OUR APPROACH
Opening Doors, Creating Pathways
We remove barriers and build bridges—connecting artists of color to scholarships, studio space, grants, networking opportunities, and a supportive community that helps them thrive
From students and emerging artists to established professionals, we meet artists where they are and provide the resources they need to grow.
How We Remove Barriers
financial support
that eliminates cost barriers, from tuition to travel to materials
direct connections
to renowned institutions, established artists, and professional networks
physical space
through residency programs that address critical studio access gaps
community
that provides ongoing support, celebration, and collaboration
Talent isn't the barrier—access is. Artists of color face systemic obstacles that have nothing to do with their skill and everything to do with financial limitations, lack of networks, and historically exclusionary systems.
Our programs don't just open one door—they create entire pathways for artists to build sustainable, thriving careers.
BY THE NUMBERS
As of 02/2026
direct artist support and programs
scholarships awarded
partner craft schools nationwide
OUR PROGRAMS
SCHOLARSHIP
RESIDENCY
GRANTS
NETWORKING AND EVENTS
EXHIBITION
Scholarship
We partner with youth arts organizations and craft schools nationwide to provide comprehensive scholarships that cover every cost—tuition, room and board, travel, materials, stipends, and per diems. We are working to eliminate as many financial barriers as possible.
Partnership Scholarships
Who: Students from partner youth arts organizations
Where: Renowned craft schools nationwide
What: Full scholarships to summer workshops and intensive programs
We work directly with youth arts organizations like YAYA (New Orleans), Hilltop Artists (Tacoma), Project Fire (Chicago), and others to identify talented students who would benefit from immersive craft education. These partnerships ensure we're reaching communities that have been historically excluded from these opportunities.
Partner craft schools match our scholarship funds, doubling the impact and demonstrating their commitment to diversity and access.
Open Call Scholarships
Who: Emerging, mid-career, and established Black and Brown artists (ages 18+)
Where: Various partner craft schools and programs
What: Full scholarships to workshops and educational opportunities
Our open call scholarships are available to Black and Brown artists at any career stage who want to develop new skills, explore new media, or deepen their existing practice. Applications are reviewed based on potential for impact, not just portfolio strength.
Special Partnership Programs
Teen Takeover Programs
Multi-week intensive programs specifically for Black and Brown students and instructors, creating supportive learning environments where young artists can learn from role models who look like them.
Our scholarship recipients attend workshops and programs at some of the nation's most respected craft institutions:
- Penland School of Craft (Bakersville, NC)
- Pittsburgh Glass Center (Pittsburgh, PA)
- Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts (Gatlinburg, TN)
- Pilchuck Glass School (Seattle, WA)
- Haystack Mountain School of Craft (Deer Isle, ME)
- Peters Valley School of Craft (Layton, NJ)
- Touchstone Center for Crafts (Farmington, PA)
- Appalachian Center for Craft (Smithville, TN)
- Corning Museum of Glass (Corning, NY)
- John C. Campbell Folk School (Brasstown, NC)
- Rhode Island School of Design (Providence, RI)
These institutions offer world-class instruction across all craft media—glass, ceramics, metals, fiber, wood, and more.
Residency
LA Artist Residency
One Year. Full Support. Your Community.
Our LA-based residency program addresses a critical gap: around 50% of Black and Latinx artists in Los Angeles lack studio space. Designed as a launch pad for artists, our program provides a full year of free, 24-hour access to a designated studio space, material stipends, professional development, mentorship, and exhibition opportunities.
Beyond LA: Partnership Residencies
While our LA residency is our flagship program, we also partner with institutions nationwide to create residency opportunities specifically for Black and Brown artists:
Pittsburgh Glass Center Mentorship Residency
A unique mentor-based glass artist residency that pairs established glass artists with emerging artists. Past residents include Jason McDonald and Cedric Mitchell (established artists) paired with Deaunta Holman and Mishawn Cabrera (emerging artists).
Pilchuck Glass School Better Together Residency
Week-long artist residency programs bringing together Black and Brown glassblowers from across the country to create, collaborate, and discuss the future of representation in glass art. Includes opportunities for youth engagement and community building.
Partner Institution Residencies
We curate and share information about residency opportunities at partner institutions that align with our mission and values. These aren't CTF-funded programs, but we help connect artists with these opportunities.
Grants
From $500 micro grants for immediate needs to $10,000 special project grants, we provide funding that artists can use to advance their practice—materials, travel, applications, studio fees, or living expenses
Special Project Macro Grants
Up to $10,000 ($40,000 total available)
Funds projects that create opportunities through internships, assistantships, residencies, workshops, community programs, and more.
Artist Micro Grants
$500 unrestricted grants (10 available)
Perfect for covering art supplies, studio fees, travel, housing, and other expenses that support artists of color practice and thrive in their craft.
Networking and Events
Interested in partnering for Better Together? Email programs@craftingthefuture.org
Better Together
Our Better Together event series creates spaces where artists of color connect, celebrate, collaborate, and sell their work. These aren't just networking events—they're community-building experiences that amplify voices and create opportunities. Our events feature:
- Pop-up markets where artists of color display and sell their handcrafted goods—jewelry, clothing, ceramics, fine art, home decor, and more
- Live demonstrations of craft techniques like glassblowing, metalworking, ceramics, and other media
- Networking opportunities to connect artists with each other, potential buyers, galleries, and institutions
- Professional development through workshops, panels, and informal mentorship
- Community celebration with music, performances, food, and joy
- Free vendor space for artists of color to eliminate financial barriers to participation
Better Together events provide platforms for businesses in our network to gain exposure while connecting communities to professional opportunities like grants, internships, and teaching positions that help makers of color plant roots and grow their networks.
Exhibition
We create platforms for Black and Brown artists to showcase their work through curated exhibitions and partnerships with galleries and institutions. Visibility matters—it opens doors, changes perceptions about who belongs in the art world, and inspires the next generation by showing them examples of successful artists who look like them.
Interested in partnering with CTF to host an exhibition? Email programs@craftingthefuture.org
Resources
Beyond our own programs, we curate and share external opportunities—scholarships, residencies, grants, professional development opportunities, and artist resources specifically relevant to makers of color.
Have a resource or opportunity you want included in this list? Email it to info@craftingthefuture.org
Scholarships and Workshops
Opportunities at craft schools, art programs, and educational institutions that we don't directly fund but that align with our mission.
Residency Programs
Residencies nationwide (and internationally) that provide studio space, time, and support for artists—particularly those welcoming or prioritizing artists of color.
Grants and Fellowships
Funding opportunities from foundations, organizations, and institutions offering unrestricted grants, project support, and fellowships.
Professional Development
Workshops, conferences, business development programs, and skill-building opportunities for artists.
Calls for Artists
Exhibition opportunities, commissions, public art projects, and other platforms for showing and selling work.
Artist Resources and Tools
Practical resources for artists—from application writing guides to pricing strategies to legal information about contracts and copyright.