Frequently Asked Questions:

Applications

1. How many recipients will be awarded the Watin Gilding Prize?
2. Who will select the recipients?
3. How and when will I be notified of the committee's decision regarding my application?
4. How many pictures of my work should be included in my portfolio?

Requirements

1. Can I participate in the Artisan Scholarship Program if I am a naturalized American citizen or have a green card?
2. What if I have less than the recommended 4 years of gilding experience?
3. Is there a French language requirement to participate in the Artisan Scholarship Program? Will there be an opportunity to take French language classes during the program?
4. What is involved in the oral presentation at the end of the apprenticeship?

Time in France

1. When will the apprenticeship begin?
2. Can I choose or suggest a workshop in which I would like to train?
3. Do I need to get a passport and visa?
4. Do I need to have my own health insurance?
5. How will I find housing in France?
6. Approximately how many hours a week will I be working? Will I have vacation days/weekends off?
7. How will I receive my stipend?

Applications (top)

1. How many recipients will be awarded the Watin Gilding Prize?
   For the first year of the Watin Gilding Prize, only one applicant will be chosen from the US. Likewise, one will be chosen from France. As the program grows, more applicants will be selected and other artisan disciplines will be incorporated
   
   
2. Who will select the recipients?
   < Recipients of the Watin Gilding Prize will be chosen by a panel of experts in various fields who make up the Scholarship Selection Committee.
   
   
3. How and when will I be notified of the committee's decision regarding my application?
   You will be notified by a letter from the French-American Cultural Foundation sometime after February 15th, 2007.
   
   
4. How many pictures of my work should be included in my portfolio?
   Your portfolio should include as many photos as necessary to accurately represent your best work and showcase your strengths as an artisan.
   
   

Requirements (top)

1. Can I participate in the Artisan Scholarship Program if I am a naturalized American citizen or have a green card?
   This program is a Franco-American cultural exchange, and is only open to American citizens. If you are a naturalized citizen we encourage you to apply.
   
   
2. What if I have less than the recommended 4 years of gilding experience?
   We would encourage you to still apply for the scholarship program even if you have less than 4 years experience. Although the Scholarship Selection Committee suggests 4 years of gilding experience, they will consider applicants who have worked in the field for less than this amount of time.
   
   
3. Is there a French language requirement to participate in the Artisan Scholarship Program? Will there be an opportunity to take French language classes during the program?
   While French skills are not a prerequisite for receiving the Watin Gilding Prize, it would be very helpful to know at least some conversational French. If an award recipient has no prior knowledge of French, s/he should make an effort to learn some French before leaving for the apprenticeship. Particular attention should be given to greetings, formulating questions, understanding directions, and developing a basic vocabulary that would assist the recipient in daily activities.
   
   It is also recommended that the award recipient purchase a French-English dictionary and take the initiative to look up technical words related to his/her work. Taking French classes while in France would certainly be possible for an interested recipient.
   
   
4. What is involved in the oral presentation at the end of the apprenticeship?
   The Scholarship Selection Committee asks that you meet with them in Washington, D.C. after your return to the US to discuss your time abroad and to explain how the training has helped you become a better artisan. This will be a good opportunity to provide feedback on the program as well as discuss your impressions of life in France.
   
   

Time in France (top)

1. When will the apprenticeship begin?
   The start date will most likely be the end of March/beginning of April 2007. We realize that time is needed for both the atelier and the recipient to prepare for the program. Once a recipient has been selected, exact program start dates will be discussed with the Foundation and a date convenient for both the workshop and recipient will be chosen.
   
   
2. Can I choose or suggest a workshop in which I would like to train?
   The apprenticeships are pre-arranged with a specific atelier; however, we will entertain any suggestions that you may have regarding the selection of a particular atelier. Keep in mind that visits to other workshops will be encouraged during your time in France so that you will have the opportunity to see other studio environments.
   
   
3. Do I need to get a passport and visa?
   Yes, you will need to have a passport. If you do not already have a passport, it is recommended that you apply for one as soon as possible. The French-American Cultural Foundation will facilitate the visa application process. You are responsible for paying for your own passport.
   
   
4. Do I need to have my own health insurance?
   Yes, you will need to provide the Foundation with proof of your health insurance. You must also make sure that your policy will cover you while you are in France. Travel insurance is also required.
   
   
5. How will I find housing in France?
   Your housing is not pre-arranged as the exact start date for the training has yet to be decided. It is ultimately your responsibility to find your own housing. The Foundation and its contacts in France will do their best to assist you.
   
   
6. Approximately how many hours a week will I be working? Will I have vacation days/weekends off?
   The hours worked will depend upon the place of training, but in general you will work a normal 35-40 hour week with weekends free. French National holidays will also be observed. You will be responsible for arranging your own schedule with the workshop once you arrive in France.
   
   
7. How will I receive my stipend?
   Your monthly stipend will be paid directly by the French-American Cultural Foundation, not by your place of employment in France. You will be paid in US dollars via direct deposit to your American bank account.
   
   

Download the Scholarship Application Form - PDF
Artisan Scholarship Program