The Bagri Craft Award Comes to Cockpit

26.02.24

Cockpit is thrilled to welcome the first-ever recipient of The Bagri Craft Award to our community of talented makers!

Woo Jin Joo is a mixed media artist specialising in soft sculpture and embroidery art. As of February 2024, Woo Jin has taken up a studio space at Cockpit Deptford, starting her three-year award sponsored by The Bagri Foundation.

Originally from Seoul, Korea, Woo Jin moved to London in 2014 to study Textiles at Central Saint Martins, continuing her studies in at the Masters level at the Royal College of Art. Taking inspiration from her East Asian heritage, Woo Jin’s practice explores the roles that mythology and folk culture play in shaping our worldview, and the ways we could harness the power of these stories to find narratives that will support and guide us in the face of climate urgencies.

Her process is based around free-hand machine embroidery and free-standing lace-making techniques, which has enabled her to create a signature visual aesthetic. Since graduating in 2021, Woo Jin has been awarded the Fine Art Textiles Prize, Elephant Trust Fund, and was the runner-up for the Hari Art Prize, Art Partner Create Coop, and shortlisted for the East London Art Prize.

‘Applying for and receiving the Bagri Craft Award has been such a meaningful and inspiring experience. As an East Asian artist based in London, my practice is a journey for me to explore and reconnect with my own heritage and culture, as well as an artistic one. Knowing the Bagri Foundation’s mission in supporting Asian arts and culture I felt very encouraged to apply, and feel supported and seen in receiving the award.’

Woo Jin Joo

About The Bagri Craft Award

Launched in 2023, The Bagri Craft Award is for a maker with Asian heritage or from the Asian diasporas who demonstrates creative excellence, ambition, an entrepreneurial spirit and developed craft skills. The first of its kind, The Bagri Craft Award includes up to three years of business support, coaching, and subsidised studio space at one of Cockpit’s sites in London. In its first round of advertising, nearly 40 applicants made submissions.

The Bagri Foundation, established in 1990, is a family foundation driven by curiosity. Through grants and strategic partnerships, the Foundation champions unique ideas that weave the traditional and the contemporary of Asian culture. Recent projects include Artes Mundi 10, the UK’s largest art award; Hallyu! The Korean Wave at the V&A London, an exhibition exploring Korean modern history; and the Hayward Commission, a multi-year partnership enabling new public commissions.

‘The Bagri Foundation is delighted to extend its support to Woo Jin Joo through the Award in recognition of her innovative practice and unique craft language. We anticipate the three-year placement with Cockpit will provide a valuable opportunity for her to develop professionally in new directions.’

Ioanna Nitsou, Head of Grants & Partnerships, The Bagri Foundation

Cockpit is proud to be partnering with the Bagri Foundation on this exciting new award, building on our mission to open up pathways for exceptional new talent.

Learn more about the Bagri Foundation here.
Learn more about Cockpit Awards and Bursaries here.

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