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 one 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

Applicants must:

• Be a craftsperson using traditional craft skills or working in a craft that is at risk of dying out
• Commit to taking up the bursary and developing their practice for the full duration of the bursary
• Commit to attending our Induction Day and full set of Make It Count business development workshops
• Arrange and pay for their own public liability insurance [minimum £5m] and contents insurance before the start date
• Be currently living in the UK and entitled to remain in the UK for the period of the bursary. (Cockpit is unable to sponsor or support visa applications.)

To apply, please complete the application form.

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.

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. In applications, we are looking for individuals who demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit, creative excellence and highly developed craft skills.