Awards and bursaries

Make It Award

Sponsor

Cockpit

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

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. We are looking for applicants who demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit, creative excellence and highly developed craft skills.

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.

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 completing our Business Incubation programme.
Apply now

Current awardees: Chloe Rochefort, Lois Lo, Oliver Snelling

Past awardees: Alice Burnhope, Eva the Weaver, Kimberley Cookey-Gam

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