The programmes are open to Norwegian or Norway-based craft artists/duojárat. Applicants cannot be enrolled in educational programmes (including high school, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees) at the time of application or during the award period.

Pilchuck Glass School is an international centre for glass art education. It is located at the foothills of the Cascade Mountains in Stanwood, Washington, USA. Since 1971, artists and instructors from around the world have gathered at Pilchuck to exchange ideas and collaborate to advance the field of glass art.

The annual summer programme varies from one to three weeks and offers diverse instruction for artists of all skill levels. Courses range from beginner to advanced, with skill level requirements specified for each. Pilchuck’s workshops are led by experienced instructors who facilitate a broad exploration of various glass techniques. Participants can explore their artistic practice, receive feedback from visiting curators and Pilchuck’s artistic director, and attend artist presentations from visiting and resident artists.

With support from the American-Scandinavian Foundation, Norwegian Crafts offers two artists a place in the summer programme each year. The program is well-suited for those looking to develop their artistic practice and build networks in the USA and internationally.

See the list of available programmes here.

Norwegian Crafts’ residency advisory committee consists of three members appointed for two years by Norwegian Crafts, along with Norwegian Crafts’ director. Members have expertise in crafts or duodji (Sámi traditional crafts), either through practice, education, curatorial work, or writing.

Applications are assessed in two rounds:

1. Norwegian Crafts’ advisory committee shortlists five candidates.

2. The American-Scandinavian Foundation makes the final selection of two participants.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Artistic quality
• Motivation and suitability: The committee assesses the applicant’s motivation for participating and whether a stay at Pilchuck will contribute positively to the applicant’s artistic practice. 

At the top of the webpage, you will find a tab to the electronic application form "søknadskjema". The application must be submitted in English so that the American-Scandinavian Foundation can review and evaluate it.

Required documents:

• Project description: Explain what you plan to do at Pilchuck and why the stay and selected programme are important for your artistic development.
• List of three preferred courses/workshops in priority order.
• Artist statement: A brief description of your artistic practice and experience, including prior experience with glasswork.
• CV
• Photo documentation of selected works: Delivered as a PDF, maximum five pages.

Important information:

• You cannot save the application form during completion. We recommend drafting your application elsewhere before filling it in.
• Uploaded attachments must not exceed 10 MB per file.
• Attachments are accepted only in the following formats: PDF, Word, MP3, and MP4. ZIP files are not accepted.
• Your application must include all required attachments to be processed. Additional materials will not be considered.
• Ensure your application is correctly filled out and that all requested attachments are uploaded.
• Attachments submitted after the application deadline will not be considered. 

After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email with a reference number. Use this number if you need to contact Norwegian Crafts regarding your application.

You will receive a response no later than six weeks after the application deadline. Notifications will be sent via email, and the outcome will also be available in the application portal.

The American-Scandinavian Foundation and Norwegian Crafts cover the programme cost directly to Pilchuck Glass School as follows:

• $5,500 for an 18-day program
• $3,700 for a 12-day program
• $2,700 for an 8-day program

Selected candidates may also apply for a travel grant from Norwegian Association for Arts and Crafts.

Once all applications are processed, all applicants will be notified, and the results will be published on the Norwegian Crafts website and årsrapport. Grant recipients should acknowledge the support from Norwegian Crafts and the American-Scandinavian Foundation in social media and other materials.

Grant recipients must complete a report form. The collected information may be shared among Norwegian Crafts, the American-Scandinavian Foundation and Pilchuck Glass School.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Leah Svalastoga Kahn, Market Development Officer, Norwegian Crafts

Email: lk@norwegiancrafts.no