QEST funding for craftspeople and new emerging maker grants
20/06/2023
The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) offers scholarship and apprenticeship funding of up to £18,000 to talented and aspiring craftspeople working in a broad range of skills, including embroidery, woven textiles, textile design, saddlery, millinery, leather art, textile conservation and more.
The next round of applications opens from 10 July to 14 August 2023.
QEST celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2020 and since 1990 has awarded £5.5million to 800 individuals working in over 130 different crafts. The organisation defines craft broadly and welcomes applications from all areas including rural skills, contemporary craft, conservation, luthiery and much more. A directory of all alumni can be seen on the QEST website, along with more details on how to apply.
In addition to the Scholarship and Apprenticeship funding, QEST is also launching a new series of Emerging Maker Grants this summer. This new funding opportunity supports talented early-career craftspeople in their development. Makers with four years or less of professional practice, who have a strong connection to materials, technical skills and processes, can apply for up to £10,000.
The funding specifically supports training and education to enable makers to enhance their craft skills and advance their careers. The training can take many forms, from traditional college courses to vocational one-on-one training with a master craftsperson, or a bespoke programme of short courses.
QEST will be running three ‘How To’ sessions via Zoom to introduce interested makers to the different funding available, tips and advice for filling in your application and the opportunity for a Q&A:
How to Apply for a Scholarship
Wednesday 12 July, 1pm-2pm
Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUkduihrD4pGtY0nnivFlBiCbubIWMI1tn6
How to Apply for an Apprenticeship
Tuesday 18 July, 1pm-2pm
Registration link:https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYocu-sqDIvE9IgSeetEJcjCCSVmMScZCQX
How to Apply for an Emerging Makers Grant
Thursday 20 July, 1pm-2pm
Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZctdOmgpjIjH9Uz7pfguzvwLf9PTuBI5guS