6 Cockpit Awards & Bursaries are 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 footwear makers.

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 17 March 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 11 March 2026. For more details and to apply, click here.

Deadline to apply: Wednesday 15 April at midnight

The Clothworkers’ Award assists makers working in weave to start up and develop in business, by providing studio space and business support. Weavers can be working in any form: for example, making products, creating woven textile art, working with mills, and/or providing weave services such as consultancy or making samples for industry. Past Awardees include Ruby Smith, Leonie Edmead, and Megan Leech.

The brand-new Cordwainers’ Award supports a footwear maker for one year to develop their practice or business at Cockpit through subsidised shared studio space and business support. The Award is intended to support a maker whose work includes the design and making of footwear and who would benefit from time, space, and structured support to move their practice forward.

The Dyers’ Company Award is a one-year award for a maker using dyes or colourants in the course of their work. The Award includes subsidised studio space and business support and provides the awardee with the space and time to develop their business, gain confidence, and develop their profile. Past Awardees include Vicky Streater (whose work is pictured above!) and Kathryn Tomasetti.

The Haberdashers’ Award assists makers working in knit to start up and develop in business by providing studio space and business support. The Award is designed for individuals who demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit as well as creative excellence and craft skills, and who are committed to working closely with Cockpit to realise their longer-term goals. Past Awardees include Ranti Ehinmola, Shannon Lee, and Nicci James (pictured above).

The Leathersellers’ Award assists makers working in leather looking to take their business to the next level. The Award offers up to three years of business support, subsidised shared studio space at Cockpit Deptford, and use of our well-equipped Leather Hub.  Past Awardees include Grace Willsmer (whose work can be seen above), Ana Del Rio, and Jessie White.

The Newby Trust Award assists craftspeople at a turning point in their skill development and is open to makers practicing any craft discipline, welcoming applications from a wide range of contemporary craft disciplines that align with Cockpit’s remit and craft focus. Past Awardees include Ted Tinkler (whose work is pictured above) and Sofía Barbé (pictured in her studio in the lead image above).

Applications are open until Wednesday 15 April 2026 at midnight. For more details and to apply, click here.

Thinking of applying ? Join us in Cockpit Deptford on Tuesday 17 March for our Awards Open Day, from 4.30-6.30pm.