GRANT
The Mortise & Tenon Craft Research Grant program is designed to create opportunities for new voices and passionate research to emerge in the realm of pre-industrial woodcraft. If you or someone you know has a dream of diving into a particular area of study for deeper understanding; if you’re smitten by the work of some obscure pre-industrial maker; if you’ve been bitten by the bug of exploring the folk arts practiced by your ancestors but have hit a wall of financial limitation, we want to help.
Up to two grants will be awarded per year, each for up to $2,000 depending on the scope of research. A successful grant recipient will pursue his/her area of study in consultation with the M&T team, which will culminate in an essay published in the magazine. Our hope is that this program will unlock new avenues of study into the many craft traditions that exist around the world and will fuel new passion for and interest in the pursuit of handcraft today. We look forward to seeing applications come in from all around the world.
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2023 Selected Recipient:
- Narelle Freeman will be studying traditional methods of polishing of violin finishes.
You can read more about her research here.
2022 Selected Recipients:
- Aaron Keim will be studying traditional Hawaiian ukulele making and will utilize period techniques and tools to produce an instrument.
- Thiago Silva will interview craftspeople throughout his native Brazil to study the influences that have shaped regional craft tradition.
You can read more about their research here.
2021 Selected Recipients:
- Agnes Chang will be partnering with woodworking instructor Adan Jhan in documenting the last professional handplane makers in Taiwan.
- Kerry Lambertson will be focusing on vernacular violin making in eastern North America, with a particular focus on hand-tool methods and local materials.
You can read more about their research here.
Want to apply?
The grant application can be found here. Please note, we only accept physically mailed copies of the application. The 2023 application window is now open.
Want to support the program?
Because we are no longer receiving direct donations toward this program, the best way to support this mission is to maintain an active subscription of our magazine. Already got one? You can gift one to a friend or loved ones. Whether it’s for magazines, books, videos, or merchandise, every dollar you spend in our store directly supports our work to promote and cultivate love for handcraft. Our grant recipients benefit from your support of our publishing efforts. We all thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Want to read more?
You can read blog posts discussing the Grant Program here.
If you have any additional questions, you can write to us at info@mortiseandtenonmag.com