant part of their livelihood. At this career stage, artists may supplement their craft-based income with other sources.
- Are 18 years of age or older
The term Early Career Artist, which is used by The Jerome Foundation and other field leaders, emphasizes our organization’s focus on supporting makers who seek to build careers based on their craft practice.
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Participation in the Early Career Artist Program is open to all current ACC members. To join or renew your membership, visit this link.
Participation in the Early Career Artist Program is open to all current ACC members. To join or renew your membership, visit this link. -
Program participation is good for one year, beginning on the date of application submission. You’ll need to reapply at the end of that period to continue to be eligible for program benefits.
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Early Career Artist Program participants are eligible to apply for discounted emerging artist booths at American Craft Made Baltimore and other craft fairs throughout the year.
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Yes! Unsure how or where to start? We have a step-by-step guide to help you out!
If you have any questions please contact Alaina Clarke, Programs & Events Manager at [email protected]
How to apply?
To apply, submit an application below.
To access the form, you must be logged in as an active ACC member. If you are applying to showcase your work at an ACC marketplace event like American Craft Made Baltimore, you must already be in the Early Career Artist Program prior to being considered for discounted marketplace booth fees.
Sign in to your member account.
Sign in to your member account to apply for the Early Career Artist Program.