By Jerome Whittingham, Stoke Creates
Hot on the heels of the city of Stoke-on-Trent gaining World Craft City status wouldn’t it be great to see some of our individual crafts people recognised for their incredible skills?
Here’s a great opportunity that the Heritage Crafts Association has drawn to our attention.
Get on it, and let us know if you apply!
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The Heritage Crafts Association (HCA) is delighted to announce two exceptional opportunities for craftspeople, aimed at supporting under-represented groups and celebrating the UK’s finest heritage craft talent.
Heritage Craft Awards
The HCA is now accepting nominations for its recognition awards, celebrating the best in heritage crafts across the UK. These awards include categories for Woodworker, Precious Metalworker, Fashion and Textile Maker, Leatherworker, Potter of the Year, and young makers (25 and under) across various crafts. The deadline for nominations is 5pm on Friday, 6 September 2024.
Award winners will receive prize money of £2,000 or £1,000, and nominations are open to makers of any age, with self-nominations welcome. For more details, visit HCA Recognition Awards.
These initiatives reflect the HCA’s commitment to making heritage crafts more accessible and supported across the UK.
For application or nomination queries, contact Tess, the Grants and Awards Officer, at tess@heritagecrafts.org.uk.
Heritage Craft Bursaries
Additionally, the HCA is offering up to 28 training bursaries, each worth £4,000, to new entrants and early-career makers needing financial assistance to develop their hand-skills. These bursaries provide crucial support for talented individuals who might otherwise struggle to afford training costs, whether for formal courses or one-on-one sessions with master craftspeople. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday, 2 August 2024.
Of the 28 bursaries, allocations include:
- 2 for Black and ethnically diverse trainees
- 6 for British military veterans
- 5 for trainees intending to work in Scotland and Wales
- 3 for rural, decorative, and endangered crafts
- 11 allocated based on individual need
Applicants can apply for up to £4,000 towards their training costs. Eligible crafts must have been practised in the UK for at least two generations. For more information and to apply, visit HCA Training Bursaries.