Awards and bursaries

ALMAW Award

Sponsor

Veronica White and Maureen White

About

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.

What's included?

  • Subsidised studio space for a year within the creative community at Cockpit
  • With an anticipated start date between July-September
  • Business and professional development including on-site coaching, workshops and seminars 
  • Networking, selling and promotional opportunities including twice-yearly Open Studios
  • Opportunities to collaborate with other craftspeople in the Cockpit community  
  • Financial contribution required by makers: £500 (£42/month)

Who can apply?

This new Award will be open to applications from makers working with wood or textiles.  

Please note: Weavers will be excluded given the excellent support for this discipline at Cockpit provided by the Weavers’ Award.

Please note: We only accept one application per applicant per each award round.

About Alan White

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.  

About Awards & Bursaries at Cockpit

We encourage prospective applicants to attend an Awards Open Day to visit the studios, meet the Cockpit team, and find out more about our awards and bursaries. Attending is not essential to apply but can be a helpful way to understand whether Cockpit is the right environment for your practice. Book a place at our next Awards Open Day here. Booking is required and places are limited. 

All awards and bursaries at Cockpit include subsidised shared studio space, business support, and membership in 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. 

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 staying for its duration, completing our Business Incubation programme for new joiners, as well as engaging with business support throughout your time at Cockpit. 
  • We may review your commitment to the Award annually by an interview process. 
  • At the end of your award period, you will be able to make an application and interview for a standard studio to stay on at Cockpit. 

Current awardee: Morag Seaton

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