6 Cockpit Awards & Bursaries are Now Open for Applications

It’s that time of year again! Applications are now open for six Awards and Bursaries, including one brand-new Award for makers working in leather.

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 Autumn Awards intake and how to apply.

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

• Free 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 10 September 2025. For more details and to apply, click here.

Deadline to apply: Tuesday 30 September at midnight

The Arts Society GLA Bursary provides a one-year of business support and subsidised studio space to a maker using traditional craft skills, including those that are at risk of dying out. Past awardees include  Michael Edgeworth, Kim Sutherland, and Meron Wolde.

The Basketmakers’ Award is for basket makers working in any craft discipline to start up and grow as an independent maker and business owner. Past awardees include Ella Merriman and Esna Su.

The Clothworkers’ Award helps weavers who have graduated in the last 5 years to set up a business and includes up to 2 years of business support, a shared studio space at Deptford, and the use of shared looms. Past awardees include Leonie Edmead, Ashley Jess Knight, and Majeda Clarke.

The Glass Sellers’ Bursary is a one-year award for a maker craftsperson working in warm or cold glass. Past awardees include Theo Brooks and Helen Brough.

The brand-new Saddlers’ Award supports a maker working in saddlery or leather goods to develop their craft and business. This Award includes three years of subsidised studio space within the creative community at Cockpit Deptford as well as business and professional development support, including on-site coaching, workshops, and seminars.

The Turners’ Bursary provides one year of studio space and business support for an aspiring or established turner, including those practicing in wood or other materials. Past awardees include Dave Evers, Darren Appiagyei, and Eleanor Lakelin.

Applications are open until Tuesday 30 September 2025 at midnight. For more details and to apply, click here.