Awards and bursaries

Arts Society Bursary

Sponsor

About the Cockpit Arts Society Bursary

A bursary for professional craftspeople using traditional craft skills, including those that are at risk of dying out.  The Cockpit Arts Society Bursary offers one year of business support and subsidised studio space at Cockpit.

The bursary provides a subsidised space in shared studio for one year worth up to £3,000. (The successful applicant will supplement this by paying £2,000 over 12 months.) The total is linked to the cost of the space and support services. Electricity costs, insurance and office service charges are payable on top and cannot be paid from the bursary. The studio space allocated is at Cockpit’s discretion. Please note that most studios are shared, and sizes vary but an average studio space per maker is around 100-150sq ft.

What's included

  • Studio space for 1 year within the creative community at Cockpit
  • Business support services including one-to-one coaching and business development workshops
  • Selling and promotional opportunities, including two annual Cockpit Open Studios events

Who can apply?

  • Be a craftsperson using traditional craft skills or working in a craft that is at risk of dying out

  • Who can demonstrate dedication to developing, nurturing and passing on their craft.

How to apply

If you have any questions, check our FAQs page or contact us.

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.

About The Arts Society

The Arts Society is a leading arts education charity with a global network of over 380 local Societies, which bring people together through a shared curiosity for the arts. Our events provide welcoming places, locally, nationally and globally, to hear expert lecturers share their specialist knowledge about the arts. Our 90,000+ members contribute to and preserve our artistic heritage through volunteering and grants. Our strength is our people, joined together by a passion for the arts which can nourish and empower us all. Our work creates a better, healthier and more connected society.

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. Successful applicants must be UK citizens or have settled status in the UK, in line with the Haberdashers’ Company’s higher education scholarships for ‘home’ fee paying students. 
  • 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. 

Past awardees: Jasmine Bradbury, Kendall Clarke, Meron Wolde

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