6 Cockpit Awards & Bursaries are Open for Applications

It’s that time of year again — applications are now open for six Cockpit Awards and Bursaries!

For nearly 40 years, Cockpit has provided funded and subsidised studio spaces in London for talented craftspeople, along with in-house business support and coaching. Keep reading for the details on our spring Awards intake and how to apply.

Attend our Awards Open Day on Tuesday 15 September at 4.30pm.

An Award or Bursary at Cockpit is a prestigious achievement in its own right. You’ll also benefit from:

• Free or subsidised studio space in London (assigned in either Bloomsbury or Deptford subject to studio availability)
• Access to specialised equipment (depending on the Award, see below)
• Tailored business support from our in-house coaches
• Membership in a thriving creative community
• Cockpit Open Studios twice a year

The following Awards are open for applications from 24 August 2026. For more details and to apply, click here.

Deadline to apply: Sunday 27 September at midnight

Dedicated to the memory and talents of Alan White (1939-2022) and Maureen White (1939-2026), the ALMAW Award will support a maker working on wood or textiles who can demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit as well as creative excellence and craft skills. This two-year Award honours Alan and Maureen’s artistic spirit and aims to inspire and support emerging craftspeople in the field of woodworking or textiles. Past Awardees include Morag Seaton (pictured above!).

The Arts Society GLA Bursary offers one year of business support and subsidised shared studio space at Cockpit for a maker who demonstrates entrepreneurial spirit, creative excellence, and developed craft skills. The Bursary is offered to a craftsperson using traditional craft skills or working in a craft that is at risk of dying out. Past Awardees include Kim Sutherland, Meron Wolde, and George Edwards (whose work is pictured above).

The Basketmakers’ Award is a one-year award for basketmakers working in any craft discipline. Open to makers who demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit, creative excellence, and developed craft skills, the Award aims to assist two basketmakers to start up and grow as independent makers and business owners. Past Awardees include Esna Su (pictured in the lead image), Angelita Alves (who’s pictured in her studio above), and Joanne Lamb.

The Broderers’ Award provides one year of business support and subsidised studio space at Cockpit for a maker skilled in hand embroidery looking to grow their practice in a business setting. Open to embroidery makers at any stage of their career, this Award supports those committed to developing, preserving, and passing on their craft. Past Awardees include Claire de Waard (whose work is pictured above) and Christine Leech.

The Glass Sellers’ Bursary provides a one-year opportunity to a craftsperson working in warm or cold glass. The Bursary offers one year of business support and subsidised studio space at Cockpit. Past Awardees include Miyuki Guo, Theo Brooks (pictured above in his studio!), and Helen Brough.

The Turners’ Award is a one-year opportunity designed for aspiring or established turners. The Award will help the winning turner by providing the space and time to grow their business, increase profitability and develop their profile. The Awardee will also gain access to Cockpit’s purpose-built Wood Hub, housing wood equipment for shared use. Past Awardees include Eleanor Lakelin, Dave Evers (whose work can be seen above), Darren Appiagyei, Emily Rowley, and Ben Fletcher.

Applications are open until Sunday 27 September 2026 at midnight. For more details and to apply, click here.

Thinking of applying ? Join us in Cockpit Deptford on Tuesday 15 September for our Awards Open Day, from 4.30-6.30pm.