FAQs

Here are a list of frequently asked questions. If your question is still not answered, please send us a message here

General

What is Heritage Crafts in one sentence?

Heritage Crafts is the UK charity set up to celebrate, support and safeguard traditional craft skills, and to facilitate a national conversation about their importance to everyone now and in the future.

What is a heritage craft?

Heritage Crafts defines a heritage craft as a craft that:

  • employs manual dexterity and skill at the point of production;
  • requires an understanding of traditional materials, design and techniques; and
  • has been practised for two or more successive generations.

How do I get an entry added or updated on the crafts list?

Please email Mary at [email protected] with your query about the crafts list.

What is the difference between the crafts list and the Maker Directory?

The crafts list is the research list compiled and updated by Heritage Crafts on all of the heritage crafts in the UK, which is updated alongside the Red List of Endangered Crafts every two years.

The Makers Directory is a Heritage Crafts membership benefit that allows any of the charity’s members to have a profile to showcase their work as a maker.

Where is Heritage Crafts based?

The charity is 100% remote and does not have a bricks-and-mortar office.

Membership

Who can be a member of Heritage Crafts?

Anyone. Heritage Crafts membership is open to all, whether you are a professional craftsperson, an amateur maker, or someone who is craft curious.

Can I become a member if I am international?

Yes. We have members from across the world and are grateful for our international members’ support.

Is Heritage Crafts membership an accreditation for makers?

No. Our membership is a program that provides support to the charity while simultaneously building a community of makers and craft curious people alike who wish to support, engage and learn more about Heritage Crafts. 

Should I be an individual member or business member as an independent entrepreneur?

If you run your own business solo, become an individual member. If your business has multiple people who would like to receive membership benefits, then become a business member (up to five people can receive membership digital content). 

Grants/Bursaries/Awards

Which funding scheme is right for me?

The Endangered Crafts Fund is for practitioners of at-risk crafts featured on the Red List of Endangered Crafts to overcome an obstacle or undertake a project to make their craft more likely to survive.

Endangered Crafts Fund FAQ

Training bursaries are for new entrants or early career craftspeople who are unable to progress because of the cost of training.

Training Bursary FAQs

Heritage Crafts Awards are for recognition of something you have achieved, and usually come with a cash prize.

Awards FAQs

 

Can I apply for funding more than once?

Yes. 

If I volunteer for Heritage Crafts, am I allowed to apply for funding?

Yes. 

How long will it take to hear back about my application?

It depends on the funding opportunity and the amount of applicants. The grants are in high demand and so we do see a high number of applications per round. 

We do aim to have results back with applicants between 9-12 weeks after the grant deadline.

Please check out the extensive FAQ for each funding opportunity in the links above.

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#matchMAKER opportunity!

Production Trainee (ceramics)

Location: Ironbridge Gorge, Shropshire

Craven Dunnill Jackfield is one of Britain’s most respected ceramic tile manufacturers, with over 150 years of heritage producing high-quality wall and floor tiles for architectural, restoration and design projects throughout the UK and beyond. They are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Production Trainee to join their team at their Jackfield factory.

This is a development role designed to provide comprehensive training across all areas of our manufacturing operation. No previous experience is required. They are looking for someone with a positive attitude, a willingness to learn and an interest in developing practical skills within a unique manufacturing environment.

This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in traditional ceramic production techniques while learning from experienced craftspeople and production specialists.

Find out more including how to apply at https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/matchmaker.

#matchMAKER is the online platform for work-based training and entry-level employment opportunities hosted by @heritagecrafts and supported by @soanebritain.
Robert Ely, @papilionaceouspuresilk a silk ribbon maker, in conversation at @craftfestival
John Williamson @johnwilliamson.dartmoor - Devon stave basket maker,  interviewed by @bramblecarpentry