Awards and bursaries

Dedicated to the memory and talents of Alan White (1939-2022), this one-year award will support maker working on wood or textiles who can demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit as well as creative excellence and craft skills. 

ALMAW is the amalgamation of Alan and his wife, Maureen’s initials. Maureen herself is a skilled needle worker and dressmaker.

Born in 1939, Alan White had a deep passion for craft making, with woodwork being his greatest talent. He and his wife, Maureen, often visited Cockpit Open Studios before the pandemic, enjoying the opportunity to meet artists. Their daughter, Veronica, a Champion of Cockpit, joined Maureen in establishing this award as a meaningful tribute to Alan’s legacy.

This award honours Alan’s artistic spirit and aims to inspire and support emerging craftspeople in developing their talents and growing their business in their given field.  

All awards and bursaries at Cockpit include studio space, business support and membership of a vibrant craft community, giving successful makers the space and time to develop their profile, grow their business or practice, and increase profitability. We are looking for applicants who demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit, creative excellence and highly developed craft skills.

We particularly encourage applications from those who are underrepresented in craft including non-graduates, disabled, D/deaf and neurodiverse people, LGBTQ+ people, and people from Black, Asian and Global Majority backgrounds. We welcome applicants from a range of educational backgrounds and there is no minimum formal qualification for this programme.

Please note:

• You will be responsible for arranging and paying for your own public liability insurance (minimum £5m) and contents insurance before the start date.
• You need to be entitled to remain in the UK for the period of the Award. Cockpit is unable to sponsor or support visa applications.
• You must be committed to taking up the award and completing our Business Incubation programme.