Awards and bursaries

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 in the 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.

• 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

• 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.

Watch this space for applications opening
Apply here

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.

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.