Training bursary for Black and ethnically diverse makers

Deadline: 5pm on Friday 8 September 2023

T his training bursary is targeted at Black and ethnically diverse makers, as this is an under-represented group in heritage crafts. It is sponsored by the City & Guilds Foundation and is one of a suite of awards and bursaries offered by Heritage Crafts to support and celebrate craftspeople. We also have a bursary for non Black and ethnically diverse trainees we are running concurrently – click here.

Apply for up to £4,000 to start training in a heritage craft or to further develop your skills.

Michelle Mateo, 2022 bursary recipient

It is still the case that the UK craft sector does not accurately reflect the diversity of the UK as a whole and, for this reason, we are taking positive action to target this grant at Black and ethnically diverse groups who are currently under-represented in the craft sector.

We believe that the value of our craft heritage comes from the diversity of skills and traditions across all of our communities, wherever they originated and whenever they were brought here. We want everyone to feel included in Heritage Crafts and our work, no matter how long they have called this country home or what their background may be.

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 a 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:

the costs of training with a craftsperson;
the costs of attending a specialist training course;
the costs of attending an accredited training course;
undertaking a self-directed programme of training with one or more craftspeople;
the cost of specialist tools or materials, books or study materials (no more than 25% of total budget).

The bursary cannot be used for general living expenses, research, promotional activities or anything else.

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 10 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 8 September 2023. If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, please email Tess Osman at [email protected].