Awards and bursaries

Make It Award

Sponsor

Prue MacLeod

About

Make It offers London-based makers aged under 26 years the space and support to build their own craft-based business. Our two-year programme is designed to give you everything you need to start up: two years of business support and subsidised studio space at Cockpit.

What's included?

  • Studio space for 2 years at Cockpit Bloomsbury
  • With an anticipated start date between July-September
  • Workshops to help you build a vision and set goals for your business, giving you the building blocks to get started
  • One-to-one coaching and support from our in-house business team
  • Selling and promotional opportunities including two annual Cockpit Open Studios events
  • Financial contribution required by makers: – £0 in the 1st year – £1,000 (approx. £84 per month) in the 2nd year

Who can apply?

  • Aged 26 or under
  • Based in London
  • Have a craft skill that you’ve self-taught, learnt on the job or studied
  • Have made something you’re proud of and want to sell or exhibit
  • Face challenges and need time, space and support to get to the next level
  • Will commit to the programme and building your business at least two days a week
  • Be willing and able to make a commitment to take up the programme for its full duration
  • Please note: We only accept one application per applicant per each award round

What do we mean by craft?

‘A creative activity involving skill in making things by hand.’ On Make It in the past we have seen everything from printers & embroiderers, puppet makers and fine & contemporary jewellers to milliners and textiles artists. In the wider Cockpit community we have shoe makers, paper marblers, wood turners, leatherworkers, ceramicists and many more. You could be working in any of these disciplines.

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 awardees: Chloe Rochefort, Gemma Smale, Lois Lo, Neve Beill, Oliver Snelling, Sofi Chetrar

Past awardees: Alice Burnhope, Eva the Weaver

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