Deadline: Friday 5 July 2024, 5pm
These training bursaries are targeted at trainees and prospective trainees experiencing financial hardship. They are sponsored by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation, City & Guilds Foundation, Army Benevolent Fund, Royal British Legion, William Grant Foundation, Ashley Family Foundation, Newby Trust, Anthony and Elizabeth Mellows Charitable Settlement, D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust, Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars, Soane Britain, Kendrick Hobbs and Malcolm Gammie. They follow eight previous bursaries in 2024 supported by The Royal Mint, the Costume Society, the Golsoncott Foundation and Jennifer Chen, and are part of a suite of awards and bursaries offered by Heritage Crafts to support and celebrate craftspeople.
Apply for up to £4,000 to start training in a heritage craft or to further develop your skills.
Zoe Collis, former apprentice papermaker at Two Rivers Paper (photo by Alison Jane Hoare)
Many people are dissuaded from training in heritage crafts because of the cost, and therefore the make-up of the sector is not truly representative of the mix of backgrounds that make up the UK as a whole. These bursaries have been set up to help cover or subsidise the cost of training for someone who would otherwise be prevented from pursuing this career path as a result of the cost.
You could be just starting out on your journey in craft or at the point where you want to turn a hobby into a career, or you could already be an early-career maker who is looking to further develop your heritage craft skills.
If you are new to a craft and you would like assistance with finding a trainer, please get in touch and we will do what we can to help. Successful applicants will be supported by the Heritage Crafts team to develop an action plan. We will work with you to monitor progress and support you to achieve your aims.
What can this grant be used for?
There are a number of routes to learning a craft skill. Applicants can apply for a grant for any amount up to £4,000 which can cover or contribute towards:
- apprenticeship-style training with a craftsperson/people;
- attending a specialist training course (accredited or non-accredited);
- undertaking a self-directed programme of training with one or more craftspeople;
- the cost of specialist tools or materials, books or study materials, or supporting travel and accommodation (no more than 30% of total budget).
The bursary cannot be used for general living expenses, trainee salary, research, promotional activities or anything else.
Ring-fenced bursaries
Of the 27 bursaries available, 2 will be allocated to Black and ethnically diverse trainees, 6 to British military veterans, 5 to trainees who intend to work in Scotland and Wales, and 3 to rural crafts, decorative crafts and endangered crafts. The remaining 11 will be allocated depending on individual need. You will automatically be considered for the general funding pot as well as all of the categories that apply to you.
How to apply
Please apply by completing the application form, which also contains more information about the bursary including the assessment criteria. We will also accept a video application of no more than 15 minutes in length in which you address all of the questions in the form.
Assessment, shortlisting and final selection will be carried out by the Heritage Crafts judging team, and interviews will be carried out by Zoom.
The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 5 July. If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, please email Tess Osman at tess@heritagecrafts.org.uk.
